Alright, this post is especially for fellow educators in our esteemed public universities! Let's have a heart-to-heart. We're brilliant minds, masters of our disciplines, and can probably explain the intricacies of quantum physics or the beauty of Shakespearean sonnets in our sleep. But when it comes to navigating some of these online teaching and learning platforms (eLearn@USM to be more specific)... well, let's just say some of us might feel like we're trying to operate a spaceship with a coconut shell and a prayer. 😅
But fear not! This isn't a lecture on the impending robot overlords (though they might be grading essays someday, who knows?). This is a friendly nudge, a gentle encouragement to embrace the digital wave that's reshaping education. Think of it as upgrading your academic toolkit with some seriously cool gadgets. Knowing your way around these online platforms isn't just about ticking a box; it's about unlocking a whole new universe of teaching possibilities and, dare I say, making our lives a tad easier (yes, even grading might become slightly less… soul-crushing!).
So, you know how some people just use the eLearn@USM to, like, drop their files and readings for the students? And that's cool, everyone uses it in their own way! But get this, this platform is actually like a super-helpful teaching sidekick! It can do some really neat stuff that can make our lives easier and learning more engaging for the students. Imagine this: you set an assignment, and instead of spending hours marking each one, it can actually grade it for you automatically! How awesome is that? More time for coffee, right? 😉
Then there are these forum areas where students can chat and share their ideas. It's like a virtual study group, and you get to see what they're thinking! Plus, you can even see if they've checked out the materials you've posted. It's not about playing detective, but it can give you an idea of what they're engaging with. Basically, while just sharing stuff is totally okay, this platform has a whole toolbox of features that can make teaching a little smoother and learning a lot more fun and interactive for our students. It's like having a little helper in the digital classroom! 😊
And speaking of keeping up, it's become rather crucial for yours truly to stay ahead of the curve. Why, you ask? It seems my efforts to stay current, have rather unexpectedly, positioned me as a point of reference for our esteemed USM colleagues here in Penang. The pressure is on, folks! Imagine the horror of being asked a tech question and responding with a blank stare and a confused "Err... is there a button for that?". And those annual interface evolutions certainly add a certain... dynamic to the learning process, wouldn't you agree? It's like they have a secret pact to keep us on our toes (and occasionally scratching our heads).
The Amirah² have been running some workshops on eLearn@USM lately, and there are definitely more on the way!
So, while the thought of navigating these platforms with grace for my own workshops (and indeed, for my own digital well-being amidst the yearly interface unveilings) presents a modest challenge, I'm certainly eager to embrace this gentle learning incline and navigate these technological currents alongside everyone.
Our students will thank us, our colleagues won't have to rescue me during workshops, and who knows, we might even discover our inner tech guru along the way. Onwards, to a more digitally delightful and interface-change-proof teaching experience!
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