Collaborative communities: Reflections
Module Eight:
Reflect on your overall learning experience within the course.
I have learned many things throughout this course. There are a few things that stick out more than others. Of all of the assignments, activities, and discussions that took place, there were three things that have stood out to me: creating the PLE, writing the EASyR Lesson, and writing the prompt/extender/redirect questions.
The PLE is the first thing that really stands out to me because of my overall surprise. I was not aware before creating it that I had so many different technology tools and resources currently available to me on a daily basis. It was rewarding to recognize how far I have come with my comfort level and technology since starting classes at UW-Stout.
I really enjoyed writing the EASyR Lesson. I found it very helpful to take a lesson I had taught many times before and re-imagine it for an online course. By doing this, I have been able to identify strengths and weaknesses of the lesson. I am excited to try out some of my new ideas in the upcoming school year.
The final piece that stands out was the creating of the prompt/extenders/redirect questions. I had forgotten how valuable it is to spend time thinking through these type of questions in advance. Not only is this a time saver, but it also ensures a deeper level of understanding for everyone involved.
Where does your progression into online facilitation (or as an online facilitator) go from here?
At this point, I will be taking a step back from the online environment. My goal is to take my current traditional classroom and move it into a blended classroom environment. I hope that by incorporating more technology in the upcoming school year, I can help students improve their level of understanding and growth.
Other final thoughts...
This class has provided many eye opening experiences. I have learned many things that I will take with me into my future classrooms.
I have learned many things throughout this course. There are a few things that stick out more than others. Of all of the assignments, activities, and discussions that took place, there were three things that have stood out to me: creating the PLE, writing the EASyR Lesson, and writing the prompt/extender/redirect questions.
The PLE is the first thing that really stands out to me because of my overall surprise. I was not aware before creating it that I had so many different technology tools and resources currently available to me on a daily basis. It was rewarding to recognize how far I have come with my comfort level and technology since starting classes at UW-Stout.
I really enjoyed writing the EASyR Lesson. I found it very helpful to take a lesson I had taught many times before and re-imagine it for an online course. By doing this, I have been able to identify strengths and weaknesses of the lesson. I am excited to try out some of my new ideas in the upcoming school year.
The final piece that stands out was the creating of the prompt/extenders/redirect questions. I had forgotten how valuable it is to spend time thinking through these type of questions in advance. Not only is this a time saver, but it also ensures a deeper level of understanding for everyone involved.
Where does your progression into online facilitation (or as an online facilitator) go from here?
At this point, I will be taking a step back from the online environment. My goal is to take my current traditional classroom and move it into a blended classroom environment. I hope that by incorporating more technology in the upcoming school year, I can help students improve their level of understanding and growth.
Other final thoughts...
This class has provided many eye opening experiences. I have learned many things that I will take with me into my future classrooms.
Module Seven:
The most important/interesting/challenging thing I learned in Module Seven is...
The most important thing I learned during module seven was the great value that comes with a synchronous session. I will use this in my future online courses. This is something that would be beneficial in the beginning of the course to help build community relationships. This is also a great tool to use throughout the course. It is a great way to provide immediate feedback and to interact with students in a real time setting.
Describe or analyze the experience of both getting and giving peer feedback, and how that informs your methods of facilitation...
Peer feedback is a crucial part of the learning experience. I have found that the feedback I have received from my peers has helped me grow both as a student and as a facilitator. I have been able to make improvements to my own facilitation skills as well as help others do the same.
Other reflective thoughts...
I found the prompt/extender/redirect activity to be very valuable. A prepared list of questions before the discussion saves time for the facilitator and allows for a deeper level of understanding for the students.
The most important thing I learned during module seven was the great value that comes with a synchronous session. I will use this in my future online courses. This is something that would be beneficial in the beginning of the course to help build community relationships. This is also a great tool to use throughout the course. It is a great way to provide immediate feedback and to interact with students in a real time setting.
Describe or analyze the experience of both getting and giving peer feedback, and how that informs your methods of facilitation...
Peer feedback is a crucial part of the learning experience. I have found that the feedback I have received from my peers has helped me grow both as a student and as a facilitator. I have been able to make improvements to my own facilitation skills as well as help others do the same.
Other reflective thoughts...
I found the prompt/extender/redirect activity to be very valuable. A prepared list of questions before the discussion saves time for the facilitator and allows for a deeper level of understanding for the students.
Module Six:
When you read the Time Management Strategies for Online Instructors, what were the two most important tips, for your purposes, on the list? In other words, what made you say, "Aha!" and why?
The two most important tips for me: “Stay focused” and “Use a quiz or scavenger hunt to explain class policies.”
