Gilissa Hagedorn

As the instructor, I need to set the guidelines of effective communiation, let the students know what will or will not be acceptable.  I must encourage participation in the discussion groups but also make sure they know that no response or responses not adding content to the discussion will result in a lower grade.  Posting a rubric with these expectations will reinforce the expectation.

I have learned that it is important to utilize all forms of technology and software available.  It is also important to make sure the tool is an effective form of communication and works well with the course. As instructors we also need to communicate how we would like our students to communicate with us.  Whether it be text speak or professional speak.  I feel that in order to prepare these students to the working professional world, text speak should not be allowed.

The take away for me is to make sure the course is organized.  All information pertaining to a subject should be together.  Ease of use for the students should be taken into account.  Have your course content evaluated by a peer or a student to critique/recommend changes .

In an online learning environment, students will take everything sent to them literally.  They cannot see body language or hear tome of voice.  I have to be careful how I provide feedback to make sure my words are not harsh or can be misinterpreted or cause misunderstandings.  Keep an eye on discussions to make sure the integrity of the discussion is not lost in trivial conversations and make sure to draw the conversation back to the topic.

I have learned that whether the class is synchronous or asynchronous, teachers need to have great communication with their students.  Students must be able to feel that they can have their questions answered in a timely fashion.  Content needs to be organized and presented in a manner that promotes learning.

There are so many tools available for instructors to use.  They just to be able to use the right tool fo the right teaching style. They need to be able to use each tool effectively to provide the best learning experience for the students. If one tool does not work, try another.

universal design is a good way to accomodate all students whether they have a disability or not.  Faculty needs to discuss individually with their students on the accommodations they would need to be successful in class.  As faculty we also need to be aware if the accommodation makes sense or if the student is looking for additional unneeded support to be successful, provoiding an unfair advantage in comparison to other students. 

This module has taught me that we need to assist the students learning needs individually.  Not every student with the same disabilitit's has the same problems, in the example of the blind and deaf students.  As instructors, we need to speak with them individually to find their learning styles or needs and assist in accommodating them to be successful.

Accommodations need to be made for students with disabilities, however, they are still held to the same standards of other students.  Accommodations are not made for cheating for example.  Emotional support animals are not service animals and accomodations do not need to be made for those students.  I have learned a lot from this module.  Students that are ESL also do not need to be accommodated based solely on their inability to process the text and answers within the allotted time frame for taking a test.  Accommodations are also based on a case by case basis, but they all need… >>>

Students with learning disablites can make classroom instruction easier for all the students.  It would require slowing things down and providing more time to process the information being taught.  it will be a good skill to acuire to become a better instructor.