At the beginning of each UBC MET course, we have been invited to introduce ourselves in some fashion in order to create social presence and overcome the challenge of a non-face-to-face classroom. As I write my final "Introduction" of the program, it is a chance to reflect back on my first and subsequent introductions. This simple comparative exercise demonstrates to me the change and growth I have experienced over the course of the program. In particular, it shows me how I've grown in confidence academically. I well remember my first introduction. I was extremely nervous on a number of levels. I had been out of the classroom for a few years so was nervous about the academic requirements. It was my first day in a new school and I knew no one, and the added challenge of learning how to navigate a course conducted entirely online was overwhelming to say the least. My first introduction represents an attempt to embody myself as largely as possible, feeling the absence of the body in the virtual world (MacFayden, 2006). What took me by surprise was the encouragement of those who had already been in the program. The feeling of support and the development of a community of practice was amazing although I did not have the vocabulary or theory to use that term back then. As I continued through the program, my introductions became less hesitant and focused more on my connections to the course topic. I was able to offer to other newcomers the same assurance that I had received on my debut into the program: warmth, support, and collaboration which are really the hallmarks of the MET experience.
References, Links and Key Resources
Macfadyen, L.P. (2006). Virtual ethnicity: The new digitization of place, body, language, and memory.
Electronic Magazine of Multicultural Education. 8 (1). Retrieved from
http://www.eastern.edu/publications/emme/2006spring/macfayden.html
Social Presence. (2012, March 3). ETEC 510, . Retrieved 00:12, July 11, 2013 from
http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/index.php?title=Social_Presence&oldid=41880.
Wenger, E. (2006). Community of Practice: A brief introduction. Retrieved from
http://www.ewenger.com/theory/
Macfadyen, L.P. (2006). Virtual ethnicity: The new digitization of place, body, language, and memory.
Electronic Magazine of Multicultural Education. 8 (1). Retrieved from
http://www.eastern.edu/publications/emme/2006spring/macfayden.html
Social Presence. (2012, March 3). ETEC 510, . Retrieved 00:12, July 11, 2013 from
http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/index.php?title=Social_Presence&oldid=41880.
Wenger, E. (2006). Community of Practice: A brief introduction. Retrieved from
http://www.ewenger.com/theory/