WEEK 10 : Thanks for RELO, Oregon; Thanks for The Course and Technology

Ten weeks have passed since we officially initiated this online course with the University of Oregon. Previous to that we spent an entire week working on three different tasks; the opening of the course survey, the orientation of discussion, and the course rubric discussion. I can strongly declare that this week was one of the most fascinating and captivating weeks in the course. There was no class work, assignments and as well as no work anxiety at all; we had interest in knowing with each other and trying to increase acquaintances.

At the same time, as the course was on the go, it was the foremost chance for me to connect with any highly pioneering online courses like this one. I initiated approximately the whole things as innovative, fresh, stimulating and above all electrifying, the course, the setting, the regulations, the tasks, the best instructor, the grades etc. Not until week three, I develop into well-known with the whole things mentioned. I establish myself working ubiquitously. However when weeks passed, I was persistently acquainted by working on dissimilar targets; nicenet, blogger, and delicious.

At nicenet, each week brought two dissimilar topics and assignments; we have to fulfil the assignments by the end of the week and to post our reflections on blogger by at least one reflective post and a comment on someone else blog. Furthermore, it was extremely fascinating and riveting to me to add, from time to time, some sites I found significant into my bookmarks on delicious.com. Indeed, I have been working as a celebrant online and did my preeminent and paramount not to miss a task or waste a while without acquiring inventive and most modern information or learn creating something innovative.

The benefits I got, the understanding I amplified, and experiences I accomplished throughout this journey can be classified into three different regions:

1- Things Related to Me : The majority of significant thing I achieved and liked most is making divine friends, working with gorgeous guest moderators Dona Shaw and learning from an earnest and genial behavioured instructor Prof. Sean McClelland. I furthermore developed myself competently, resourcefully, proficiently, and above all professionally. I found this course as an infinite, boundless, countless and endless foundation of knowledge. I knew how teaching is interesting, motivating, attractive and effective with the application of technology and how fundamental technology enhances and boots to the teaching and learning process. During the two halves of the course, I learnt : How to Use the Available Technology Tools to Foster Students Learning in the Four Language Skills; What Changes Technology can do to my Lesson Planning and to the Behavioural Objectives we as Teachers make for our Students; how one computer can help me teach and manage my large classes effectively.

Furthermore, I gained magnificent experiences when creating a blog for my own reflections, a bookmarks to help me be well-organized online, a webquest for my students, creating interactive PowerPoint presentations and exercises, Excel as a grade book; an online class on nicenet for my students, ANVILL, Multiple Intelligence and many other things. The most significant thing is that I endeavoured my foremost experience in life; that is, making a final project. I didn't make a project before and it was a nice chance to try and live this experience now.

2- Things Related to My Students : The course did not serve my needs merely nevertheless in addition my students'. All the above mentioned items I gained and acquired boost, at the same time, my trainee teachers’ learning. My trainee teachers get benefits automatically. Additionally, they feel proud as they share and discuss the lesson behavioural objectives with me. Moreover using technology tools help them grow freely. They learn and will learn with modern cooperative activities, such as; project-based learning, webquest etc. They in addition become familiar with basic computer skills as they are observing, learning and using the computer in the class. Still, there are many things my trainee teachers will like and enjoy in the coming days when internet access becomes easily reached. Of these things are class sites, padlet, blackboard, reflective blog, many suggestions for best search engines, a snap Grade online etc.

3- Things Related to My Training Class : Actually, there is a huge compact of things and techniques I brought for my training class. The atmosphere has been more enjoyable as there is life and fun inside the class. As there is technology, there is life, fun and interest among the trainee teachers. I also have been applying modern and pioneering techniques and technology tools that aim at controlling and managing the class more effectively.

Indeed, this is a few of many. My efforts and hopes will not, of course, end here. I still want to learn how to create and manage an online course like this; I'd like to learn further regarding matching technology tools and equipments with my learning goals and tasks, creating and managing action mazes etc.

To wrap-up, in the ten week Web Skill course, we learnt how to teach with web technologies such as blogs, wikis, Nicenet, Delicious, Google drive, YouTube, Wallwisher (Padlet), etc. We also learnt how to create rubrics, Web Quests, Interactive Power Point presentations, create educational games similar to Jeopardy. We also learned how to write the objectives of our lessons using the ABCD style. This experience will help me play a key role in the effective delivery of e-learning initiatives in my department. Frankly speaking, I felt that all the topics that we were exposed to in the ten weeks were beneficial, interesting and of great importance to teachers. I really enjoyed each and every minute of the course. Had I been given another chance to continue the Web Skill course, I would have done so without any hesitation. In fact, I will be very happy to do so.

I am looking forward to learning further and additional from other sources, and waiting other chances to study and learn. This course arouses the desire in me to complete my academic studies. 'Building Teaching skills Through the Interactive Web ' is the first step. I am sure with firm determination, ambition and aspirations; the days will bring a lot of chances. I hope we meet again soon!!

At the end, I am extremely stunned, impressed and depressed to leave this course and those lovely friends. At the same time, I am very much proud to have the opportunity to work with great minds like you. Thank you very much my colleagues and my dear instructor Prof. Sean McClelland. I have never met and participated in such a nice group like this.

I feel short of words to express my thankfulness hence my extremely special thanks and gratitude goes to Prof. Dr. Leslie Opp-Beckman Director of eLearning, Ms. Hillary O’Brien, Mrs. Brandy J. Collier, eLearning Assistants at University of Oregon, American English Institute, Regional English Language Office {RELO}, India based US Embassy who encouraged and recommended me to the U.S. Department of States to grant me scholarship to accomplish this one of the most innovative course.

However, the overall direction and supervision is of The Almighty who always empowers and gives confidence in me throughout my course of life.

I will not say 'bye'. I couldn’t say so !!

All the best,

Dr. Ashok K. Saini

Deptt. of English Language,

State Council of Educational Research & Training,

Uttarakhand, India.