Mae Dorado

I agree that multiple evaluations and multiple inputs are necessary to improve your online course.  Also, it's never the same for every course if you consider the various student learning styles.

One thing that has really stood out to me so far is the idea that feedback should be focused on improving student learning, rather than explaining or defending the grade. The rubric already does the work of justifying the grade, so our comments should really be used to help students grow and understand how to improve.

I also found it meaningful to think about how important it is to connect feedback directly to the assignment objectives and course learning outcomes. When students can see that connection, it gives more purpose to the feedback and helps them understand the “why” behind… >>>

Effective instructional delivery in an online course begins with clear and detailed communication outlined in the syllabus. Providing thorough directions on how students should communicate—such as where discussions take place, how to participate, what topics to address, and who will facilitate—helps set clear expectations from the start. Including examples of appropriate responses can further guide students toward meaningful participation.

I find that detailed instructions are an essential foundation for student success, as they reduce confusion and promote engagement. In my experience, a syllabus is never too long when it is thorough and clearly communicates course requirements.

Maintaining a well-organized database of learning objects is an effective way to save time and streamline course development, as it allows educators to quickly sort, locate, and integrate content. Learning objects can vary in size, complexity, and level of interaction, and when combined thoughtfully, they can create a more engaging and comprehensive learning experience. I find this concept especially valuable as I continue developing future courses. Currently, I use a variety of handouts that I have created or sourced from reputable materials, and organizing these as learning objects would enhance both efficiency and consistency. Additionally, keeping these resources tied to… >>>

In my communication courses, I’ve recently been exploring the True Colors personality types, and it’s really opened my eyes to how differently people think, communicate, and approach situations. I’ve learned that everyone has a blend of all four colors—Blue, Gold, Green, and Orange—but one usually stands out most. Understanding these traits has helped me an d my students appreciate others’ strengths and recognize why certain personalities work well together (and sometimes clash).

This insight has taught me how important it is to adapt our communication and teaching styles to meet different student needs. In healthcare especially, that kind of awareness… >>>

It was great to review the various personality assessments in this class.  I’ve been using personality assessments with my medical assisting students, and it’s really helped them understand not only themselves but also how to connect better with others. In healthcare, communication and empathy are just as important as clinical skills, and I’ve noticed that when students start recognizing their own communication styles—and how those differ from their classmates—they become more aware and adaptable in group settings.

What’s interesting is how this awareness carries over into their patient interactions. When they understand that people respond differently to stress, instruction, or… >>>

In my experience, active learning provides many benefits for the student, better retention and meaningful understanding of concepts.  My student evaluations have comments about how engaging activities helped with critical thinking and how to understand a situation better.  What resonated with me in the section, and what I have discovered is true with my own students, that breaking the topics into manageable pieces is a key to successful active learning. 

What really resonated with me...It is important for teachers not to make assumptions about their students in relation to their experience, background, preexisting knowledge, or skill level. I have learned it is important to treat everyone as they are learning a particular skill for the first time, it helps to correct bad habits and provides opportunities for students to demonstrate what they know and the skills they have learned. I agree that application of skills and in-context learning are so important to ensure comprehension has been established. It also helps to provide close to real-life situations as much as possible… >>>