As a Subject Librarian at the University of Huddersfield, my role involves teaching ‘Information Skills’ to Library users, from foundation level through to academic staff. This involves face-to face tuition, classroom teaching, lectures, and the provision of instructional materials in print and online. To date, my use of TEL has mainly been restricted to the creation of online resources. This includes the development of an online induction website incorporating podcasts, screen capture demonstrations, and tutorials. Whilst I have had training on the potential uses of mobile technology in the classroom (e.g. Poll Everywhere via mobile) I am yet to implement this in my teaching. It could be said that I have a good awareness of technology, and am a faily competent user, but as yet I haven’t exploited technology to it’s full effect in my teaching.
The use of technology in my teaching has made me acutely aware of the need for clarity, and keeping information up-to-date. Once something is out there in the public domain, I want to make sure it’s as accuarate as possible. For example, I was a fairly early adopter of screen capture software, but have shied away from updating numerous instructional videos given the time involved. It may be that I need to take adopt a more relaxed attitude to the use of such technologies, taking a ‘quick and dirty’ approach, or indeed reconsider the purpose I am using such technologies. Either way, I could do with ‘rebooting’ by use of technology, having lost much of my initial enthusiasm.
I’ve previously undertaken online courses, but this is the first MOOC I have participated in. The MOOC phenomenon is relatively new to me, and time will only tell just how much I can get out of it. I’ve previously found online courses (on a much smaller scale!) quite overwhelming in terms of the amount of materials available, and discussion threads taking place. I have a tendency to ‘lurk’ on forums, so one of the greatest tests will be overcoming this personal barrier to participation. But I’m willing to give it a go!
