Feeling vulnerable

 I've been working on my editable textbook.  It was a big week:

*Chelsea, my graphic design helper through my college, sent me a graphic for the front cover of my textbook.  It's fantastic.

When I began this process I realized the the cover and title of the textbook didn't suit my class.  I emailed our graphics dept and asked for help.  Help I'm getting :)  I love that there is an expert artist along for the ride with me as we create something really amazing for students.  She asked for specifics and I told her she has free reign.  I want graphics that will appeal to students and not feel "high-schoolish".  Graphics are not my area but I know visual appeal is important.

*Viva Español is the title of my book.  I really like it.

*I've settled into a scope and sequence that fits my students and it dovetails with where my second semester class begins.

*I met with our technology trainer, Julie, and talked through the logistics of getting what I want on Canvas in way that is easiest for students.

*I made a to do list.  This was crucial.  Until I spoke with Julie I felt like I had this enormous cloud over my head that I have to complete by June 1.  Actually breaking down into steps what needs to be done when was really helpful.

*I met via Zoom with my adjunct.  She was very helpful as I'm at a place to begin building assignments and assessments.  I think she also really liked that I told her Viva Español will continue to be editable.  If I make a mistake or if we see something to add or modify we can.

*I heard on a podcast in Teaching in Higher Ed that when we are creating with OER it's normal to feel vulnerable.  Just hearing that others share this feeling that I'm doing something really big and brave without enough training or knowledge made me feel so much better.  The suggestion was to tell students that this is a project we're all working on.  As they work through the textbook if they have examples to add to help others learn the material I can add them.  Wow--what a wonderful idea.  Instead of feeling like I have to "sell this" idea of me presenting this textbook and hoping they like it, I can present it as a shared project.

*Yesterday I put Ch 1 and 2 into Canvas.  I'm creating all of the "read" pages first.  The learning steps are:  read the lesson (about 1 page) as a PDF.  Listen to the pronunciation (button is located in Canvas on the same page as the lesson).  Practice.  These will be assignments that are for the learning of the information.  Assess.  These assignments will be graded.

I'm feeling good about the progress I'm making.  Students will benefit from this work I'm investing.  My product will be laser focused to learning the material, not figuring out a complicated website.

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