Igor Len

I learned about OHT and USDLA. Online Communication Strategies and basic relational writing practices. Choice of words and positive vs. punitive language and variety of type of statements. 

I learned that technology trends matter to retention. Technology-Mediated communication - TMC, importance and ability to shape communications without non-verbal cues.

I have learned about very first digital classroom developed at University of Illinois called PLATO and the Online Learning Consortium. Along with online market trends and seven competencies.

I learned about retention factors and an incredible financial loss from absence of retention. The loss is also in chance to provide a quality education that did not happen either. How campus climate is important to student retention.

I learned that critical thinking skills could be incorporated into the learning process, which is extremely helpful. Synchronous discussion boards and blogs are great tools for that.

Remembering that instructor is a facilitator in learning process. Variety of media types of student presentations are important.

And group activities are paramount especially for Digital Natives.

The best takeaway" “learning is not so much an additive process, with new learning simply piling up on top of existing knowledge, as it is an active, dynamic process in which the connections are constantly changing and the structure reformatted.”

I learned that taking three to five strategies and incorporate them into a course may help, and organizing the course around learning objectives may be not enough.

Encourage them to think is extremely important!

I learned that everything starts with instructor's attitude, willingness to adapt the active learning method. Quite a few critisisms and concerns from the colleagues doesn't help either. The style of teaching almost in one direction is the opposite to what needs to happen. The loss of control in this case is also quite a concern.

Then there is a possible concern on a side of the students that are used to force fed teaching style...

Very helpful and insightful chapter!

Learned the concept of Active Learning, and its principles which is extremely helpful. In addition - Collaborative learning, Cooperative learning, and Problem-based learning add to overall understanding of how many different approaches exists and what are their positive and negative sides.

The directions for Syllabus, Course Pages, Audio or video files, LMS were invaluable.

I learned about importance of time and timing and about plethora of resources available to assist.