Edited by Winston Ettienne, Friday, 22 Mar 2019, 13:50
My name is Winston Ettienne from the beautiful nature Island of Dominica. I was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue a Masters Degree in Online and Distant Education. I am eternally grateful for that award which will play a pivotal role in my future career.
My Career to date
I have been a teacher for the past 25 years. As a teacher, I have effectively instructed specific skills and content according to the curriculum and developmental level (Secondary and Tertiary). With the emerging trend in technology (ICT) I think we need an integrative approach to teaching in which students are guided towards self-discovery. We need to give our students the learning tools and essential contents from which they will build their own knowledge. For me, educating others instills a sense of admiration over every aspect of life.
As an Educator, I have a keen interest in software systems and the capacity to undergo research work as well as develop programs that can enhance production within the ICT sphere. In light of the above, I believe obtaining a Masters in Online and Distant Education will equip me with the knowledge and leadership skills to enhance the development of Education at the Dominica State College the leading premier tertiary level Educational Institution in the Commonwealth of Dominica where I am currently a full-time Lecturer.
Future Career plans
Upon completion of the Masters in Online and Distance Education, I am hoping to introduce and implement online courses at the Dominica State College. The introduction of online courses at the college will not replace the physical campus but will complement it. The online model developed will emphasize an interactive learning environment, designed to stimulate dialogue between instructor and students and among students themselves. The online process will require both instructor and students to take active roles. The instructor will often act as a facilitator, organizing activities that will engage students directly rather than relying too heavily on lectures and memorization. In that regard learning support and training will be available to all teaching staff.
I believe offering online courses will meet the needs of an ever-growing population of students who cannot or prefer not to participate in traditional classroom settings. These learners include those unable to attend traditional classes due to physical challenges, who cannot find a particular class at their chosen institution, who live in the rural areas and have difficulty travelling to the city due to transportation cost, who work full-time and can only study at or after work, and those who simply prefer to learn independently. Also, students who are enrolled on the main campus may need a course or two only to fulfill their graduation requirements, in such cases, they may opt to do such courses online.
The minimum requirement for students to participate in an online course is access to a computer, the Internet, and the motivation to succeed in a non-traditional classroom. Introducing online courses at the Dominica State College will provide an excellent method of course delivery not restricted by time or location allowing for accessibility to instructions at any time from anywhere. Learners will find the online environment a convenient way to fit education into their busy lives. The ability to access a course from any computer with Internet access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be a tremendous incentive for many of our students.
My Career
My name is Winston Ettienne from the beautiful nature Island of Dominica. I was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue a Masters Degree in Online and Distant Education. I am eternally grateful for that award which will play a pivotal role in my future career.
My Career to date
I have been a teacher for the past 25 years. As a teacher, I have effectively instructed specific skills and content according to the curriculum and developmental level (Secondary and Tertiary). With the emerging trend in technology (ICT) I think we need an integrative approach to teaching in which students are guided towards self-discovery. We need to give our students the learning tools and essential contents from which they will build their own knowledge. For me, educating others instills a sense of admiration over every aspect of life.
As an Educator, I have a keen interest in software systems and the capacity to undergo research work as well as develop programs that can enhance production within the ICT sphere. In light of the above, I believe obtaining a Masters in Online and Distant Education will equip me with the knowledge and leadership skills to enhance the development of Education at the Dominica State College the leading premier tertiary level Educational Institution in the Commonwealth of Dominica where I am currently a full-time Lecturer.
Future Career plans
Upon completion of the Masters in Online and Distance Education, I am hoping to introduce and implement online courses at the Dominica State College. The introduction of online courses at the college will not replace the physical campus but will complement it. The online model developed will emphasize an interactive learning environment, designed to stimulate dialogue between instructor and students and among students themselves. The online process will require both instructor and students to take active roles. The instructor will often act as a facilitator, organizing activities that will engage students directly rather than relying too heavily on lectures and memorization. In that regard learning support and training will be available to all teaching staff.
I believe offering online courses will meet the needs of an ever-growing population of students who cannot or prefer not to participate in traditional classroom settings. These learners include those unable to attend traditional classes due to physical challenges, who cannot find a particular class at their chosen institution, who live in the rural areas and have difficulty travelling to the city due to transportation cost, who work full-time and can only study at or after work, and those who simply prefer to learn independently. Also, students who are enrolled on the main campus may need a course or two only to fulfill their graduation requirements, in such cases, they may opt to do such courses online.
The minimum requirement for students to participate in an online course is access to a computer, the Internet, and the motivation to succeed in a non-traditional classroom. Introducing online courses at the Dominica State College will provide an excellent method of course delivery not restricted by time or location allowing for accessibility to instructions at any time from anywhere. Learners will find the online environment a convenient way to fit education into their busy lives. The ability to access a course from any computer with Internet access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be a tremendous incentive for many of our students.