Since COVID-19, I aim to learn at least one online platform or application per semester. I know I should not set my target that low but, I know myself better. I learn better if I can focus one thing at a time. Multitasking is a thing of the past.
I posted some videos that I created using Genial.ly on my FB because I want to share it with my friends (an example of videos that I created using Genial.ly). One of my university friends and my former roommates during undergraduate asked me if I can teach her and some of her colleagues how to use Genial.ly. Rather than feeling flattered, I was scared because there are many things that I need to explore and so many things that I have yet to discover.
Since then, I make a point to allocate at least 30 minutes per day to improve my skills on using Genial.ly. It could be either watching YouTube videos on Genial.ly (an example of YouTube video) and immediately I will try out following the instruction while watching the videos repeatedly or I do the exploration myself – this is trial and error.
I should know better that sometimes, when solving a problem it is better to have a guidance rather having no guidance at all. So, when I set the time (to monitor the progress) learning while watching YouTube (by following instruction simultaneously) or learning without any guidance, I find that I learn better and faster after and when I follow instructions from YouTube.
This makes me realize that I need to do something about my teaching. So, I prepare some videos which involve steps by steps explanation and give it to students to watch it first before coming to class (synchronous mode) and discuss or have a hands-on session. However, I notice that some students are still struggling despite all the efforts that I have made to make sure that I provide the best guidance and support through online learning. I realize that it is not my lack of efforts that contribute to the lack of progress on their parts, but rather it is due to technical things that they cannot control i.e. lack of internet data-plan and such. What should I do now?