Another semester is here!! I am really looking forward to the
learning in this semester's class! This semester I will be learning all about
the design of an online course. I expect that this will be the beginning
of the "meat" of the program with learning how to design your online
course this semester and then producing digital content next semester.
As I dig deeper into learning about producing digital content and
what it takes to have a successful online course, I can't help but think of the
similarities and the differences of the traditional verses the online learning
environments. Both learning environments aim to identify specific and
clearly stated learning goals or objectives, both rely on student participation
and instructor encouragement, and both environments prepare the student for a
series of class evaluations such as class discussions, exams, and quizzes. The difference
between these two environments relies more heavily on the online environment
than in the traditional classroom. Teaching online can be rewarding
because of the flexibility and the variety of learning styles that can be
presented to assist the student in online learning. Personally, I don't think an instructor's educational requirements
for online teaching versus the traditional classroom are any
different. I expect this class to help design my super power of teaching
into being more effective in an online environment.
Throughout this certificate program I have learned the importance of how the student learns, receives
feedback, and participates in classroom discussions. I have participated in
discussions about common problems in the online learning environment such as
lackluster student participation, late arrivals, and cheating within the
course. All of these discussions and solutions posted by myself and my classmates have been very
helpful in adjusting my thought processes on how I would like to conduct my
online class. I, myself, have participated in two online courses as a student,
and have thoroughly enjoyed both classes. Since I do not have a lot of
traditional classroom instruction both online classes have helped me to
visualize on what types of materials I should include in my own online course.
