This module helped me understand that assessing students’ use of media hosting and sharing sites depends on the assignment and its learning outcomes. 

Students could submit a recording early in the course and another near the end, then compare their delivery, pacing, organization, and confidence. I would use a rubric to assess their performance and ask students to reflect on their progress. Peer feedback would also give them opportunities to practice constructive criticism and learn from one another. This approach would help me assess both the finished work and students’ growth throughout the course.

This module helped me understand that using social networking in an online classroom requires clear learning goals and expectations. Posting frequently does not necessarily demonstrate learning. Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a useful framework for developing assignments that ask students to apply concepts, analyze information, evaluate sources, and create original content.

I intend to apply this in my classes by providing a rubric before students begin an assignment. I would also evaluate the assignment itself through student feedback and the quality of the resulting work. My goal is to make social networking a purposeful opportunity for collaboration and learning.

This module discussed the traits common with the True Colors model. For example qualities of a good instructor might include warm and caring, set high expectations, has a love of learning, and maintains professionalism. It is important for an instructor to incorporate the qualities of a good instructor into their classroom. Personality styles also can play a role in  teaching styles - authority/lecture style, demonstrator/coach style, delegator/ group style, and facilitator/activity style. Successful student traits might include curiosity to keep learning, diligence to get tasks done on time, and an ability to learn from their mistakes. Taking all these personality… >>>

This module went into more detail about the True Colors model for describing personalities. Blue - more easy going; Gold - more rigid; Green - thinks outside the box; and Orange - action oriented. It is important for instructors to understand their own personality traits, communication styles, and expectations in order to adjust their approach to teaching and to their students. 

This module discussed the history of defining personality types through the work of Hippocrates, Jung, Kiersey, Myers-Briggs, and Lowery. While each scientist used different descriptors, there are lots of similarities between the different traits and conclusions. Understanding different personality traits can help an instructor adjust their teaching style, communicate better with students based on their individual traits, and design projects and work groups based on who might work well together. 

 I know that my biggest downfall is not interacting with my online students often enough. I think I am going to try to learn how to make a Wiki. I wonder if any specific courses on here can help me learn how to use some of the newer online platforms.

Here I gathered more info about which interactive tools to use for different scenarios.
I'll apply the learnings by using the different options more often, and strategically.

I also was refreshed on the idea of using external tools, so I'm interested in finding some that I like for future use.

I appreciate the way this section contrasted various ways the same information can be presented. Emphasizing validation can enable teachers to communicate the same information more effectively 

This module emphasizes the importance of social interaction in the online environment. Regardless of academic trends, students still benefit more from face-to-face interactions than from simply watching or reading things online.