Actually I spent some time looking through the Module 1 resources. I thought they were fantastic and had ideas that could even translate into my face-to-face courses.
My biggest challenge in develop an online course will be fostering collaboration. I don't want to make it feel forced, but it will be. I want others to get into a routine for collaboration. I see a benefit to online programs in that students are in the habit of being connected via an online environment. They've developed a routine (or will need to) that works for them for doing the work and responding to the others in their group.
I think that has been the biggest challenge for me. It is hard to make online learning a priority when there isn't accountability. I did feel a big sense of lost opportunity when I did not participate in this course over the Memorial Day weekend. I made other things and people my priority. And now it feels like I'm chasing down the work that has done by my peers. I feel I may have jeopardized their good work as well.
I'm wondering if this sense of ownership will change as I'm the course instructor for an online course. I'm sure that I will be much more invested. I liked the idea of having students take the lead for some parts of the course or an assignment.
I'm thinking this lesson has been valuable for me. I'm hoping it will be one that my students don't have to experience. However, if they do, I now know how to encourage them. Here's some of my suggestions:
1. Make time - find a time that works for you to do online learning and stick with it. For me, that will mean setting reminders on my calendar.
2. Be a regular - I like coffee and have the routine of having some every morning. I think being part of the online environment is like this. I don't suggest doing a lot a work in one sitting. Rather, I think that ongoing regular work will be a more effective way to learn, to communicate, and to collaborate with others.
3. Own the learning - I want to learn how to be a better instructor through this course. I want to be a better online instructor and face-to-face instructor. I'm looking for ways to improve myself, my attitude, and my ideas of how to learn.
OK. That's my start. I'm sticking to it. I also think I'm going to add to this in the days ahead.
You're right Joy - it would be great if students would just collaborate on their own (and some would), but many would just choose not to. I also don't like to force students to work together, and I would welcome ways for them to choose to do this.
ReplyDeleteI like your suggestions. As an instructor of online courses going on right now, I find that I need to check in several times a day. Actually I don't NEED to check in, but I feel that if I don't, I will have that much more awaiting me the next time I do. I also want students to know, especially in these beginning weeks, that I am invested and am closely monitoring what they are doing.
I especially like your connection to typical routine things we all take for granted...coffee and connecting with students are great ideas to do together. If I checked my online courses every time I filled by coffee or tea mug, then that would be a great connection. But I might be overloaded with caffeine,
ReplyDeleteI love your three points.. in particular the "be a regular." I'm having a hard time making this into my regular routine myself... Great point!
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