Posted by rdw on
URL: https://nabble.aealearningonline.org/POST-2-Challenges-to-Using-Iowa-AEA-Online-Resources-tp184p359.html

Because there are so many wonderful resources, I think finding the time to find the best ones to use in class may be the most challenging. For example, if I think of teaching American Literature and say literature from the time of the Pilgrims, there are a variety of themes I could use. I could focus on a couple of the key figures, look at the diet of the people, discover the Native-American culture etc. I know there are an abundance of resources, so I will need to pick and choose what will best fit the needs of my students. Looking through all of those possibilities will take a considerable period of time.

Ways in which I can solve the time crunch include force myself a certain period of time to look through materials and then make a decision. If I give myself an unlimited amount of time, it could take me weeks to find the perfect option. I also think making a tally sheet where I keep track of what types of resources I'm using in each unit will be helpful. That way I can make sure I'm not relying too heavily on one type of learning style or resource vs. another. I also need to remember that I do not have to have all kinds of AEA resources for each and every unit the first year. I can always add additional resources in subsequent years. The AEA resources also lend themselves to being swapped out with other resources depending on the year and the nature of the class.

I'm utterly amazed at all the resources I will have at my finger tips just through the local AEA!