1) Description of my favourite vacation spot:
I love any vacations that involve the ocean and surf. I have travelled a fair amount and most of it has been to seek out a new surf spot. I don’t have a favourite out of all of the places I have been. I think that typically while I am on any vacation, during that time, where ever I am is my favourite spot.
2) Synopsis of the last book I read:
The last book I read was called “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life.” Barbarian Days is William Finnegan’s memoir of his life’s obsession and the lifestyle of a surfer. Finnegan was raised and both California and Hawaii and started surfing as a child. He has travelled to numerous destinations to chase waves; some of which are well known, and others that are remote and challenging to access. He tells stories of what it was like growing up as a child in schools in Honolulu, taking LSD while riding giant Honolulu Bay waves and describes adventurous travels throughout his life.
3a) What is the most important characteristic of a high quality online learning environment and why?
I think ‘one’ of the most important characters of a high quality online learning environment is to take the time to establish rapport and get to know who your students are. Knowing who your students are will have an impact on the methods choose to teach and how to best engage and motivate them.
3b) What is one thing you have learned about teaching online and how has it impacted your practice?
I have learned the importance of prompt feedback for students. This isn’t something I have learned recently but recall this from when I offered online/distance education at another education setting. It impacted my practice in two ways: I had to become come diligent with checking the online platform in order to respond more immediately and therefore; I had to adjust my other responsibilities to allow for this to happen on a daily basis.
3c) What questions do you have about online learning?
Right now, since I am not actively teaching, I don’t have any at the moment but know I will likely have many. I tend to “learn as I go” and therefore generate my questions as I am doing.