Module 8: Creating Your Online Learning Environment
What I’m Taking With Me
by Rhonda Sharpe
I am leaving with much more than I could have imagined (almost too much). When this course began eight weeks ago, I had never taken an online class. I had no idea what to expect and no tangible reference point. I leave eight weeks later with an enthusiasm that radiates whenever I talk about this class and my pursuit of the certificate.
Week one was a whole new terrain. I had only experienced a face-to-face learning environment for the past seven years (with a one year break in-between my undergraduate and start of my graduate program). Without the advantage of non-verbal communication as an aid, I struggled to become accustomed to 2-D interactions. It did get better quickly and I now have a greater appreciation of the nuances involved in effective online communication. I have traded in my bias against online instruction into a positive supporter. Netiquette is a term I will be using on a regular basis. Manners are important regardless of the platform.
I have a new appreciation for the art of facilitating and how vital the role of the instructor plays in the online learning experience. One myth is that it is so much easier to teach online and to that notion I say contraire! You do not have the same advantages to think “on the fly” when you are guiding asynchronous dialogues that take place over several days or weeks. With so many touch-points, the instructor must stay two steps ahead to ensure that learner needs are being met.
My own learning was challenged in that I had become mentally lazy believing that classroom instruction was superior. There are differences, but we can all benefit and learn in a multitude of environments and one is not superior to another. If someone learns something, does it really matter how they did it? The end goal is so much more important. It is easy to cling to fallacies that reinforce our own beliefs. I appreciate being challenged and am happy to report that this course proved me wrong.
I am now more determined than ever to continue pursuing a teaching career. Education is something that can never be taken away from someone. I must now act on my belief that, if you are an educator, it is your obligation to be willing to meet people where they are at. I will be using pre-course surveys and continuous feedback methods in all courses that I create from now on. This is in consideration of the learner so that they can measure for themselves what they understand and where they need additional help.
I’m exhausted just thinking about how Maggie managed to keep the course moving along so smoothly. She has inspired me to continue on the path of online instruction. The biggest highlight for me came in the last three weeks. The curation, E-portfolio and reflective letter bring it all together in a neat package.
Thank you to my classmates for a wonderful introductory online experience! I wish everyone the best of luck in whatever challenges lie ahead. We have traveled so far in such a short time just imagine what we will do!
Rhonda
by Rhonda Sharpe
I am leaving with much more than I could have imagined (almost too much). When this course began eight weeks ago, I had never taken an online class. I had no idea what to expect and no tangible reference point. I leave eight weeks later with an enthusiasm that radiates whenever I talk about this class and my pursuit of the certificate.
Week one was a whole new terrain. I had only experienced a face-to-face learning environment for the past seven years (with a one year break in-between my undergraduate and start of my graduate program). Without the advantage of non-verbal communication as an aid, I struggled to become accustomed to 2-D interactions. It did get better quickly and I now have a greater appreciation of the nuances involved in effective online communication. I have traded in my bias against online instruction into a positive supporter. Netiquette is a term I will be using on a regular basis. Manners are important regardless of the platform.
I have a new appreciation for the art of facilitating and how vital the role of the instructor plays in the online learning experience. One myth is that it is so much easier to teach online and to that notion I say contraire! You do not have the same advantages to think “on the fly” when you are guiding asynchronous dialogues that take place over several days or weeks. With so many touch-points, the instructor must stay two steps ahead to ensure that learner needs are being met.
My own learning was challenged in that I had become mentally lazy believing that classroom instruction was superior. There are differences, but we can all benefit and learn in a multitude of environments and one is not superior to another. If someone learns something, does it really matter how they did it? The end goal is so much more important. It is easy to cling to fallacies that reinforce our own beliefs. I appreciate being challenged and am happy to report that this course proved me wrong.
I am now more determined than ever to continue pursuing a teaching career. Education is something that can never be taken away from someone. I must now act on my belief that, if you are an educator, it is your obligation to be willing to meet people where they are at. I will be using pre-course surveys and continuous feedback methods in all courses that I create from now on. This is in consideration of the learner so that they can measure for themselves what they understand and where they need additional help.
I’m exhausted just thinking about how Maggie managed to keep the course moving along so smoothly. She has inspired me to continue on the path of online instruction. The biggest highlight for me came in the last three weeks. The curation, E-portfolio and reflective letter bring it all together in a neat package.
Thank you to my classmates for a wonderful introductory online experience! I wish everyone the best of luck in whatever challenges lie ahead. We have traveled so far in such a short time just imagine what we will do!
Rhonda