Toya Green

The shift towards student centered and active learning is essential in producing passionate, competent and engaging individuals. It seems that primary schooling has moved away from this concept in requiring more standardized tests and teaching surrounding this. I enjoyed the several examples of active learning provided including the use of GPS to map activities.

This course provided a multitude of examples for social media use in online courses. I liked the break down of how students and instructors can utilize Twitter to engage in deep discussions and information discovery. I will definitely utilize the "Twitter Game" mentioned in this course to further engage students in using social media to supplement their educational development.

This course had some great tips on time management techniques while teaching an online course. It seems promoting significant student-student interaction and interdependence is important in not getting bogged down with student questions and emails. I liked the suggestion of including not only a FAQ but also a FAQT for technology issues and concerns. Also, keeping links and other documents in one folder will be a technique I will incorporate. Often links to external media such as YouTube videos break and need to be replaced.

I will begin to incorporate transcripts and recorded audio with course information for online content. It was surprising to learn that transcription services can cost anywhere from $600 - $1000/min.

Active and supportive communication is essential in any online environment and course. It is important to understand the backgrounds of different student populations and potential challenges. However we should always remember to support these students through postive interactions, supporting their strengths while helping them develop their weaknesses.

This course included good organization tips for a learning environment. I appreciate the distinctions made between the different roles of an online instructor and facilitator. Having a good balance of communication methods seems to be the most effective way of engaging and encouraging high levels of student learning. I intend to incoporate some synchronous class meetings in addition to asynchronous methods. Sometimes it is nice to have that 'human' and personal touch of visualization and face to face engagement if possible.

This course was a wealth of information on improving teaching techniques in an online environment to promote student centered learning. I plan to utilize FAQ discussions boards more, and have them be student led. From experience it seems as though students enjoy being able to 'self-help' and also builds a sense of community. I also thought the dynamic syllabus was an awesome idea to incorporate in an online course.

I enjoyed learning about different faicllitation techniques and interacting with students. I most appreciated the definitions of the different types of students. I found myself reflecting on the experiences I've had with peers in online courses. As an instructor I plan to employ the technique of requesting student biographies and sending personal welcome messages if possible.

I appreciate the active learning strategies demonstrated during this course. I plan to incorporate skeleton notes, guided lectures and impromtu small group discussions during lectures. I will also begin to incorporate student dramas and brainstorming activities into class sessions.

This course was very effective in introducing terminology and examples of different active learning strategies. I appreciate the discussion of high vs low-risk activities and impact of active learning success. I will began to incorporate ways to make passive learning such as lectures more active by incorporating guided lectures, skeleton notes, impromptu discussions and calling on general students instead of utilizing hand raising. I also love the idea of having student debates as well.