Task 1.5 Online Microteaching

Online teaching is a wonderful thing in the sense that it unites a class together as one regardless of distance and location. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that allows each one to share their own ideas and explore those of others with just one click.

There is so much I liked about teaching online and there’s of course things I disliked about it or just things did not go as well as I had hoped.

The online platform helped me organise content in a structured manner, making it easy to deliver the lesson. It was easily accessible for everyone and very convenient. Making use of visual aids to conduct a lesson improves understanding and delivery of the lesson. Teaching online allows for the session to be recorded so it can be accessible at a later stage. It also allows for interactive and timely feedback using chat boxes, microphones and video chat.

However, online teaching lacks physical presence and makes it hard to gauge the learners attention. Learners could have been easily distracted because of their surroundings which is not conducive for productive learning. Connectivity (internet) issues created a bit of a glitch for me when I wanted to share my online game so I had to share the link in the chat box instead.

I chose to make use of PowerPoint slides for my online lesson. The use of PowerPoint made it easier to explain the concept of capacity. Online teaching platforms such as PowerPoint enable one to cater for diverse learning needs through the use of texts, colour and images.

I learned how to use various digital platforms, like blackboard to facilitate the online lesson. I also learned how to make use of PowerPoint as a teaching tool. Time management is also another skill I learned because the online lesson were timed.

What I would do differently is to use another app or website for online games and not Educaplay. The game had glitches which made it hard for the learners to complete. The learners were also unable to view the images from the game properly.

Technologically, I am prepared to use various digital platforms and tools. I will easily adapt to new ways of teaching, this is beneficial for my career as a teacher. Using online tools encourages creativity and adaptability. As a teacher, I have learned to be more creative with my lessons in order to keep the learners engaged. Online teaching and learning is also collaborative work so this has taught me collaboration skills. Collaboration is essential when working with other individuals in a workplace. My ability to incorporate online teaching tools and abilities into a traditional school setting will make me an effective teacher.

One of my colleagues mentioned that my strength is being confident and bold. I am able to speak clearly and loud enough for everyone to hear and comprehend what it is that I am teaching. Another said I am able to incorporate multiple skills in a lesson.

Overall online Microteaching was fun and definitely a learning experience.