Not So Sure!

Who is so sure he will forget this course, class (virtual) mates and instructor?  Well am not sure I could afford that risk. It has been so far the road worth taking.

When I was putting together my thoughts on what to say to future participants, I still could not believe that ten weeks had passed so soon. Within that time my career as tutor has immensely changed –I have practically watch it grow. I remember when I had to run from cyber to cyber (before I got a laptop) sweating profusely, sometimes in the rain just so I could meet up with Courtney’s deadlines. I laugh now over it, like I could not back then, because I can feel a sense of achievement and struggle despite adversities. For this I clap for myself, Courtney, wiki mates and God almighty.

I remember these words every time: “How is your course going?”

This is what the Director of the James Baldwin Resource Center (at the American Embassy in Cameroon). He put it to me almost every time he saw me and I was sure to say (sometimes doubting though)

“It’s ok Sir, I am going my best” and he would then add

“Ok, good luck. Remember the American government is paying much for that. You should do your best. We are anticipating 100% this year”.

I would smile and murmur to myself “Not so easy as I thought but I shall make it however”. I think I did. I can’t wait to tell him so. I pray the other Cameroonian students did not, for that would be betraying the confidence of the American government.

For this week’s tasks I read the resources keenly and from a bird’s eye too. As usual I learnt a lot and would be eager to practice it in class. Knowing how to actually use technology to enhance the teacher’s production, student’s reception and to propel student’s engagements in the learning process is just a great way to end the course. It is bound to produce better results.

This could be my last post in this course and I type these words with eyes heavy tears and a weak spirit. Once again we thank the Oregon team for this opportunity and ourselves too for the commitment and enthusiasm to produce results.

I would not say ‘bye’ because it’s difficult to say, rather I will say “see you soonest’- this is consoling! 

Best regards.

Fru Valentine Chimangha- Cameroon. 

Not So Sure!

Hello everyone.

This week has ended not so well for me. WHY? Because I have not participated in the course as I would have loved to. Several things stole most of time and focus so much so that I barely managed to read the discussions and also provide enormous feedback as I had previewed. However I read the resources and I got a lot from it. I only watch the video on Sunday morning (7th) because of poor network problems. I even understood more after watching it. Things just made more sense.

 Our guest, Russell's insightful comments were well put and thought-provoking all through; including that of the other class members. Really, I shall walk away from this course a genius, thanks to great support and resources provided by Courtney and YOU.

I was thrilled to get to find out that something existed like learning styles and for which teachers are bound to know and use for the sake of better comprehension. This is key to me because I can now know who exactly in class needs more efforts and HOW. Before I sometimes just thought that everybody grasped ideas in the same way but after reading this week's resources and nicnet postings I better foo than before. This is something I am going to incorporate in my class. In fact I am going to class now(after I post this) and I cannot wait to begin to try out all what I have learnt this week. I have a couple of cardboard's and some videos and games to try out, hope it turns out great.

Finally one is done with the project. That is another task that gave  me hard time but thank God I was able to finish it. People like Godana from Serbia were boaster, who provided prompt and positive comments and recommendations. I thank her once again. I must say that I learnt a lot from the project and I am in the process of applying it in my school. For me it is the most challenging tasks I did and I loved it! My classes are more fun than ever now. Everybody wishes to be part of it. Great feedback!

I cannot believe that this is week ten I see already. Time has gone so soon. Are we really done? Seriously? Wow! Am happy to have been part of a great team of resourceful persons. I cannot measure how much I have learnt. And to think that I paid nothing is just nicely crazy right? I am grateful to the American embassy here in Cameroon for this opportunity and the American government for this NEW YEAR GIFT. What I have gained from here is enormous.

When I singed for this course one of my reasons was because I wanted to be a better teacher. I am glad I am! This is no lie.

Thanks again. Wonder what Week Ten would bring. Well, let’s see.............

Great time folks!

Valentine.