The article titled “I am your teacher not your internet service provider ”, by Ellen Laird is an analysis of the differences between online classis and the physical classroom teaching. As a teacher, one is required to either teach online of physical classes. Both methods of teachings have their advantages and disadvantages. According to the article, Ellen Laird has been an online classes teacher and is now ready to change her career to the physical classes.
Ellen Laird’s statement, “The honeymoon is over. My romance with distance learning is losing its spark” (Laird 417) is a clear indication that she is done with online classes and is ready to move on to other methods of teaching. She keenly expresses her excitement when she first started teaching online classes. However, as years go by, it has become monotonous and she is now tired and willing to move on. I can understand her sentiments as the process of teaching online classes is different from physical classes and the lack of direct contact to the learners can contribute to the monotony,
According to her, in a face-to-face classroom setting, you are able to control what students can take and how they hand-in their assignments. She states that given a chance to choose, she would go with physical classroom teaching any day. She also states that physical classes are highly engaging as the teacher is able to give assignments, and exams easily. They also get constant feedback from students by asking questions and getting answers as soon as the hand is raised.
From the article “i am your teacher not your internet service provider”, we can clearly gather that Ellen Laird has lost interest with online teaching and is ready to start teaching the physical classes. She feels that she will have more control in the physical classes, get fast feedback for class questions, easily administer exams and assignments and be respected as a teacher by her students. As a personal opinion, she can take a break from teaching before shifting to physical classes of try hybrid classes that are both physical and online. This way she can have more face-to-face connection with students orient herself to the physical classes processes.