Wanda Cooley

This section discusses the importance of clear communication in terms of setting rules for communication, monitoring all communications and the importance of doing so. Using the course syllabus and my institution's guidelines I need to develop my expectations and teach my students how to communicate respectfully and appropriately. As well as provide the consequences to not following course guidelines. Providing examples and models as well as setting the tone myself is key for a successful online experience for everyone. 

I've learned that the variety of purposes the technology tools must be carefully investigated and analyzed for effectiveness. I need to carefully match a function(s) of the tools I use to a specific purpose in my content.  The importance of teaching students rules and expectations of communicating with the tools is key to the beginning of the online course. Equally important is to assess their ease of use and effectiveness both formatively and summatively by both teacher and student. 

I agree with Jennifer and Lawrence in that it's important to develop a good layout in terms of the four O's, and the key to learner success will be organizing the content so that learners can find what they need quickly and easily. It's key to remember that the layout I choose will be best for the students and for them to accomplish their learning goals. I cannot just duplicate content from a face2face enviroment. Student's expect to be engaged. And engagement is the key to learning.

It's important to develop a good partnership, use the interactive syllabus to communicate my expectations, and to provide prompt and precise feedback.

With each new group of learner's I see developing the connections and providing feedback as fluid processes. 

I learned the importance of organizing my online course for student success by investigating my learning style and considering the course content. The key factors to consider are important in any classroom and vital to the learning process. I was reminded of the dynamic syllabus. I see my teaching style as blended. Planning the use of my Learning Management System is critical. I plan to provide my students with a dynamic syllabus.

I learned the importance of using the right technology tools, based on style, content and learning objective are all essential to my student's understanding the content, as well as their success and application of skills. Key factors in this process are investigating and evaluating effectiveness through formal and informal assessments.

Reviewing and revising is critical to student success in a relevant learning process for all stakeholders.  It's key to use multiple sources of evaluation and data collection analysis in the this process.

I understand the connection and importance of providing individual feedback in both formative and summative assignments. It's essential to remember how and what to assess. Use clear rubrics, explain them, and promote relationships that enhance the learning process.

I learned the importance of creating and using a dynamic syllabus. I found it interesting how the evolving online syllabus is critical for success. This is very different from my past use of "flat" syllabus.

I've learned the importance developing a database for my course. Testing, revising and consistency are key factors in authoring my course module. Keypoint--Keep student's needs, styles and assessed course objectives in mind from the beginning and throughout the process of authoring. The process is fluid.