Online Tutoring: Meshing The Old With The New

Online Tutoring. As a current tutor, I do not like online tutoring. I am not completely opposed to the idea, however, it without a doubt frustrates me.
For English 435, we were to read an article about this topic. After doing so, I found myself taking into consideration both sides of the issue, however, favoring the opposing side more. To me, instant messaging, texting, blogging, etc. takes away from face to face human interaction. I feel that if we, as a society, get too caught up in this advanced world of technology, we will loose people skills and in a way, self awareness. In the article, the text mentioned that with the distant form of communication, it is easier to open up to someone when you know that you won't be seeing them..." later (Carlson and Williams, 289-290). Although, I have felt this same feeling, in the Writing Center during online tutoring, it still does not help me out any. Someday, when I am a teacher, I am sure that I will have parents frustrated with me or the way I teach, but I do not forsee them instant messaging me about it! Though those kind-of conversations are and probably will be nerve racking and frustrating, I believe a person still has to be exposed to that kind of communication. Otherwise, I will not know how to confront or react to someone in person. After reading what I have already written on here, I am sure there are those of you who are not only calling me a hypocrite for "blogging" right now, but are also considering me far-fetched. And to tell you the truth, when it comes to blogging, texting, etc., I strongly dislike them all. I feel like if I want to talk to someone, I will call them. If I wish to write down my thoughts, I will write them by hand in my journal (just as I have always done).
On the other hand, I do feel like some of the things the article mentions are valid and informative. Things that I will take to heart. For instance, the idea that some students may feel more comfortable asking questions through distance tutoring, rather than face to face, is an interesting way to think about online tutoring. When working with a student face to face, I have found, he/she may simply nod, as if they understand when in all technicality they may not. So in this case, I can definitely see this method of tutoring beneficial. Online tutoring also can eliminate or at least minimize biases and judgments, if there are any.
This next idea, I thought, seemed to be a very cool way of looking at this subject. Many times, students need an idea of whom they're speaking to (their audience), but struggle in figuring that out. A possible solution or aid to this problem, according to the text, is that online communications can encourage students to imagine an ideal audience that often is not there (Carlson and Williams, 287).
Overall, I can see both sides of the argument, however, I still ride the fence on the issue. Most of the time (when tutoring online), I am more frustrated than anything else with this method, but then again, that could just be because most computers hate me and decide to ruin all efforts of trying to compromise!

Struggles and the Power of Positive Thinking

I'm not going to lie...I'm a bit nervous about leading discussion in English 435 for an hour. Even though I'm conducting it with another person, the anxiety has not gone away yet!
Aspiring to be an English teacher, I have always known hard-work and dedication is involved in creating lessons and teaching a class. However, until this assignment, I do not think I have experienced what it is like to sort-of teach a class. I mean, in Speech class (in high school), my peers and I were asked to present a speech for ten minutes and teach the class something (how to make cookies, etc.), however, this seems different. Though I read both chapters of my assignment, took pages of notes, and worked with Sarah on creating the outline for the discussion, I find myself scared of where the discussion will go. It is a crazy thing, because I love having class discussions; but it is one thing to be involved in the activity and quite another to lead it. It is like venturing into the unknown and trying to prepare yourself for the unexpected. In a perfect world, Sarah and I would ask questions to the class, listen to their responses, and be comfortable knowing that these answers will lead perfectly into what we've already prepared. However, this does not make discussions great! It also does not help me in my efforts to becomming a teacher. I plan to incorporate class discussion into my teaching method someday, so in all actuality, I should use this assignment as a great opportunity to practice! And I will, but when it comes to visualizing this opportunity as positive, it is easier said than done! Nevertheless, in fifteen minutes from now, Sarah and I's class discussion will begin! Ahh! :) I'm just joking, it will be great! ([background sound: chorus of angels] the power of positive thinking!).