Random Thoughts

As we approach midterm, I can't help but anticipate a huge sigh of relief in the near future. I have managed to keep pace with the course materials and grading, but I would prefer to be ahead of the game. I find myself struggling to keep up. I'm sure my students feel the same way. Hopefully, the mid-semester break will allow me the time I need to get at least a few weeks ahead of my students.

In the meantime, they will be submitting their first essays to me this weekend. I am really looking forward to reading them. They have all been working hard to develop their ideas. I have been really impressed with this group so far and anticipate nothing less as the semester progresses.

I am a day behind with lecture materials this week. Writing provided me a short break, but I need to get these materials posted on Blackboard. I know some of my students are anxiously if not eagerly awaiting the week's assignment materials.

Spring 2010 Semester Underway

Well, I am only teaching online this semester, and I have to say it is going much, MUCH better than last semester. The organization of the course is much more user friendly for my students if the lack of emails I have been getting is any indication. Some of my students seem very excited about the course, a fact that excites me greatly. A few even responded positively to my personality, something I just could not recreate in the online environment last semester. I am so glad that they have gotten a sense of who I am not just as a teacher but as a person.

They are getting ready to dive into the first essay soon. They have all been discussing some really interesting ideas for issues they might explore. I am really excited about seeing their drafts in a couple of weeks.

Several students let me know that they had checked out this blog. I hope some will offer feedback both praise and criticism. Since everything seems to be running more smoothly as I am getting the hang of online teaching, I will try to write more frequently.

I am looking forward to a fabulous semester.