Jannell Earle

Preparing Students to Become Good Online Learners module was extremely helpful outlining how to develop good online citizenship among our students.  In order for written communication to be effective, the communication must provide students with clear concise instructions, expectations, and rubric for assessment purpose.  To reduce or avoid misunderstandings, all communications should be modeled in the CPA format, clear, professional, and appropriate.

I had a couple ah ha moments while reading this module on how to recognize both teacher and student readiness for online learning. Students have to assume more responsibility with an online curriculum, so students will have to self-evaluate their external environment and their internal drive and perhaps make some adjustments in order to be successful in the online platform.  There is so much opportunity for students to be proactive in setting their own learning pace and meet the challenge of online learning, while we all adjust to the shelter in place school year. The module provided strategies on how… >>>

I found the methods and strategies outlined to very useful in planning for online instruction, which is not merely the transfer of content, but the transformation of content in a user friendly format that can be easily monitored and assess.  My learning curve will be great as I self-teach how to establish the content information format, discussion boards, and online assessments.

This module focused my attention of the importance and value of methods employed by an effective facilitator. We wear many hats, as we support willing and not so willing learners, and we must have a proactive approach in communicating and structuring the curriculum with a balance of engaging learning opportunities. I will quickly ascertain if content delivery modifications meet student learning needs by closely and promptly reviewing feedback, thus allowing me to adjust if needed.  Facilitating student learning requires the facilitator to communicate in a prompt, professional, and supportive manner to elicit greater student participation.

I can see how both the synchronous and the asynchronous approach have both advantages and disadvantages.  My preference is majority of the content be presented in asynchronous format through over voice PP, discussion/response, online assessments, weekly virtual class interaction, and virtual office hours.  The asynchronous learning provides our students with anytime and anywhere access, as well as, self-learning in a constructivist model, which puts more responsibility on the learner to engage and demonstrate the depth of their understanding.  The less engaged learner will require more monitoring and all will require constant and supportive feedback and encouragement!

This module was very helpful in describing the possible online tools and technologies available to support both students and teacher in transitioning to online learning!  Online instruction is a new format to which I need to adapt my traditional PowerPoints with voice-over (great opportunity) to support the content and also incorporate new formats to elicit student understanding and perceptions.  I appreciate the different teaching styles presented and recognize myself leaning toward the facilitator style providing adequate support to life-long learners.

This module helped me to identify the effective strategies to manage course records and the importance of documenting chat discussions.  Communication will be the key to establishing a successful course by posting online norms and settling undesirable behaviors and conflicts via norms.  Also, the module presented methods to constructively manage behavioral traits of the varied learners in order to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all learners. The module helped me to recognize how to prevent or minimize student attrition! As an instructor, I must understand the student’s specific challenge; alienation, work load, other competing responsibilities or technical… >>>

This module helps to clarify why students may have difficulty participating and provides steps on how to draw out the reluctant learner.  First identify the passive student’s learning style as an Avoidant, Competitive, or Dependent and then implement best online practices, procedures and strategies to engage the student. Again the module emphasizes the importance of communicating to our students in a timely and positive way that will promote self-autonomy and support effective instruction.

Online courses are void of the typical cues presented by both the teacher and students in the traditional classroom, so instructors must be deliberate in their interactions. I can make my presence be felt by providing clear and concise directions, thoughtful responses to students in a timely manner, positive feedback and actively initiating/participating in discussion sessions, and modeling responses to assignments or discussion questions.

Adapting the current curriculum to online will be a challenge in some areas and easily adapted in others. We currently use an adequate Course Management System (CMS) that students are familiar with.  The CMS allows me to access student information, monitor progress, and communication academic progress to both student and parent. The CMS is already set up by modules with the assignments and due dates, etc.

The challenges I can foresee to moving online will be changing the delivery format and communicating differently.  Another challenge will be establishing online discussions, assessments, and I am sure there is so much more… >>>