Module 3 + Parter Project

It's Sunday night, I just got finished watching NCAA basketball games and wrapped up my last assignment for module 3.

What I have enjoyed about this online class is the freedom at which assignments can be completed. I have learned that online learning is truly a 24/7 process. I love the fact that I can sit at my house, in my comfy sweats, have a basketball game playing in the background, and work on my class work all at the same time.

I feel that this is something that really hits home for some students. I have a cousin who is 17 and battling a chronic illness who has turned to online learning. She is a smart, young, beautiful girl who had to turn to online learning due to health issues. Without the option of online classes, she would not be graduating with her classmates this spring.

All this being said, I have gained valuable knowledge during module 3 about online assessments. Many of the assessments I already incorporate into my traditional classroom. I believe it's important to give assessments other then tests. I was not a huge fan of tests while in high school/college and found that if I was able to use another medium where I could be creative to show my understanding,  I did much better.

I was partnered with teacher in another school district for the partner project. I truly got the feel of having to collaborate with a partner that I never see in person. This required us to send A LOT of e-mails and discuss our ideas through multiple messages back and forth. I thought that it was pretty easy but I think it helped that Kelsey always responded in a timely manner. I could see where it would be frustrating (just like in a traditional classroom) if your partner would not communicate or do their assigned tasks.

Module 2 Recap

Our online class is just wrapping up module 2 and I have really enjoyed this module. There are many new resources I have learned. I have listed a few thoughts/ideas that I took from this module.

1. The core beliefs of effective online teaching (Guide to Teaching Online Courses)

1. Courses should be instructor-led
2. courses should be student-centered
3. Learning should be collaborative in nature
4. Coursework should maximize participation flexibility while providing a framework for student pacing
5. Courses should foster 21st Century and Information and Communication Technology learning skills
6. Course format, expectations and instructions should be clear and concise
7. Activities & assessments should account for different learning styles
8. Courses should use the best practices
1. I enjoyed listening to the video on technology integration. It really put into perspective for me how technology really drives our students lives. I feel that I am pretty up to date on using technology and integrating it into my lesson plans. Our students are bombarded with technology and I think it foolish to not try and use technology as a resource in the classroom. 
2. SlideRocket was a new website I learned about in this module that I have given my students as a resource if they do not have PowerPoint at home. This allows them to create presentations without having the Microsoft software on their computer (which many of our students do not).
3. After reading the "Access and Equity in Online Classes and Virtual Schools" article, it made me think that these online courses are not perfect. There will be downfalls to them. It has broadened my perspective on the pros and cons of online learning. I see value in face-to-face classrooms but can also see where online learning can come into play for certain classes and certain students.