My teaching philosophy

 My philosophy for teaching without in-person interaction does not differ from my overall teaching
philosophy, but I believe the online environment provides additional challenges for the student and the
instructor.  In many ways, teaching without in-person interaction has made me a more organized
instructor in the traditional classroom.  In any class, the organization is essential, but with an online
course, the instructor’s lack of planning and organizing all of the elements of the course can have severe
consequences on the students and the course’s success.  With the lack of physical contact comes a
greater need for students to be highly self-motivated and organized. This change comes naturally for
some, less so for others.

Some of my students used to tell me that online class are difficult because many of them did not have
access to internet, so this means that the acquisition of the knowledge is really difficult for them, but as a
teacher I have to look for solution where my students could understand and learn.

One I spend a lot of time researching how to create an effective learning environment in all of my
courses. My Ph.D. research helped me to identify critical characteristics of students,’ and instructors’
success and the university support to create an effective learning environment. I also have re-designed
all my courses to make them online-ready. Shortly, I hope to make all my courses available to students
around the world so everyone can take online classes no matter their geographical location to promote
social work values in their home communities.

To sum up, I believe that technology is merely a tool to enhance education, but it is a critical one in a
disembodied learning environment. Technology cannot replace an instructor. Sometimes I may sound a
little too old-fashioned, but while I was raised in Masaya, Nicaragua, I have learned some of the best
lessons from my teachers who were using “chalk and talk.” When I use technology, I always keep in
mind that not everyone has equal access to all the various benefits technology brings as many people are
still not in the position to own a computer. In social work, I need to advocate for equal access for
everyone and ensure that all my students have the same condition in completing their work that might
include additional knowledge of technology.