This course has been very different from other courses I have taken in the past. I was expected to create and develop three distinct online learning tools for experience in this realm. It is a first for sure. Overall, I know that I have shown growth in this area. We took three assessments throughout the course. This enabled me to see my growth from the start, at the mid point and one at the end. We are also expected to reflect and I was pleased with being able to participate in the conversation about my growth in this area of study becasue it is new. My plan is to continue by completing the online endorsement, so it is critical to reflect on my growth on online teaching and learning periodically.
In this course, I have learned how to create a syllabus for an online class, develop an online unit plan and build a module using Google Sites. All three learning tasks aligned great with one another and I was able to build from the start. The most challenging moment, surprisingly, was aligning the learning goals and objectives while simultaneously planning interactive, online content for my students. I cannot wait to implement this module with my students in the Spring.
I would also love to share my reflection about the iNACOL Standards becasue they were the defining guidelines in this course. Here is my reflection from Module one of this course:
"The iNACOL Standards are paramount when considering online learning and student achievement. Learning is measured by growth and accomplishments students are able to make in a learning environment. Learner strengths and weaknesses are also critical components to online learning.
All of the standards are important to teachers. These guidelines enforce accountability for the online learning platform design, atmosphere and collaboration that occurs in an online learning program. What will the design look like? How will students use the tools to grow? In what way will students be encouraged to communicate? The teacher must use these questions to guide their structural decisions to design the online program. The standards ensure engagement, student-centered learning, provide expectations and feedback, safe behaviors online and reliable assessment criteria. These are critical when considering any learning environment.
Parents benefit from these standards because they can be sure their child will have a successful journey through online learning. The most essential parent standard is the Standard E. This standard ensures the teacher models safe, ethical and legal technology use. It’s also something that parents may need help teaching their kiddos. It’s a win win when their child is taught through a life experience: online education.
Students benefit from ALL of the iNACOL standards. They are the consumers of these guidelines. The teacher is fostering an environment that enables students to grown and learn under intentional and clearly thought out structures. If I had to select a few standards that were “more important” to students I would choose Standards D and F. Standard D states that students will be provided with clear expectations and feedback. Everyone needs feedback and defined expectations in order to meet a target. It is essential to provide this structure for students. Standard F ensures that student needs are met. This includes diverse ways of providing information, individualized learning targets and goals based on the learner needs.
Learner needs defines education."
It was important to share this reflection becasue it embodies my learning experience in this course. Parents, teachers and students all benefit from the iNACOL standards for online learning. As you can see this knowledge has been very beneficial to my role as an Instructional Technology major.
In this course, I have learned how to create a syllabus for an online class, develop an online unit plan and build a module using Google Sites. All three learning tasks aligned great with one another and I was able to build from the start. The most challenging moment, surprisingly, was aligning the learning goals and objectives while simultaneously planning interactive, online content for my students. I cannot wait to implement this module with my students in the Spring.
I would also love to share my reflection about the iNACOL Standards becasue they were the defining guidelines in this course. Here is my reflection from Module one of this course:
"The iNACOL Standards are paramount when considering online learning and student achievement. Learning is measured by growth and accomplishments students are able to make in a learning environment. Learner strengths and weaknesses are also critical components to online learning.
All of the standards are important to teachers. These guidelines enforce accountability for the online learning platform design, atmosphere and collaboration that occurs in an online learning program. What will the design look like? How will students use the tools to grow? In what way will students be encouraged to communicate? The teacher must use these questions to guide their structural decisions to design the online program. The standards ensure engagement, student-centered learning, provide expectations and feedback, safe behaviors online and reliable assessment criteria. These are critical when considering any learning environment.
Parents benefit from these standards because they can be sure their child will have a successful journey through online learning. The most essential parent standard is the Standard E. This standard ensures the teacher models safe, ethical and legal technology use. It’s also something that parents may need help teaching their kiddos. It’s a win win when their child is taught through a life experience: online education.
Students benefit from ALL of the iNACOL standards. They are the consumers of these guidelines. The teacher is fostering an environment that enables students to grown and learn under intentional and clearly thought out structures. If I had to select a few standards that were “more important” to students I would choose Standards D and F. Standard D states that students will be provided with clear expectations and feedback. Everyone needs feedback and defined expectations in order to meet a target. It is essential to provide this structure for students. Standard F ensures that student needs are met. This includes diverse ways of providing information, individualized learning targets and goals based on the learner needs.
Learner needs defines education."
It was important to share this reflection becasue it embodies my learning experience in this course. Parents, teachers and students all benefit from the iNACOL standards for online learning. As you can see this knowledge has been very beneficial to my role as an Instructional Technology major.