Deborah Rivera

In today's teaching with hardback books being removed from the classroom and replaced with E books it's important that Teachers find new ways to connect with a generations who only knows "technology" type learning.  Personally, I struggle with a generation who rather scroll through their cell phones then engage in their own learning process. 

Active learning does take planning according to your curriculum. As I reflect on my lectures; active learning can take a big part on my students learning for the good.

I never took into consideration in doing active learning the student becomes responsible for their own learning.  As an instructor I took it to heart if the student hadn't learned anything from my lectures.  in today's age of cell phone distractions; active learning would be the best approach to catch the student's attention.

"Closing the loop" is an effective tool to determine if the course has effective learning.  I never saw this necessary until I read new data.  Having your course and instructor evaluated for needed improvements has a positive effect on the Institute, Instructor and the learning process for the students.

Meaningful feedback was what stood out the most.  I now greatly understand the reason for a rubric.  A rubric is helpful when wanting to give visual feedback on a student's work.   Students have a visual on the expectations for a project.  I can use a rubric to help students visually see what the standard is for writing their LRS papers.  This will help me grade their paper in a fair way and give them feedback on why they obtain a certain grade 

I learned about "scaffolding": students will build their learning off of what they know, experiences and work.  This is important for an Instructor to understand from each student; this will help the instructor with each student's learning meter.  How will I apply this to my class? what came to light were the dynamics of communication with Instructor 2 Students. Making sure each dynamic is met effectively. 

So far I am pumped with this learning tool.  I have learned to set short learning videos no more then 10 minutes.  Students begin to loose interest and information is lost if learning videos are longer.  I understand why my Institute has developed their learning plan in such a manner.  How I can use this information?  I can use these guidelines when developing my power points.  

Get organized!! Each student have their own e-mail folders when working your e-mail.  E-learners will display their own learning behaviors even through this type of learning forum.  

Requesting feedback during the course is essential in determining if what is leaned has been grasped.  Instructors may feel vulnerable by asking the students if their is anything the Instructor is doing that makes a Student uncomfortable. Not all students learn in the same manner and Instructors may need to adjust their teachings to ensure All students are understanding the curriculum.  Discussion forums are essential for students to feel connected to one another.  Also, understanding the various types of learners and the personality traits they display in this type of learning atmosphere. 

This is great information even if your course isn't online.  Such as getting to know your students and their expectations of you as an instructor.