Angel+Beginnings

**//REFLECTION//** As a new learner using ANGEL, I was hesitant to get started with my classroom. My class material is always lined up before teaching a class and my lesson plans, assignment sheets, and the margins of my master class notebook are used each semester as my teaching guide. Some materials are documents and printed cards which make them hard to use in the on-line setting. I want everything perfect and in my comfort zone to use with my class. Since entering the e-learning community I finally threw caution out of the window and after 6 months of working on perfecting a class, I didn’t even use it as my test classroom. I had a class on Alternative Energy Sources coming up and so I entered the class into my ANGEL site and just started adding material as the class progressed. This was a lot of work! We had problems with the students being able to access the site off campus. I found that using the schools latest versions of windows and excel made it impossible for all of my students to view the assignments and site documents. I couldn’t even easily view materials from my home because I have older versions of these programs plus I live in the country and use a cellular modem for connection. The good news is that: **What It Feels Like and Looks Like to Jump Start:** **Getting going in ANGEL** **Recording of Session (30 min)** http://tinyurl.com/27o6ufo toc  =**INTRODUCTION**= When making an ANGEL classroom we have to start somewhere and Lesley will get you going without all the stress of having to find out the details yourself. We have a large E-learning community on campus and several Faculty Learning Communities that are willing to help with your success. I simply started with a practice classroom.


 * I changed all of the documents to older versions and that worked great for every student.
 * We worked with Lesley (my e-learning facilitator) and the students to resolve all access details.
 * The students liked the site and felt that it was a great tool in meeting the course outcomes.
 * I am more confident in using ANGEL and am ready to use many of the advanced features to enhance my class instruction and management.

=MY STEPS= Example: BTC ELECTRICIAN or ELCN 203 - Programmable Logic Controllers
 * 1.** **Picked out a name** for my site! Even though this was my practice classroom, I was surprised, it rolled right into up my first real site.


 * 2.** Lesley set up my site and answered any questions, seriously any questions, even if it was just yes or no!. She helped with details in instructional design and made it feel so simple! I also relied on my Coach, Earl, he often came over on a needs basis and walked me through how to materialize my ideas.
 * If you are on another campus look up your eLearning Director, like Lesley, they are there to support you and get you going. If you have Faculty Learning Communities join them, it's nice to have a group of people doing the same things you are.**


 * 3.** **BTC also has a wiki full of resources** for you elearning needs http://btcresources.wikispaces.com/ including sources for ANGEL, Elluminate, Teach Act, Web 2.0-A LOT!!!! I started at the ANGEL week Zero Tutorial which can be accessed from this page and just sign as a guest. As you tour the Zero site you get a good feel for what tools ANGEL has to offer. It gave me a way of visualizing what I could use with my students.


 * 4.** The best part was thinking about the logic of my course. I chose a file type system. If you already teach the class that you have chosen and have your documents and web sites plus any links, **you are ready for a quick course setup**. I am developing a new class 9n addition to what I did with the FLC project so I get to set up and play with the content as I go. I can't emphasize enough the flexibility of designing your course while you are teaching, Student feedback helps you modify and change things you do not see yourself as a teacher.


 * 5**. At BTC ask Lesley about any **E-faculty learning communities** available for you to join……I am part of this group and we have discussions and mentors and lots of other help available.


 * 6.** **LAST, just get going you have nothing to loose and everything to gain!!!**

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