Reflections

Where I was. 

Sierra College's Professional Development and Distance Learning departments have provided a wide range of training opportunities that significantly enhanced the quality of my online courses. Moreover, in response to the pandemic, various institutions offered an array of online workshops that equipped me with invaluable online teaching skills and introduced me to innovative tools. While exploring new techniques, I ventured into using Flip and recording myself for weekly announcements. However, I must admit that I felt self-conscious and uncomfortable being recorded.  Prior to participating in the Humanizing Academy,  I was unaware of the concept of a "bumper video." Most of my video lectures can be categorized as "micro-lectures" due to their concise nature, typically 5-10 minutes, focusing on a single topic. Occasionally, for more complex subjects, I have extended the lecture duration.  

Where I am. 

One of the most valuable aspects of this academy for me was the opportunity to immerse myself as a student in a thoughtfully designed Canvas course. There is no substitute for walking in students' shoes when it comes to understanding their needs. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the significance of providing detailed and clear instructions that include helpful resources like how-to videos and examples of the final product. It was truly rewarding to recognize practices similar to those I already employ in my online teaching, while also discovering numerous areas where I can enhance my approach. In particular, I appreciated the structured rhythm of reminders in this course, which were provided at the beginning of the week, mid-week, and end of the week. Although I have been consistent in posting announcements, this regularity added a beneficial cadence to the learning experience. Additionally, I had previously made an attempt to create a liquid syllabus a couple of years ago, but during this course, I was able to craft a beautifully engaging introduction to the course and myself, further improving its quality. 

Where I am going. 

The academy presented numerous opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. One skill that stood out to me was the concept of being a warm demander, which demands constant adjustment as we cater to diverse students, each with their unique circumstances. My determination lies in becoming a warm demander with a particular focus on the "warm" aspect. Moreover, a significant lesson I learned from this class is the value of being real and authentic. I now understand that my videos don't need to be meticulously polished and scripted. Although I continue to grapple with this aspect, I recognize the importance of overcoming self-consciousness. Allowing my videos to be "non-perfect" will contribute to creating a more comfortable environment for students, encouraging them to embrace video recording themselves as well.