I am easily distracted. Anything that is shiny or moves seems to get my attention. Finding the right place to work is a critical step. I know from experience that I need a place that looks on the outside world, but limits the distractions. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I had never thought about taking breaks. I’m always worried that if I take a break, I will become distracted and forget where I was. With a little experimenting this week, I have found that taking scheduled breaks made me more productive when I was working!
I love the idea of giving a quiz connected to the class policy. This is something I just experienced for the first time in my previous online course. I have struggled with students not reading or paying attention to classroom policies and procedure. I have always included a signature page in which both the student and parent sign and initial key points. Too many students sign the information without really reading it. This becomes evident when students act surprised or unaware when a policy has been violated. They act as if they had no idea. In the past, I would talk with the student about the signature sheet. I plan on changing this! I am still going to give the signature sheet, but I am also going to give a quiz connected to the classroom policies. I am hopeful that this will improve the situation.
Other reflective thoughts...
The "Reply-Only" technique was challenging for me. I enjoyed the idea of building on each other's previous post. I struggled with how to comment on individual posts, there didn't seem to be a place to do that. The "flow" would be affected. I am going to try to implement this in my upcoming course. I see the benefit in it, I believe I just need to become more comfortable with the technique.
The two most important tips for me: “Stay focused” and “Use a quiz or scavenger hunt to explain class policies.”
I am easily distracted. Anything that is shiny or moves seems to get my attention. Finding the right place to work is a critical step. I know from experience that I need a place that looks on the outside world, but limits the distractions. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I had never thought about taking breaks. I’m always worried that if I take a break, I will become distracted and forget where I was. With a little experimenting this week, I have found that taking scheduled breaks made me more productive when I was working!
I love the idea of giving a quiz connected to the class policy. This is something I just experienced for the first time in my previous online course. I have struggled with students not reading or paying attention to classroom policies and procedure. I have always included a signature page in which both the student and parent sign and initial key points. Too many students sign the information without really reading it. This becomes evident when students act surprised or unaware when a policy has been violated. They act as if they had no idea. In the past, I would talk with the student about the signature sheet. I plan on changing this! I am still going to give the signature sheet, but I am also going to give a quiz connected to the classroom policies. I am hopeful that this will improve the situation.
Other reflective thoughts...
The "Reply-Only" technique was challenging for me. I enjoyed the idea of building on each other's previous post. I struggled with how to comment on individual posts, there didn't seem to be a place to do that. The "flow" would be affected. I am going to try to implement this in my upcoming course. I see the benefit in it, I believe I just need to become more comfortable with the technique.
Module Five:
In what ways will the 70/30 rule impact your online facilitation?
The 70/30 rule will impact my online facilitation in a positive manner. Having 70% of the time and work done before the class starts helps create a positive learning environment. This rule leads to a successful beginning of the class experience. By setting up the situation in a positive manner, it gets everything going in the right direction.
Other triumphs or challenges?
This rule requires a great deal of time before the class starts, this is a challenge. At the same time, it allows for the necessary time during the class to go towards student interactions and classroom management.
What could have been done to mitigate those challenges?
Being aware of the needed time and planning for that in advance could help mitigate the challenges.
Other reflective thoughts...
This was a tough week for me. I honestly an not sure as to why. Creating the first week materials is something that I have done many times before, just a different setting. For some reason, the change in setting has thrown me. I am not as confident in my materials as I would like to be.
The 70/30 rule will impact my online facilitation in a positive manner. Having 70% of the time and work done before the class starts helps create a positive learning environment. This rule leads to a successful beginning of the class experience. By setting up the situation in a positive manner, it gets everything going in the right direction.
Other triumphs or challenges?
This rule requires a great deal of time before the class starts, this is a challenge. At the same time, it allows for the necessary time during the class to go towards student interactions and classroom management.
What could have been done to mitigate those challenges?
Being aware of the needed time and planning for that in advance could help mitigate the challenges.
Other reflective thoughts...
This was a tough week for me. I honestly an not sure as to why. Creating the first week materials is something that I have done many times before, just a different setting. For some reason, the change in setting has thrown me. I am not as confident in my materials as I would like to be.
Module Four:
The class is half over. Please discuss the "aha!" moments you have had so far, and what these moments have made you more curious about...
I am amazed at how much learning can take place in just four weeks. I have had couple "aha" moments throughout these first four weeks. When I first started this certificate program, I was terrified of new technology. I am not a quick learner when it comes to technology. It does not feel very intuitive to me. In creating the PLE for last week and the Community Matrix for this week, I realized two really big things. First, I already use a lot of technology! Putting things in writing really helped me see just how much technology I already use in my my classroom. This makes me curious about how much more technology I can find and use. The fact that I want to find new technology and explore is amazing and exciting to me!
The second big thing I realized with technology is my improvement in picking it up. I am surprised by how fast I have been learning new tools. This is wonderful! I no longer "freak out" in anticipation of a new piece of technology. I have learned techniques to make learning these tools easier. This make me curious about the technology I currently use. I wonder how much I have been missing out on in regards to what the tools can do. I feel like I have only scratched the surface of the tools I work with. I'm excited to see what else I can do!
