On my first day, I talked about some of the things I missed from being able to do the Reading onsite. If given an option, I would certainly prefer the onsite reading over doing it online. However, I will admit to some advantages.
When reading onsite, all of the essays are handwritten. Online, nearly all of them were typed, and those that were handwritten could be resized and recolored to make more readable. This made reading much easier (aside from staring at a computer screen). I also really appreciated being able to use Google to look up some of the more obscure outside evidence that students would provide. Not only could I verify (or disprove) that the information given was credible, I also learned quite a bit about the topic and time period in question that I had not realized before. Most importantly, I could use my personal bathroom rather than deal with the public toilets at a convention center.
Once again, I'm glad I participated in a Reading. Not only does it give me insight into how other teachers are teaching world history, it provides a chance to see how many different students are connecting with world history. I get to see so many interesting perspective and amazing levels of critical thinking. It also makes me appreciate the job that my own students did. Considering the circumstances leading up to this year's exam, I am so impressed and proud of how these students rose to the challenge. I certainly hope that their future colleges recognize their abilities as well and give them the credit that they deserve.
I will, however, be sleeping in tomorrow. ... I need the rest before I get back to working on my doctoral study.