Joy Summerville

The course thus far has reaffirmed my belief in the fact that, as educators, we have a responsibility to be self-aware and empathetic. However, administrators play a direct role in this. The move to online learning has been extremely difficult for students of all ages and instructors of all experience levels. Many institutions were scrambling to find the right software with which to deliver instruction. However, they should have also been working just as diligently to ensure instructors had the tools needed to increase their self-efficacy. The increased confidence in one's ability to effectively teach in the online format helps… >>>

I received several jewels in this module. I fully intend to use some of the techniques and tools provided, particularly as it pertains to the use of videos to personalize the course.

I learned that blogging is an effective way to allow students to express themselves and be more interactive in the online arena. When purposefully used, it can make learning more effective.

I learned several ways to integrate microblogging into an online course, including using the character limitations of Twitter to help students be more concise in their communication.

I learned that there are definitely challenges when asking students to use Media Hosting and Sharing. One of those challenges is the assessment of their efforts. However, the willingness to be flexible and use tools such as rubrics and peer reviews can be helpful.

I learned that social netwroking is a great way to engage students, especially when a teacher is not having success through the traditional means. It shows students we are willing to meet them where they are. It also humanizes all parties.

After I take attendance and go over the course syllabus, I always play a game with the students. It does not matter how old my students are. I always tell them I do my best to make the class both informative and enjoyable. It never fails to reinforce the fact that I mean what I say.