Cynthia Haefele

 I learned that it is just as necessary or maybe more important to be organized and detailed in record keeping.   I was also surprised to see that behaviors demonstrated in the classroom are similiar in the online environment. It's  reassuring that the institutions guidelines and practices should be thes same with e-learning as in the class room.   

I have always used break out sessions for students to get to know each other during the 1st week of a traditional class and I have always given a brief summary of myself.  I learned that having students doing a biography on themselves in an on line setting is not only acceptable, but a great a tool for students to learn about each other as well as me getting to know my students.  

I learned the characteristics of the online learning styles - avoidant, competitive and dependent. These are   different than the classroom face to face styles that we traditional encounter.   I also learned that the asynchronous discussions are key to getting the higher participation rates. Now lets see if it works!

I believe this process would work at any age.   The problem comes in with technology understanding in general.   With a more detailed orientation as to the type of equipment being used for the individual this is doable! 

I was concerned with the various forms of communication the students may or maynot be able to utilize and am glad to see that the autonomy to use a variety of forms is acceptable.   I learned that a structured platform, curriculam, etc. makes this a better learning experience for my students.