It is Finished...Well, actually it is just beginning!

BOLT 101... This 6 week course has been a number of different things at different times for me.  I have learned new tech skills, new concepts, and new pedagogy.  There have been moments of frustration (tryinig to figure out Canvas prior to Dave's module 6 tutorial videos).  There have been moments of clarity and conviction (Chunking and avoiding cognitive overload).  And, there have been moments already of "Hey, I can do it this way now."  As I think about what has been imprinted the greatest in my mind for me, there are multiple thoughts.

1.  Technology can be great, but it is a tool for teaching.   I must ensure that when using it, I give students' the direction they need so the technology doesn't take away from the content I want them to learn.  Using technology well will enhance their learning.

2.  There are many tools out there.  If I can dream it, I can most likely do it.  I can also most likely do it for free.  Screen-0-matic is probably my favorite tool I learned about.  Being able to talk over what is on my computer screen allows for greater learning opportunities.  Audible feedback over visual imagery is best!

3.  Continue to give students and players insight into my "why" and "how".  I really appreciated Dave's comments to end every module and the "behind the scenes" look as to why and what he was intending to do.  I need to continue to help students/players how to think, study, and process and information.

4. I still am not a big fan of discussion forums personally (as far as writing in them), but I do see the value in them.  I got a lot of out of reading what other people wrote.  I also feel more equipped in leading a discussion.  I will make sure to not ask questions where students are just responding in agreement to the first correct answer.

5. Preparation for class needs to and will include mapping out the course.  I will utilize content mapping for the rest of my career.  That process helped me "cut the fat" and boil the course down to the main learning objectives I want students to learn.

6. Blooms taxonomy is a good thing to use-  It will hold me accountable as an instructor that I am not just hanging out at the lower levels of learning for an entire semester.

7.  I dont teach a course in the fall, so I have a semester to continue to think of learning activity ideas.  This thought process is now funneled through my learning objectives.  I couldnt say that entirely the last time I taught it.

I am excited to see the impact this course will have in my future classes.  My hope is that I can access this class on Canvas in the future as there were many good tools/tutorials that I can pull from.

It is now a week away from football season... so it is time to BOLT!

Module 5 Reflections

On the practice field this week, our starting QB, head coach, and myself were working through a new pass play that we plan to install for this season.  As we were installing the new play with him, I decided to put into practice a little of what I learned this week from Chapter 5 of Conquering the Content.  Instead of limiting the opportunity to just teaching the concept itself, I interjected the thought process behind the "why" and also "how" we got there.  I shared with our QB an idea that we decided would not be best, and the process of how we came to the conclusion that the play we are actually implementing will give us the greater chance for success.  My reasoning for giving him the ideas that we decided to NOT go with was to help him understand the bigger picture and create an opportunity for more buy-in from him.   Understanding other options may actually help when we do need to change.  I believe our players will  be able to provide intelligent suggestions and adjustments the more we help them see the navigation process it took to get to where we are.

Module 4 Reflections

We learned about a new tool this week called VoiceThread . I really like this tool as it will allow me to put a presentation online and have the ability to do voice and/or video notes with it.  I think the best feature is that it is a place for an online discussion between students.  I found this much more enjoyable as the student than I do typical written discussion threads.

As far as the readings this week, I was both reminded and challenged.  I was reminded of the importance of connecting with students.  "They do not care how much you know until they know how much you care" is a saying that I kept reflecting on throughout each reading, video, sample page, etc.  (I mentioned this on this week's VoiceThread.)  In one of the readings we were prompted to once again reflect about a teacher that we had that we admired.  I have always admired and learned the most from those that I felt were invested in me as an individual.  I actually have categorized teachers into 2 categories most of my life. --- 1) Those who really care if I learn the content, and 2) Those who don't really care whether or not I learn the content.  While my evaluations may not have always been spot on to the teachers' actual motivation, the feelings associated with my beliefs were true to me and impacted my investment in the course.  

What do you want people to take away from your experience with you?  I think about this question fairly often, and reflect on whether there is evidence of my desires in my life.   I hope that the people I come into contact with, especially those I teach and coach, will say that I helped point them to Jesus, I cared for them as an individual, and I believed in them.   While I continue to grow as a teacher, coach, husband, father, son, and neighbor I believe these 3 things are non-negotiable's that should flow through it all.

As far as a new idea that should and will be utilized in my classes is the practice of using students' work as a positive example in class.  I point out examples in football meetings and practice often, but have not done this in my classes.  This will be a good practice for me to adopt as it will encourage the student that is receiving the praise and show other students' in the class what is expected.

Module 3 Reflections

Learning more about learning.... This week we encountered some good information about learning guides and I particularly began working on my syllabus for HHP 300.   While I was working on it, I particularly found the syllabus development guides and examples particularly helpful.  I had previously appreciated the online checklist that we covered in class and knowing that we have similar checklists here at Dordt is much appreciated.  While I was completing the syllabus, I kept in mind the learning guides that I plan on developing for each module.  Things are beginning to take shape!  I am really finding this course interesting and believe I will go into future courses with more intentionality on how to best teach.  I especially appreciate Bloom's Taxonomy as well.  This is something I have heard referenced, but I do not believe I had ever seen.  I really appreciate the action verbs that are provided and plan on using this resource in my instruction of future courses.

Module 2 Reflections

To map or not to map... Is that even a question?!?!  This module has been one that I needed! .  Content mapping is a great way to connect students with the course objectives and content.   I have only taught 2 courses, but I found that in both courses it was a struggle to keep the course objectives at the core. In my assessments throughout each course I often would feel that the students' main focus was on the recalling of facts rather than a deep comprehension of topics or content.  This module has been enlightening as it has addressed those issues for me.  I believe that the practice of mapping will not only help my students greatly by framing the context for them, but it will also be a great practice for myself in ensuring that I keep the main things the main things.

Football Coach in the Classroom

So, here we are.... June 14th, 2017 and I am taking a 6 week online course alongside faculty at Dordt College.  If you would have told me that at some point in my life I would be doing what I am doing, I would have never believed you.  The first module of this course has already gotten some wheels turning on not only how I can use things I am learning in the courses I teach, but also how I can become a more effective teacher with the players I coach.  About a month ago, Joel Penner tasked me with figuring out ways that we can effectively get incoming players up to speed with our offense.  So, I am beginning to outline and identify learning objectives that I have for the players and believe that the usage of technology can serve as big aid. We already use a lot of video, but how can I move from the traditional usage of video and whiteboards that are so commonly used in teaching the game of football.  There are many aspects such as formation alignment and play assignment that are common places where mistakes are found across all levels of football.  How can we (Dordt) be different in our teaching?  One way is to take courses like BOLT 101, learn alongside people who are passionate about this field (teaching), and be willing to venture into uncomfortable waters. Here is to aiming for that sweet TPACK spot!