I am amazed at how much learning can take place in just four weeks. I have had couple "aha" moments throughout these first four weeks. When I first started this certificate program, I was terrified of new technology. I am not a quick learner when it comes to technology. It does not feel very intuitive to me. In creating the PLE for last week and the Community Matrix for this week, I realized two really big things. First, I already use a lot of technology! Putting things in writing really helped me see just how much technology I already use in my my classroom. This makes me curious about how much more technology I can find and use. The fact that I want to find new technology and explore is amazing and exciting to me!
The second big thing I realized with technology is my improvement in picking it up. I am surprised by how fast I have been learning new tools. This is wonderful! I no longer "freak out" in anticipation of a new piece of technology. I have learned techniques to make learning these tools easier. This make me curious about the technology I currently use. I wonder how much I have been missing out on in regards to what the tools can do. I feel like I have only scratched the surface of the tools I work with. I'm excited to see what else I can do!
Module Three:
The most intriguing thing I learned in Mod 3 was...
One of the objectives of this module was to create a document showing my personal learning environment (PLE). This was a new concept and experience for me. I would say that creating my PLE was intriguing because it made me think about all of the resources I currently have and, at the same time, all of the resources that are out there to find. I was surprised at all of the resources I was able to list under the section of currently using. I have a lot of technology resources that I use on a regular basis that I don't even think about. The other really big piece of this falls under the category of what I need to add or find. In creating the document, I realized I don't even know what is available as possible resources. This has prompted me to start researching different areas of E-learning. I need to find out what types of journals, magazines, blogs, and other resources are available.
I will use this new-found knowledge as an online facilitator by...
There are a couple of ways I will use this new knowledge as an online facilitator. First, I will take all of the resources and tools that I am currently aware of are share those with my students. Providing my students with this information will help them improve their knowledge base, thereby improving my skills as a facilitator. Second, further research of my own into new tools and resources will improve my understanding of the field, which in turn will help my students.
Other reflective thoughts...
The two discussion areas this week covered each end of my comfort zone! I enjoyed the "Scenario" discussion. Having the opportunity to practice communicating in a safe environment was quite valuable. I enjoyed receiving feedback from my classmates and I feel like I really learned a lot in that discussion.
The second discussion in small groups was a bit more stressful. I had the opportunity to be the facilitator in the small group. I felt unsure in this role. This is definitely not my strength. I found myself questioning what to write, when to write, and who to write to. I definitely feel like this is an area I need to continue to work on. I'm hoping that with time, it feels more natural.
One of the objectives of this module was to create a document showing my personal learning environment (PLE). This was a new concept and experience for me. I would say that creating my PLE was intriguing because it made me think about all of the resources I currently have and, at the same time, all of the resources that are out there to find. I was surprised at all of the resources I was able to list under the section of currently using. I have a lot of technology resources that I use on a regular basis that I don't even think about. The other really big piece of this falls under the category of what I need to add or find. In creating the document, I realized I don't even know what is available as possible resources. This has prompted me to start researching different areas of E-learning. I need to find out what types of journals, magazines, blogs, and other resources are available.
I will use this new-found knowledge as an online facilitator by...
There are a couple of ways I will use this new knowledge as an online facilitator. First, I will take all of the resources and tools that I am currently aware of are share those with my students. Providing my students with this information will help them improve their knowledge base, thereby improving my skills as a facilitator. Second, further research of my own into new tools and resources will improve my understanding of the field, which in turn will help my students.
Other reflective thoughts...
The two discussion areas this week covered each end of my comfort zone! I enjoyed the "Scenario" discussion. Having the opportunity to practice communicating in a safe environment was quite valuable. I enjoyed receiving feedback from my classmates and I feel like I really learned a lot in that discussion.
The second discussion in small groups was a bit more stressful. I had the opportunity to be the facilitator in the small group. I felt unsure in this role. This is definitely not my strength. I found myself questioning what to write, when to write, and who to write to. I definitely feel like this is an area I need to continue to work on. I'm hoping that with time, it feels more natural.
Module Two:
The most important thing I learned during Module Two was...
Constructivism and grouping with personality inventories were the two main themes of this module. Of those two concepts, personality inventories and their use for creating groups was the most important thing I learned during module two. This is true for several reasons. First, I have been working on creating a constructivist classroom for some time now. It is not a new idea for me. It is just a matter of transitioning these ideas from a face-to-face environment to an online environment. Second, I have never really spent time looking into different types of online personality inventories. This was a new idea for me. I have had students take a personality inventory before, but this information was used solely for their benefit. It allowed the students to develop stronger study skills. Using such a tool for grouping is such a simple idea, but ingenious. All of my experience with grouping has been in face-to-face environments. It is easier to see student behaviors in this environment. Grouping students online is a different matter.
