Nichol Nicla

I have really thought about how effective class management/discipline can lead to a more effective class and how mismanagement or ignoring discipline issues can lead to a negative experience for other students.

This module made me think about areas where I am more of a buddy and less of a guide and how I can become more of a guide. I think when the semester begins, I am very much a guide, but as the semester goes on and I do build rapport, my role becomes more of a buddy. I think because the students feel more lax towards the end of the semester that is actually even more important for me to maintain the guide role and do not slip into the buddy role.

I like the idea of having students map out their weekly time allotments. I just spoke with students and they indicated they underestimated how much studying time was actually needed for this semester to be successful so I think taking a look at weekly time constraints would help them see where they need to budget time, where they need to cut back, etc. I also like the idea of adding soft skills to a rubric. As a former quality director, we did have soft skills on our skills competencies that nurses were "graded" on and these were a part of … >>>

I thought the statement about gen Z & Y are not use to having their opinions challenged because they have been expressing their opinion in an online format that does not allow for immediate, in-person feedback was really interesting. The group I have now are predominantly gen Z & Y and class discussions have been challenging. I also have had some class dynamics that play into these generations not knowing how to navigate interpersonal professional relationships. This module was very helpful.

I liked that this module talked about setting clear communication guidelines between students and instructors. I think it is also funny that the example used is a student completing class work at 2 am and is requesting the instructors input. This is a very real scenario. I like that this module talks about why gen z & y want to always feel connected. I have had issues with students texting each other during lecture and I keep thinking about how a previous module talked about these generations ability to multi task and even though they are texting, they are likely… >>>

I think it was most interesting to think about the fact that these generations were likely being taught by the generation before and therefore, likely being taught in a somewhat antiquated style. I know that with my own class, I am not utilizing available technology and learning tools to their fullest extent. I do plan on updating active learning strategies to be more technology based.

As a Gen X'er, I always find the discussion about use of and comfortability with technology interesting. I am OK with technology but is very evident that the younger generations are definitely more OK! :)  I am always grateful to Gen Z son who can help me with any technology problem even if he has never used the program.

I like that this module addresses computer literacy because this is an issue I deal with myself and with students. I thought it was interesting that this module states that people should be able to troubleshoot common computer and printer problems. This would be helpful! Most of what I have learned in these areas has been trial and error and IT! It would be helpful to have actual learning related to these areas. It would certainly save time and reduce panic.

I really like one of the last statements that states Online learners need to know how to learn. The class I teach is in person but is accelerated and the students are responsible for a lot of their own learning. I feel a real barrier to this is that they are just not sure how to learn in this manner. Many of them are familiar with a more traditional classroom that is highly directed by the instructor and some of the students have not even been in a classroom in awhile. This module made me think about the fact that… >>>

I think for me, my take away from this module has been the importance of group projects in exposing students to dynamics of teamwork. I am going to change allowing students to always work with the same people in class. I am going to have them mix up the groups every time we do an activity that requires group interactions.