Darla Cortez

It was interesting to learn about some of the different response types of students in the online learning environment as well as the tendency for some students to procrastinate it was helpful to identify some techniques to help combat some of the students that may dominate discussion boards or steer them in a direction that is not helpful for other students. 

The importance of feedback and the wording of feedback in the online learning environment is undeniable. I have had instructors who encourage me to be more robust in my discussion board responses and it really helped drive me to take my learning and reflection to a higher level. 

It was interesting to know some techniques instructors can use to help students feel supported and like they are not alone in the online learning environment. In my experience some instructors are better at this then others. The use of media when appropriate is also important. 

Having taken multiple online courses myself I can understand some of the unique needs of online students. Many of them may feel they need support but are unsure how to get it, as an instructor it is a goal of mine to remain visible for my students and to check in and post often especially when big assignments are due so that my students feel supported. 

Online learning is something that is somewhat new but is not going away any time soon so it is essential for instructors to become familiar with the platforms that will be used and to continue to stay up to date on new technological advances. 

For clinicals it will be important for me to remember that students learn in three ways: trial by error, observation, and hands on. 

I learned the importance of explaining the course expectations, meeting times, and how the students can contact me. 

The importance of curriculum writing and planning prior to instruction is something I learned in this module

As a teacher I learned that it is easy to fall into a relationship with students that is considered "pals" but that this is not productive and that instead students can relate to instructors as friends and support systems instead.