Elizabeth Lane

Within this section of the module, I was intrigued by a number of points, but here I will mention two of them: (1) According to research studies, most people who lose their jobs is because they lack “people skills” in getting along with their colleagues, which is why having students in small and large groups working collaboratively together on a project is essential in building people skills and emotional intelligence; and (2) another way of having students exercise their critical thinking skills is by having them “teach instructors,” for example, by developing a glossary of terms or a resource guide… >>>

Comment on Deborah Donaldson Simmons's post:  I agree with your comment.  I, too, was thrust into teaching online with short notice during the pandemic.  Students were advised that their camera had to be on at all times -- and not with it facing the ceiling -- and students needed to be visible throughout the session.  If they were not visible on their camera, then they were informed that they would be "booted" out of that class session.  However, when they needed to be away for a few minutes (for a short break to the lavatory), they were told to… >>>

Mentioned in a section of this module are some key “low risk” engagement strategies for involving students:

• provide relevance to the students’ lives in your active learning assignments.
• use inspirational notes throughout the term.
• give student clear boundaries but let them use their creativity.
• give students parameters and good examples of exemplary work to follow.
• use vivid examples.
• set high standards and expectations for the students from the beginning.
• provide targeted feedback; and
• explain how to use knowledge not just memorize it. 

The second bullet above specifies the activity of the instructor sending “inspirational notes” throughout the term.  I think… >>>

Comment on Catherine Holtman's post: Comment on Shahid Hussain's post: I agree with your statement that there is a significant initial time investment for the instructor to adapt prior material that was used in the traditional classroom to incorporate into the online experience.  For this to work well for all involved, I believe that the instructor should receive an incentive and/or be appropriately compensated for their time.

Comment on Justice Osei-Tutu's post: I agree with your narrative regarding active learning participation through small and large group assignments that encourage students interacting with students and the role of the instructor designated as a mentor and facilitator. 

Active learning requires students to self-reflect, through journaling or discussion, by analyzing their learning processes, experiences, and outcomes to improve future performance.  It involves utilizing journalistic questions—Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why (and not necessarily in that order)—to develop their critical thinking about their educational journey. 

Journalistic Questions for Active Reflection:

• What: What did I learn? What went well, and what could be done better? What was the goal?
• How: How did I accomplish this? How did I feel about the task? How did I handle challenges?
• Why: Why is this important? Why did I choose this strategy? Why
… >>>

In a section of this module, “The Seven Principles” developed and revised (1996) by Chickering and Ehrmann inform us that new technologies and information enhanced the core educational practices.  The Seven Principles follow:  

• Encourage contact between students and the instructor.
• Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students.
• Encourage active learning.
• Provide prompt feedback.
• Emphasize time on task.
• Communicate high expectations.
• Respect diverse talents and ways of learning. 

The concept that relies on “cooperation among students” is one that I believe, if properly utilized, can lead to true collaboration among students.  It’s important for them to learn that the professional world… >>>

Comment on Natalie Cutcher's post: I agree with your statement.  Some students will have a terrific amount of technological savviness, but this does not apply to all students.  There should be a tutorial made available to all students at the start of the online program to demonstrates the basics of using the available technology.

As mentioned in one section of this module, the elements of an effective Learning Management System (LMS) that enhance the online learning space for many reasons: centralized administration, content delivery, messaging and notification tools, collaboration tools, assessment tools, and grade center.  However, the downside is that the LMS is that there is a lack of personal interaction. Therefore, it cannot replace the mentoring, collaboration, and immediate feedback of in-person training.

During this section of the module, I appreciated the mention of effective communication being composed of three components: Clear, Professional, and Appropriate.

• Clear communication is focused and concise.
• Professional refers to the communication protocols and norms within a professional setting.
• Appropriate communication must be tailored to the specific audient and must always be respectful.