Week Three

Why is what you are teaching meaningful for students? 

Because I can’t come to you from a teaching standpoint, I’ll come in from what I am doing for brainpower. To start, I had to relearn how to turn on the cell phone and use the basics for communication. For this, once I could turn the phone on, I started with entertainment. 

The ability to get the phone to Netflix or Hulu was a challenge within itself. Once I achieved this, I spent many hours binge-watching. This action can be OK; however, a bit boring. Because of this, I moved to the silly games. Those dragging of color and shapes to clear the board. The actions of the game helped me with hand/eye coordination…a little. 

This simple task led to the same actions on the computer. Oh boy…that first time to turn the machine on was frightening. In fact, I just started at the screen for a long time; not knowing what to do, or how to start. Scary folks. 

I guess what I am trying to say is that teaching basic skills in 100 level courses is not a bad idea. Basic computer skills, basic internet searching skills, and basic text-based application skills may be needed for some students. Just because a person owns a smartphone does not mean that said person is technically skilled.

Week Two

What is "instruction"?

For myself, I find instruction to be sharing information and skills with others. As a “teacher”, I am someone who knows a little more than those participating. There are times when those present know more than the instructor. Happens more than you think.

When teaching, that facilitator role was one I used most often. Being a huge fan of active learning, I use this to allow students to take on the role of the researcher to find the answers to questions. This is important in the technology world, as issues arise on a daily basis. Sometimes on an hourly basis.

For now, I have moved full circle and am back as a student relearning all those once acquired skills. Being in this situation is a learning experience in itself. If I should be able to teach again, I’ll use these teaching styles which help me to adjust to the new way of life. It's all about short bursts of information, and long breaks in between. This latter is very necessary for me, as thinking is exhausting!

Many moons ago, I used to make a snide remark when people stated they were thinking. I’d say, "Don’t hurt yourself". Now, these words have become reality. They have become my motto when practicing with technology. Small bursts and then a break. 

Take a break folks! Even when you feel you can go on for hours…don’t. Take a break. Even if you have a deadline. Take a break. Even if you are on a roll with a project. Take a break.

Don’t hurt yourself.

A little artwork of mine. Original work hand-drawn in high school.
Brought back to Yavapai College while enrolled in an Adobe Illustrator class; twenty years later. 
Everything old is new again. 

Week One

It’s hard to say what has changed in my teaching. For now, I am just trying to remember how to do everything. I can say that I fully see the necessity of showing learners the starting point.  For myself, this has been the hardest thing to conquer.

Since the stroke, I’ve been relearning technology. Not only that, but also how to walk, talk, write, type, shop, and pretty much all that has to do with normal living. I am happy to say I can use my phone with the basic skills. Typing is getting better. Document style applications are doable. Spreadsheets and Data applications are a nightmare right now. Reading is slow. It’s harder than typing. My eyes get strained, my head starts hurting, and I become exhausted. My brain has a hard time with that skill set.

This personal experience has shown me to go back to those basic steps when starting a subject/topic. If I do teach again, this is where I’ll start…at the beginning. This is what I’ve had to do with the technology I taught! Video Game Development. I’ve been on YouTube trying beginner tutorials, as well as trying an older textbook. This latter part did not go as well as the video.

To wrap it up, still relearning and get better every day. Start at the beginning.

A little pic of the brain a few days after the stroke

Happy Valentine's Day.

Here's a little history on the day...https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2 

M. C. Escher: Journey To Infinity

See Here (https://zeitgeistfilms.com/film/mcescherjourneytoinfinity).

Image from https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/visualarts/works-in-dali-museums-mc-escher-exhibit-boggle-stretch-the-mind/2246749/ 

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of this fantastic film. If you have never viewed this, I highly encourage you to do so!

Yavapai College is listed for a viewing!