Mary Wall's Strategies for Dealing with Technology in Teaching Online Classes

First - I organize my disk. I use a PC, and Word, so I make folders for each class. Then, inside each folder I use subfolders for  each semester I teach. So I have a main folder for the school then inside I have subfolders for each semester: Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Winter 2015, Spring 2016 etc.

I believe that each week should have reminders of what is due, and summaries of what has been accomplished. Inside each subfolder I have the "Read Me First" posts in Word, and retrieve and modify it each semester, based on previous experience. I also save each Summary and the Weekly Announcements and save and modify those also. I find I can never simply cut and paste - I always have to modify - but this way I can build on past classes and constantly update without forgetting anything.

Navigation and Editing

I use the Windows Shortcut Keys for easy navigation and quick editing, especially Copy, Paste, Bold, Italic, Select All  and Undo (I use that one a Lot!) The complete list for Windows 10 is here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/keyboard-shortcuts. You may have an Apple, and you can find the complete list of the control navigation keys here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236.

If I forget to press Use Advanced Editor in Moodle (it's a shame I have to do this in some versions of Moodle) then I highlight the text I have  written, copy using the Ctrl C key, start a new Forum, Press Use Advance Editor, and then Paste (Ctrl V) what I have written and make modifications.

Dealing with the technology. If you are like me you hate to read directions, but it really does help to do this. I like the fact that Moodle (especially Gnomio the site for free Moodle classes)  has a two column screen when you go to Add an Activity or Resource. As you click on each item in the left column as you face the screen you will see in the right column the description of its purpose and how it can be used.  Be sure to scroll all the way down as you read that column because it gives good tips and directions. Press the More Help key at the bottom of the Column for More Help. For example, when I press the CHAT button I see on the right screen the general information but then, when I press the More Help at the bottom of the screen it links me a guide on how to best set up the information. I think this information is NOT used as much as it should be. The Moodle resources online are also very good, and it is easy to Search for them.

I know from personal experience that a big problem in working with Moodle, or any software is NOT READING THE ENTIRE SCREEN. I neglect to scroll down, for example, and in working with Gnomio I didn't realize the More Help until I accidentally scrolled down to see all the documentation. Users don't even realize for example that, in the Assignment you can select Paper Submission, Type in text, or both. Depending on the length of the assignment you can make a choice.

Advanced features:  Some teachers, who have large classes, use Voice to Text software. I use the Chrome Browser and I find that its Voice to Text extension is very helpful and works surprisingly well.

If teachers of large classes need to correct a lot of papers they often invest the time and energy to learn how to use Macros in Windows. So, for example, they can insert the words "comma splice" by simply pressing a key combination. I don't do this but I see how it could be very helpful.