Get Your Students Hired
I found it interesting that they referred to authentic learning. I am not sure with COVID how many students are actually producing authentic learning. Many students are retaking courses and reusing old papers or papers bought off the internet. Almost every exam can be purchansed online. How do we maintain authentic learning without changing our tests and questions?
This module emphasized the importance of the instructor acting as a social director, program manager, and technical assistant. It also stressed the role of the instructor as facilitator, and the importance of evaluation.
Copious feedback is critical. I'm not a fan of being the technical expert for the technology used in our courses. We have help desks for that.
In this section the feedback and interaction of the students was analyzed. It is important to take this feedback into consideration to facilitate the learning environment whether it is synchronous or asynchronous.
It is important to evaluate facilitation of learning in the course and to make changes or adjustments as needed to continually improve the course to help students achieve the outcomes.
I learned that the professor have to write a syllabus with all de tasks and strategies for the lessons.
Facilitation skills that are needed: Engage students in the learning process, particularly in the beginning, use appropriate questioning, listening, and feedback skills, provide direction and support to learners, manage online discussions, build or facilitate building of online teams, facilitate relationship building, and motivate students.
Being a facilitator means more than just being a teaching providing information. Being a fecilitator is being a resource for students for information, knowledge, skill, and providing students with opportunities to think and research on their own. Also being a support system for the student not only regarding the subject matter but even in terms of IT and time manegement.
The many roles that on line instructors accept are challenging and must be understood to prevent student drop off or disengagement. Consistency is critical and timeliness of responses important.
I learned that I must foster a high degree of student participation and interactivity. Find tools and explain to students so that they feel comfortable with technology and achieve the objectives and expectations that I want to teach. Always keep in mind to always review the course.
Holistic inclusion in learning is necessary, implementing differentiated instruction as a key tool for engagement and learning in general.
Interactions is most important. Facilitator, with students and students with students interaction should be encouraged for the best outcome from the course.
Shah Rahman
In this module, I have learned the importance address the needs of learners by guiding self-directed, realistic, problem-based learning experience. In my online courses, I will apply structure learning opportunities in which learners make their own meanings by discovering content on their own.
Provide clear expectations through the syllabus. Foster learner centeredness, structure problem-based learning and authentic work, and provide informative feedback that is geared toward each individual student. Constant evaluation of the entire course and the specific tasks within the course is essential. Take student feedback/evaluation seriously!
Teaching online is challenging as you don't get to meet your students or know them on a personal level. Therefore, it's important to engage them and encourage active particpation and communication.
In an online learning environment, students will take everything sent to them literally. They cannot see body language or hear tome of voice. I have to be careful how I provide feedback to make sure my words are not harsh or can be misinterpreted or cause misunderstandings. Keep an eye on discussions to make sure the integrity of the discussion is not lost in trivial conversations and make sure to draw the conversation back to the topic.