Jaylen Bradley

I liked how this course has helped me understand that it is okay and most preferred to have various levels of data analyses to help with your course improvements. You cannot just go based on student evaluations, but also do your own self-reflection, looking at the syllabus, looking at student grades, looking at your peer feedback, etc. 

This module was really big on making sure you provide constructive feedback via rubrics, emails, and assignments. The way it should be used is to encourage students to continue the great work or to improve their work to measure their understanding of the content and objectives.

This module really explained the importance of instructor participation with students via the in-class instructional time and out of class discussion boards. The module also emphasizes the importance of going over the syllabus and allowing space for students to ask questions and learn from one another - a skill I have done a lot in my classes so far.

You want to be able to have things in your online course as structured and organized in accessible places as possible. You also want to be mindful of your usage of text and font size.

I learned that every student may come to us with a lot of things on their plates - personally and professionally. We as instructors should meet students where they are at and provide as much support as possible, but also be sure to hold them accountable in making sure that they meet the academic courseload and expectations.

I learned that you want to be able to really use the discussion boards intentionally - with a sense of encouragement, attentiveness, and further insight. I think that it shows as an instructor that you are homing in to how your students think and how they engage with each other and the given prompts.

I learned that you want to be able to build rapport with your students by sharing your personal biography, professional experience, and also some hobbies/interests. That way students can see you as a "person" but also one with "authority and presence" as you also are talking with them in discussion boards and grading them accordingly.

I am glad to have learned that I am incorporating all that the module has mentioned so far in regard to being an online instructor - posting announcements, timely grading, providing feedback, answering questions, and knowing the course content and assignments.