TOOC

Ever heard of a MOOC? We'll, I'm in a TOOC! (Truly open online course, because unlike most MOOCs, you can continue to access course content and connect with peers, even after the official end of the course.  That, and the content isn't locked down behind some system that requires an account to log in.  At least, that's my personal understanding.)

As part of this TOOC, I am writing about why I decided to participate.  The first reason is that the instructor is a colleague of mine and filling in the sign up form was one way I wanted to show support and encouragement for this endeavor.  The second reason is that I was aware several other colleagues had signed up, and I wanted to take the opportunity, if I could, to connect with them on a topic of mutual interest. Third, maybe I will learn something new!

As part of this TOOC, I am also writing about why keep this blog. I have been blogging for about 8 years and I still love it.  It's like having a conversation with myself while allowing the entire world to listen in, and discovering how it's possible to connect with someone else on even the most arcane or subtle idea. I love reading other people's blogs for the same reason.  A blog is a place where you can store a half baked idea or neat link that you've stumbled upon and elaborate your thoughts on it later (by creating a new post and linking back to the first one for reference to the earlier version of the idea.). I learned that before I started blogging much myself, from Darren Cannell, author of Teaching and Developing Online.

Hello, TOOC world!