Sarah Towne

My biggest takeaway from this section was the need for clarity and consistency in planning the course module configuration. I also loved the advice on making learning objects more accessible and bringing in sources from beyond the existing class material to further enhance the lessons learned.

I really appreciated the focus on how to deal with difficult students, and how to counsel those facing difficulties. The ideas for storing course communication and discussions/materials will definitely help keep me organized.

I appreciated the different approaches and contexts in which synchronous vs. asynchronous discussion sessions can be used to create meaningful student engagement in a virtual environment.

I appreciated the strategies for projecting your presence into the virtual classroom and am looking forward to implementing some of the suggestions (such as asking students to share brief biographies of themselves) in my next virtual class.

While I've already been teaching online for quite a while, I found the information regarding all of the skills and proficiencies in dealing with the virtual format, especially in terms of understanding and navigating the Course Management System, very helpful. I also appreciated the idea of trying to access all of the online resources in the same way the students will have to in order to better help them if they have issues accessing anything. 

I realize that not all students are equally ready to approach the class in the most productive way, but this module helped highlight some of the ways in which I can address any disconnects between myself and a student or a student and the class itself. The idea about listening before responding aligns with my policy of always allowing students to voice their concerns or any disagreements so long as they remain civil, and the conversation doesn't derail the class unnecessarily.

I really appreciated the strategies for how to deal with various students who might not be on task or very attentive. I was especially impressed by the concept of 'Minute papers'--giving students a prompt at the end of lecture or activities that summarizes the concepts of the day's lesson seems like a great way to increase student engagement across the board.

Establishing firm standards for assignment due dates and clear expectations for participation are essential to the success of the class. Students should be reminded of the difference between classes they took in high school and the greater level of responsibility and performance expected in a post-secondary educational program.

Personality and authenticity are key to skillful lecturing in the classroom. One of the best ways to address the wide variety of learning styles and interest levels while instructing students is to vary your method of instruction and tailor it to maintain student engagement by always paying close attention to the feedback you receive as you teach. In this way, you can evolve and expand your skillset, while also enhancing the experience for your students.

I have learned that it's important to give the students time to acclimate to a new classroom environment, and the best way to do this is through getting to know them and giving them an opportunity to get to know each other better.