Bonnie Taylor

I learned from this module that a dynamic syllabus is key, and I like the way the course describes the 8 scaffolding tools to develop students’ sense of belonging and to foster a safe learning community for all learners.  I have always used these techniques in face-to-face classes, but now I see how I can extend these modes of communication and learning to an online platform

I have learned in this module about the importance of developing a course framework through modules that are organized in digestible chunks, are consistent in font size, structure, length, and predictability as the student goes through each module. Students need a consistent framework that scaffolds and reinforces their learning.  Learning objects should be stored in a data base to help locate and organize and re-use in other modules.  Course modules must be tested and retested by independent individuals to determine if the modules need changing, correcting, of modifying to make them work better.

I now understand the importance of keeping course records in an organized fashion. Just 9 weeks of online learning has shown me the overwhelming task of keeping emails and other communication records, assignment posts, and the like organized so that it can be found and tracked easily by class and by student.  This course has also provided helpful tips on resolving conflicts and minimizing attrition. Continued action will be taken to contact those students as needed, especially those who are intimated through the use of technology. 

To engage my learners more effectively, I will need to strategize and plan my lessons so that it includes asynchronous and synchronous participation beneficially.  Learning the difference between these two types of engagement has helped me see how online learning, which lacks the exchange of the usual nonverbal cues as feedback, requires effective use of the standard synchronous methods, and more use on the asynchronous types of participation.

I teach advanced ESOL students, and have used most or all the methods mentioned in this Module through face-to-face and Zoom environments.  However, introducing a component requiring asynchronous communication will definitely challenge my students in their ability to write since they are just becoming fluent in speaking English.  However, I can see great value in introducing this early in the course to establish my presence and theirs in an online forum, as well as bringing them forward in developing the skill of writing English, through modeling and practice.   

I am completely new to an online approach to learning.  I realized after a few short weeks, a teacher cannot jump into the deep side of the pool without knowing how to swim, which I had to do given the COVID 19 pandemic. Knowledcge and effective use of the CMS is vital to the success any teacher and the students they teach.