Helen Saunders

I have worked for an institiution that has slowly converted away from the traditional way of teaching, standing behind a podium and reading out of a book, to a more student centered learning environment. Example; applying more real world, hands on activities. Collaborations have also increased because we need to teach our students how to commmunicate in the work force.

Saving older versions of the course is invaluable. I had to go back several years sometimes to find material that was newly edited but did not work. The LMS system works well storing older information. I also have some things saved on a flashdrive.

Efficient communication in the virtual classroom is vital. Communication does not just involve sending messages but correcting and responding to students in timely fashion will enhance the learning environment. There is nothing like an instructor that communicates with their students daily. Keeping the line of communication open will help students gain control over their learning enviroment.

Procrastination is one of the bigggest problems with student/instuctor overload. Planning ahead of time is well worth the time and effort. There is nothing like an outdated syllabus uploaded to your LMS. I would just pass it off as saying that we are updated now I know, it should have been updated before the class began. Student overload for the inaccurate syllabus.

I have come across every possible scenario when it comes it online learning. The most important thing I have learned is to handle things in a timely fashion. (ASAP) When it came to tech issues assistance was always there but when it came to content issues I had to learn as I went.

I am for instructors assisting with course design but I think that should be left up to the department chairs. I do like the idea that instructors have the right to edit a course. I don't think it should be left up to the instuctor to implement course design for students with diabilites, if the institution did not do so.

Thorugh my years of fifteen years of teaching I had one student who need modifications for test taking. I know that there were many more out there, wish we could have done something for those students before they withdrew.

I have realized that my institution over the years have implemented a lot of the requirments set fourth by the ADA.

I have learned that not all students will inform the school of their disabilites because of the fear. I did assume of lot of my students were lazy but now I know different.

Valid and reliable rubrics will enhance the learning environment. The construction and layout of the rubric is key for understanding its use. Student success in a particular assignment ways heavy on the language of the rubric.