This learning will benefit me as an online facilitator by...
Since grouping students online is a different matter, personality inventories will help me create groups that will run as smoothly as possible. Putting people with similar or complimenting personalities in groups together will create a more enjoyable experience for the students. This in itself will benefit me as an online facilitator. It will alleviate problems that could arise among students in groups, making for a better online experience.
Other reflective thoughts...
The discussion aspect of the online course is the most challenging for me. I continue to struggle with knowing what and when to post. I continue to learn from both my instructor and our class intern. Their modeling in the discussions continues to guide me in the right direction. I look forward to my continued growth in this area. I am also learning so much from my classmates. I feel fortunate to be in a class with so many different types of people who provide such great experiences and resources.
Constructivism and grouping with personality inventories were the two main themes of this module. Of those two concepts, personality inventories and their use for creating groups was the most important thing I learned during module two. This is true for several reasons. First, I have been working on creating a constructivist classroom for some time now. It is not a new idea for me. It is just a matter of transitioning these ideas from a face-to-face environment to an online environment. Second, I have never really spent time looking into different types of online personality inventories. This was a new idea for me. I have had students take a personality inventory before, but this information was used solely for their benefit. It allowed the students to develop stronger study skills. Using such a tool for grouping is such a simple idea, but ingenious. All of my experience with grouping has been in face-to-face environments. It is easier to see student behaviors in this environment. Grouping students online is a different matter.
This learning will benefit me as an online facilitator by...
Since grouping students online is a different matter, personality inventories will help me create groups that will run as smoothly as possible. Putting people with similar or complimenting personalities in groups together will create a more enjoyable experience for the students. This in itself will benefit me as an online facilitator. It will alleviate problems that could arise among students in groups, making for a better online experience.
Other reflective thoughts...
The discussion aspect of the online course is the most challenging for me. I continue to struggle with knowing what and when to post. I continue to learn from both my instructor and our class intern. Their modeling in the discussions continues to guide me in the right direction. I look forward to my continued growth in this area. I am also learning so much from my classmates. I feel fortunate to be in a class with so many different types of people who provide such great experiences and resources.
Module One:
The new knowledge and skills I gained during the module....
This module focused on good practices. The readings and discussion question were based on this idea. It was interesting to read about good practices for an online classroom. I was surprised by the fact that good practices for online environments are very much the same as for traditional face-to-face environments. The real difference is in the implementation. Different steps need to be taken in order to accomplish good practices online. In addition to different implementation, the importance of certain aspects are heightened. For example, feedback is important in any educational environment. In an online environment, feedback is a way of encouraging participation and maintaining engagement. It gives the instructor a voice.
The knowledge and skills will benefit me as an online facilitator by...
First, I will make sure to incorporate the good practices into the design and implementation of the course. For example, I will focus on creating activities that promote interaction and engage students. Second, I will make sure to start the course with a strong personal presence. I want to make sure students feel comfortable interacting with me before the course even starts. This can happen by reaching out to students with an email before class starts. Finally, I will provide meaningful and prompt feedback. I want to make sure students are being heard. I want to keep students interested and engaged throughout the course.
Other reflective thoughts...
I really liked how this class started. The icebreaker gave us all a chance to show we are human. It provided a bit of comfort. It was easy to interact with classmates. The discussion question had positive feel to it. Sharing positive experiences has created an enjoyable environment. I'm excited to learn with my classmates. I feel like I have gained so much already and it has only been one week.
This module focused on good practices. The readings and discussion question were based on this idea. It was interesting to read about good practices for an online classroom. I was surprised by the fact that good practices for online environments are very much the same as for traditional face-to-face environments. The real difference is in the implementation. Different steps need to be taken in order to accomplish good practices online. In addition to different implementation, the importance of certain aspects are heightened. For example, feedback is important in any educational environment. In an online environment, feedback is a way of encouraging participation and maintaining engagement. It gives the instructor a voice.
The knowledge and skills will benefit me as an online facilitator by...
First, I will make sure to incorporate the good practices into the design and implementation of the course. For example, I will focus on creating activities that promote interaction and engage students. Second, I will make sure to start the course with a strong personal presence. I want to make sure students feel comfortable interacting with me before the course even starts. This can happen by reaching out to students with an email before class starts. Finally, I will provide meaningful and prompt feedback. I want to make sure students are being heard. I want to keep students interested and engaged throughout the course.
Other reflective thoughts...
I really liked how this class started. The icebreaker gave us all a chance to show we are human. It provided a bit of comfort. It was easy to interact with classmates. The discussion question had positive feel to it. Sharing positive experiences has created an enjoyable environment. I'm excited to learn with my classmates. I feel like I have gained so much already and it has only been one week.