Lori Swanson

I have learned that nothing is set in stone. You may start at a younger age with a certain color trait but it may be entirely different as you gather life experiences and maturity. My younger students tend to be orange(ish). They do have some blue and green. Just being able to recognize the differences will help the instructor and student succeed.

I had been using the Authority/Lecture style but found out quickly it doesn't always work in the online environment. I still "lecture" but I also demonstrate and facillitate.

Looking at these traits I believe some fit a color to a "T". But, I believe most are definitely a combination of at least two, if not three. Environment and age are a big factor. Being able to identify traits helps in the classroom.

I understand the concept of personality traits, this can be very advantageous. However, people can fall into different categories. Using this as a guideline when preparing a class is important to reach all of your students.

Now I understand why a number of students do not have critical thinking skills when they come to a post high school environment. Many don't have problem solving skills. I will have to incorporate more group projects with team building skills.

Students may not be comfortable with active learning. The instructor should make the active learning fun. Lack of student motivation and anxiety can and will hinder successful learning. Always give feedback, including feedback for assignments well done.

R2D2 reading, reflective writing, displaying, and doing.

Many instructors (like myself) were forced to go to online teaching because of Covid 19. I have to admit I wasn't too happy but I have adapted. I still lecture but I have incorporated more active learning techniques. This does keep the student more engaged. There are some students that still say "just teach me what I need to know", but as they move along in the course they realize they are learning what they need to know.

The online environment can be difficult. The course content needs to "capture" the student. Traditional lecturing should be done with many intervals. In an active learning environment the responsibility for learning is put on the student.

I have kept all of my teaching material for 20+ years. I have used a great deal of that material to enhance the online experience. I believe the Formative evaluations benefit the students a great deal. I do incorporate a fair amount of dynamic content in my courses.

Online education relies more on the written feedback than an actual conversation face to face. Social presence is very limited. A Zoom classroom will help with audio and visual feedback. Instructors should communicate with students on a regular basis. Communication should also have boundries.

Be organized and diciplined and stick to it. Time management and planning.