Pamela Harris

I learned that Professional Development can be viewed as a way to enhance  and improve an instructor's abilities.  Data enable an instructor to see what changes or adjustments must be made in their course.  I also learned that some components in a course that is thought to be stationary can change to be dynamic.

One of the things I learned from this module is that it isn't good to reply to every message in an online discussions.  Students need the space among themselves without the teacher contributing.  Feedback is essential and expected within 7-10 days.  Instructors must establish, communicate, and enforce communication boundaries.  Students should know when an instructor is available.  Instructors must make time within those boundaries to meet, even face to face, if necessary with students.  

Keep work life and personal life balanced.  You have to set boundaries and not allow work to interfer with your personal time.  Intentional planning will prevent this from happening.

In this module I've learned that as an online instructor there is a lot of information that may come through, and you must establish ways to mange this information.  Whether it's by setting up filters withing your email or creating a FAQ discussion board nyour LMS, both are ways to handling the possible large volume of information you may receive.

I also learned that as an online instructor you may be the go to person for students when they encounter challenges with technology.  As such, it's important that you have a way to manage technology issues for not only students… >>>

The seven principles of learning apply to both instructors and students.  For instructors they can serve as a guidlines to improve teaching and learning.  For students, they provide guidelines for students understanding what they need to do to be successful.  Participating in an online class require students practice they same rules of etiquette they would observe if they were in a face-to-face class.  

In this  module there was a review of asynchronous and synchronous communication tools and specific tools used.  It is suggested that "how-to" guides be made available for students to reference when using these tools.  The module also covered LMSs and how it should be organized with the students in mind.  Then lastly the module covered social networking.  Social networking sites should be used to help students share information and knowledge.

The most important aspect of an online course is effective, consistent communication.  When communicating there is the message sent, receiver, feedback provided, and then back to the sender.  Students must see themselves as members of a community and participation is essential to seeing themselves as a member.

Not everyone is cut out to teach or take an online class.  Self-assessing your readiness for an online class is needed.  Good time management skills is a must.  You have to be intentional about reserving time for participating in the class.  Being self-motivated will help students to be successful in an online class, and instructors must do their part to motivate students to want to do well.  This can be done by provide frequent, positive feedback, creating an open and positive learning environment and making students feel they are valued members of a learning community.  It is the student's responsibiliy… >>>

In this module, I learned that student participation is essential to establishing a sense of belonging in the online class.  Clear guidelines must be established at the onset of the course with examples provided.  Discussions must be monitored by the instructor, but can also engage help from other students to facilitate discussions.

I also learned that the ultimate goals of online learning is to facilitate learning while building community, which is shown when students not only build academic community, but when they feel comfortable enough to share on a personal level.  Lastly, I learned the value of using rubrics to… >>>

Another rich module.  Communication plays such a  big part in the success of an online course.  In this module I learned the importance of developing a communication code of conduct.  This code of conduct informs students of the expectations and consequences.  As the instructor, constant monitoring and timely feedback must be provided.

I've  never heard of a communication code of conduct.  I understand the need for it and will seek to implement one next schoolyear.