EDUC-761: Creating Collaborative Communities in E-Learning
Course Reflections
Below are my reflections from each module (week) of the course.
Module 1 Reflection
During this module the focus was on best practices. There were seven main ideas. I chose to include them in my reflection as a checklist for myself as I progress into building online courses.
These best practices are inclusive of all educational opportunities whether they are face to face or online. Most seemed common sense of quality education, but the key is to understand on how to translate into application in an online environment appropriately. I reflected on what practices have been employed by my online instructors and determined effective strategies to use.
Module 2 Reflection
During this module the focus was on social constructivism. The most important thing I learned during Module Two was that it is important to be mindful of how to implement social learning. This can be anything from grouping students to best practices. This learning will benefit me as an online facilitator by helping me to create balanced groups, promote student success, and be confident in my role as an online educator.
Social learning needs to be implemented well in order to ensure student learning. Social learning is important for students to be able to justify their reasoning and critique the reasoning of others. These ideas are vital to student success as stated in the CCSS Math Practice Standards. Opportunities need to be created, established, and followed through on for students to grow in their understanding.
Module 3 Reflection
This module was about good facilitation. As a facilitator I will need to be mindful of my responsibilities legally, ethically, and to promote positive relationships to my students. The scenario practice really had me thinking about word choice, phrasing, and being concise. One poor interaction can negatively impact the entire course.
Another focus this week was on PLNs. Previous to this module I didn't know that I had a PLN even though I did. The websites I visit, the people I follow, and the email list serves I belong to are all part of my PLN. I think I need to strengthen my PLN. I need to actively search out additional resources.
Module 4 Reflection
This module focused on the different interactions in online learning and tools that help foster these interactions. I feel that the learner/facilitator, learner/learner, and learner/content interactions are interdependent on one another. Without one it would be difficult to have the others. As a facilitator I will need to be mindful in how I promote all three types of interactions.
Choosing tools to promote the interactions can be challenging. I need to be mindful of my students and their needs, both personal like learning disabilities and technological. I don't want to overwhelm my students with too many platforms to use, but having a variety also aids in segmenting the course. For example, in my community matrix, Quizlet will be used for vocabulary, Google sites to house resources, and Google drive to share assignments. I feel having one place to go for each activity within the module helps the student narrow in at the task on hand.
Module 5 Reflection
In teaching online, I am learning that there is an immense amount of front-loading. As an online teacher it will be important for me to be clear of my objectives from the very start and communicate these effectively so that I get the desired response. Each communication needs to be carefully planned and thought about to ensure learners feel safe in their online environment. Prior to teaching online I need to establish a clear framework.
In practicing through first week scenarios I learned just how important word choice and open mindedness are. It is easy to misinterpret or represent a situation and it can have a detrimental effect on my learners. In the reading I was happy to have clear examples shared. I understand that there isn't going to be a blanket statement that always works, but a foundation to start is important. If/when I find myself in the position to teach online, I may have to purchase a copy of the book. I think of the book First Days of School (Wong) that my sister gave me as I prepared for my first teaching job. It isn't that I don't understand the principles, but it can be overwhelming and it is comforting to have a resource to rely on.
On another note, last week, at the end of Module 4 I logged into my team's shared Google Doc for our tip sheet. Much to my surprise one of my group members was also on the document. We were able to quickly establish a Hangout and talk about our plans for the tip sheet. We also set up a time for our third member to join us in another Hangout. I was amazed how quickly an hour of collaboration went by. We seemed to have similar desires for our work, but each brought different components and areas of expertise to enhance our tip sheet. We divided up the work to conquer and scheduled another Hangout to finalize details. We started dialogue early in the course and then Module 4 seemed to already be here. I am feeling confident about the work of my group and the deadline we are working with.
Module 6 Reflection
In order to be an effective online educator, I am going to have to be very mindful of my habits. I am so used to logging into my email, quick reading posts and hoping to remember which ones I commented on, and searching out other resources. I am going to need to create procedures that fit my style and allow for me to efficiently work. Through the Time Management Strategies I learned some quick tips that I could easily implement. I am going to need to do some further searching for quick fixes for my computer needs.
Organization has always been my weakness. It hasn't prevented me from getting my work accomplished, but the manner in which it was accomplished needs to improve. I need to use more strategies soon personally. I am balancing what I feel are my maximum commitments and my time is extremely valuable.
