Magen Goforth

Using online technology, such as learning management systems, web conference platforms, social media, and various apps, in the classroom is essential for enhancing student engagement, facilitating communication and collaboration, providing access to resources, promoting personal learning experiences, and preparing students for the digital-age workforce. 

My biggest takeaway was the importance for instructors to incorporate teaching strategies that provide opportunities for observing, doing, exploring, expanding, and problem-solving. These strategies will effectively engage many different generational learners and create a dynamic learning environment that caters to their unique characteristics and preferences.

This module showcased the importance of recognizing technology's impact on a classroom and how it affects generations differently. Things that educators need to take into consideration when teaching a class with different generational students should include comfort with technology, learning preferences, communication abilities and collaboration, attention spans, and multitasking capabilities. Technology in the classroom can have a positive impact on many different generational learners. Still, it must be understood that each generation may approach and engage with technology differently based on their experiences and comfort levels. As educators, we need to be able to tailor our teaching strategies to engage… >>>

This module clearly outlined the importance and impact of a well-constructed grading rubric. This module reiterated that rubrics are great assessment tools and help provide students with clear and transparent expectations and feedback regarding their work, ensuring consistency and objectivity from the instructor. Using a rubric for students to self-evaluate allows them to take ownership of their learning, evaluate areas for improvement, and recognize successes. Rubrics are also great for helping students set goals for their coursework and implement steps to achieve or exceed those goals. 

This module highlighted the use of assessment and its value. I enjoyed the breakdown of traditional assessment vs authentic assessment. My biggest takeaway was that with traditional assessment, the curriculum drives the assessment, and with authentic assessment, the assessment drives the curriculum. The backward design model fits my class assessments well "as it focuses on the student's ability to perform the tasks and display the skills and knowledge required on the job."

I learned most from the guidance on overcoming learning resistance in this module. Change can be challenging to cope with and to understand the benefits of such change. I like the suggestions on preventing or reducing learning resistance, such as making learning activities relevant to real-world applications and providing timely feedback through transparent communication.

I took the most out of the mutual communication section. Communication can be the most significant barrier regarding the delivery of information. Ensuring communication is all-inclusive and delivered in a safe and comfortable learning environment is essential to allow for opinions and ideas to be shared and analyzed. 

I like the just-in-time teaching model. I like the flexibility it offers while making the student the center focus. Implementing the active learning concepts would be manageable and effective in the classroom. Implementing this model will enhance the students' learning and increase their engagement.