End of Part One Blog/ONTL652

Reflections

Whew! After many readings, podcasts, discussions and one Wimba session, part one of the course is finally over. In one way, it took me forever to get to the end. In another way, it seemed like I just turned around and this part of the course was over.

What I Learned

One of the most important items that I learned was to review the syllabus periodically. In the past, I have tended to read it once (excitedly) at the beginning of the course and then forget about it. I found that this is not a good idea since there are many assignments in the syllabus that one needs to keep up on-like when the blog postings are due. Resolution: try to be more diligent in reviewing the syllabus for assignments.

Fun Assignments

I really enjoyed the ice-breaker discussion. It was enjoyable to read what animals the other students thought they were like. It was especially fun to see if I got it right and to see the animal pictures. This was a good way to initially build community. I felt my fellow students' personalities came through in their discussion posts.

Design

There was a great deal of time spent on learning about designing online courses, as one might expect. Especially enjoyable were the podcasts, as contact with the instructor was provided. Podcasts are also a technique that familiarizes the student with the instructor. The contact makes the student feel more comfortable in approaching the instructor.

Learner Issues

Two videos on learner issues were available for viewing. On one hand, it was good to hear the viewpoints of students on instruction. On the other hand, the students in "A Vision of Students Today", seemed more interested in blaming instructors for their unhappiness with the way courses were delivered, than taking responsiblity for their own learning. While I am a champion of efforts to engage students to learn, I think that we have gotten away from expecting students to take ownership of their learning. A stark example of this is the student who held up the sign that stated "I don't read textbooks" or something similar. While as I stated previously, I do want to engage, but don't feel that I need to entertain.

Constraints and Considerations

Readings on designer constraints and considerations emphasized the reality of my world in creating online classes. In particular, budget constraints are the one barrier that leads to all other barriers in designing and implementing an online course. While it is necessary for the course designer to be well versed not only in design, but in technical aspects of course construction, designers are not all experts. Designers need professional instructional designers and experts in course construction for consultation and trouble shooting.

The Paper

I liked the instructors strategy of having students do the paper in sections. That way the paper gets done and the student avoid waiting until the last minute to turn in the assignment. The use of the design team was effective in three ways:

1. Provided feedback to improve the paper before grading
2. Provided an opportunigy for group interaction and community building
3. Stimulated critical thinking

Next Up

It is with some anxiety that I approach the next section. I am fairly confident of evaluation mechanisms. I do have a fear of rubrics. Mine always seem so rudimentary. I am curious aoubt how well the online rubric mechanisms will work. Stay tuned.