Finishing our tip sheet project was successful. I am very happy with the outcome of our project and appreciate the effective collaboration of my group members. When we each have so many commitments, different schedules, and different time zones it makes collaboration more difficult. I think this is a prime example of why we need to be mindful of how we approach our work. Time is a precious commodity.
Module 7 Reflection
This week I struggled with my EASyR lesson. I like concrete examples and struggled to relate to math content. I understand the applications of e-Learning to more theoretical subjects rather than those practiced and have been trying to locate resources that extend to online math programs.
The biggest hurdle that I needed to get over was the difference in the use of the words: evaluate, analyze, and synthesize. In Bloom's Taxonomy (and my vocabulary) I think of them in a very different manner than what was discussed in this unit. Evaluating to me usually means find the solution, where here it is to gather information. Analysis to me usually mean to organize my thoughts, which is similar to the analysis discussed of comparing the sources of information. Synthesis to me is a summary, where here it is extending information in a new direction. Once I was clear on the new definitions I was better able to improve my lesson.
Another key understanding from this week was synchronous chat. I found it valuable in the previous weeks' work on our tip sheet. However, I struggled with the value this week. I didn't find the conversation to be as deep as if I had time to process, research, and reflect on my classmate's thoughts. Careful and appropriate use of this tool is a must!
Module 8 Reflection
I don't know where the time went in this course! However, with that being said, as I reflect I feel that I strengthened many components of my e-learning skills. I had ample time to reflect on best practices, how I would handle different situations, and a better understanding of the work to complete so that I have a successful course.
I think one of the highlights of this course as well as others in the certificate program is that they clearly model best practice. Student engagement, learner facilitation, course organization,... Everything that we learned about, reflected on, and worked to develop was a component of this course. I learn well through modeling and to have an example to back up my thinking was instrumental.
I was pleased in taking the opportunity to go back to some of my previous work and improve upon it. It truly shows how reflective education is. In just a few short weeks I was able to make adjustments to different assignments that I was satisfied with previously. It shows how much learning throughout was cyclic and improved the overall understanding.
References
Lehmann, K., & Chamberlin, L. (2009). Making the move to eLearning: Putting your course online. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Course Reflections
Below are my reflections from each module (week) of the course.
Module 1 Reflection
During this module the focus was on best practices. There were seven main ideas. I chose to include them in my reflection as a checklist for myself as I progress into building online courses.
- "Good practice encourages contacts between students and faculty." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p.60)
- "Good practice develops reciprocity and cooperation among students." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p.60)
- "Good practice uses active learning techniques." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p.61)
- "Good practice gives prompt feedback." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p. 61)
- "Good practice emphasizes time on task." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p. 62)
- "Good practice communicates high expectations." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p.63)
- "Good practice respects diverse talents and ways of learning." (Lehmann & Chamberlin, 2009, p. 64)
These best practices are inclusive of all educational opportunities whether they are face to face or online. Most seemed common sense of quality education, but the key is to understand on how to translate into application in an online environment appropriately. I reflected on what practices have been employed by my online instructors and determined effective strategies to use.
Module 2 Reflection
During this module the focus was on social constructivism. The most important thing I learned during Module Two was that it is important to be mindful of how to implement social learning. This can be anything from grouping students to best practices. This learning will benefit me as an online facilitator by helping me to create balanced groups, promote student success, and be confident in my role as an online educator.
Social learning needs to be implemented well in order to ensure student learning. Social learning is important for students to be able to justify their reasoning and critique the reasoning of others. These ideas are vital to student success as stated in the CCSS Math Practice Standards. Opportunities need to be created, established, and followed through on for students to grow in their understanding.
Module 3 Reflection
This module was about good facilitation. As a facilitator I will need to be mindful of my responsibilities legally, ethically, and to promote positive relationships to my students. The scenario practice really had me thinking about word choice, phrasing, and being concise. One poor interaction can negatively impact the entire course.
Another focus this week was on PLNs. Previous to this module I didn't know that I had a PLN even though I did. The websites I visit, the people I follow, and the email list serves I belong to are all part of my PLN. I think I need to strengthen my PLN. I need to actively search out additional resources.
Module 4 Reflection
This module focused on the different interactions in online learning and tools that help foster these interactions. I feel that the learner/facilitator, learner/learner, and learner/content interactions are interdependent on one another. Without one it would be difficult to have the others. As a facilitator I will need to be mindful in how I promote all three types of interactions.
Choosing tools to promote the interactions can be challenging. I need to be mindful of my students and their needs, both personal like learning disabilities and technological. I don't want to overwhelm my students with too many platforms to use, but having a variety also aids in segmenting the course. For example, in my community matrix, Quizlet will be used for vocabulary, Google sites to house resources, and Google drive to share assignments. I feel having one place to go for each activity within the module helps the student narrow in at the task on hand.
Module 5 Reflection
In teaching online, I am learning that there is an immense amount of front-loading. As an online teacher it will be important for me to be clear of my objectives from the very start and communicate these effectively so that I get the desired response. Each communication needs to be carefully planned and thought about to ensure learners feel safe in their online environment. Prior to teaching online I need to establish a clear framework.
In practicing through first week scenarios I learned just how important word choice and open mindedness are. It is easy to misinterpret or represent a situation and it can have a detrimental effect on my learners. In the reading I was happy to have clear examples shared. I understand that there isn't going to be a blanket statement that always works, but a foundation to start is important. If/when I find myself in the position to teach online, I may have to purchase a copy of the book. I think of the book First Days of School (Wong) that my sister gave me as I prepared for my first teaching job. It isn't that I don't understand the principles, but it can be overwhelming and it is comforting to have a resource to rely on.
On another note, last week, at the end of Module 4 I logged into my team's shared Google Doc for our tip sheet. Much to my surprise one of my group members was also on the document. We were able to quickly establish a Hangout and talk about our plans for the tip sheet. We also set up a time for our third member to join us in another Hangout. I was amazed how quickly an hour of collaboration went by. We seemed to have similar desires for our work, but each brought different components and areas of expertise to enhance our tip sheet. We divided up the work to conquer and scheduled another Hangout to finalize details. We started dialogue early in the course and then Module 4 seemed to already be here. I am feeling confident about the work of my group and the deadline we are working with.
Module 6 Reflection
In order to be an effective online educator, I am going to have to be very mindful of my habits. I am so used to logging into my email, quick reading posts and hoping to remember which ones I commented on, and searching out other resources. I am going to need to create procedures that fit my style and allow for me to efficiently work. Through the Time Management Strategies I learned some quick tips that I could easily implement. I am going to need to do some further searching for quick fixes for my computer needs.
Organization has always been my weakness. It hasn't prevented me from getting my work accomplished, but the manner in which it was accomplished needs to improve. I need to use more strategies soon personally. I am balancing what I feel are my maximum commitments and my time is extremely valuable.
Finishing our tip sheet project was successful. I am very happy with the outcome of our project and appreciate the effective collaboration of my group members. When we each have so many commitments, different schedules, and different time zones it makes collaboration more difficult. I think this is a prime example of why we need to be mindful of how we approach our work. Time is a precious commodity.
Module 7 Reflection
This week I struggled with my EASyR lesson. I like concrete examples and struggled to relate to math content. I understand the applications of e-Learning to more theoretical subjects rather than those practiced and have been trying to locate resources that extend to online math programs.
The biggest hurdle that I needed to get over was the difference in the use of the words: evaluate, analyze, and synthesize. In Bloom's Taxonomy (and my vocabulary) I think of them in a very different manner than what was discussed in this unit. Evaluating to me usually means find the solution, where here it is to gather information. Analysis to me usually mean to organize my thoughts, which is similar to the analysis discussed of comparing the sources of information. Synthesis to me is a summary, where here it is extending information in a new direction. Once I was clear on the new definitions I was better able to improve my lesson.
Another key understanding from this week was synchronous chat. I found it valuable in the previous weeks' work on our tip sheet. However, I struggled with the value this week. I didn't find the conversation to be as deep as if I had time to process, research, and reflect on my classmate's thoughts. Careful and appropriate use of this tool is a must!
Module 8 Reflection
I don't know where the time went in this course! However, with that being said, as I reflect I feel that I strengthened many components of my e-learning skills. I had ample time to reflect on best practices, how I would handle different situations, and a better understanding of the work to complete so that I have a successful course.
I think one of the highlights of this course as well as others in the certificate program is that they clearly model best practice. Student engagement, learner facilitation, course organization,... Everything that we learned about, reflected on, and worked to develop was a component of this course. I learn well through modeling and to have an example to back up my thinking was instrumental.
I was pleased in taking the opportunity to go back to some of my previous work and improve upon it. It truly shows how reflective education is. In just a few short weeks I was able to make adjustments to different assignments that I was satisfied with previously. It shows how much learning throughout was cyclic and improved the overall understanding.
References
Lehmann, K., & Chamberlin, L. (2009). Making the move to eLearning: Putting your course online. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education.