Selina ORdaz-Shepherd

This module actually gave great suggestions on how to initiate classroom engagement. It made me aware that engagement can start even before the class starts. Thus, setting a tone of being friendly, open, and engaging with students despite being online and never getting to meet students face to face. 

It has been reinforced to me that there are students that have different habits which contribute to their overall success. One thing that stuck out to me the most was how to remedy their disruptive actions early on before it becomes a problem

Throughout this lesson, I have realized that although the classroom maybe asynchronous, having interaction with the students is vital for the students success. Students need to know that the teacher is still with them during their online course. A way to do this is to respond to students posts in a timely manner.

What I took from this module is the fact that an instructor can still be present even though they are conducting a class through online. An instructor can be seen as being present by consistently replying to students posts, answering their students questions, and having various activities that require interaction. 

I've learned that quality online courses need to be structured and organized in order to increase students success with navigating and overall passing their online classes.

A key takeaway was learning about the different styles of learning. Additionally, I learned that it is best to incorporate all the four major styles of learning within the classroom environment as much as possible in order to attempt to cater to students learning styles.

I was aware that first impressions are important however, I was made aware that the first day of class can not only set the tone for the class, but also affect how the students will view me as their instructor. I want to ensure that I set a positive tone for the class so that each student will feel welcome.

Having a syllabus that explains what the course will be about and what the students can expect from the course will help ease students anxiety.

Something that I have learned from this topic is the three major roles that instructors have. Being a model, meaning to be as professional as you would want the students to be, being a manager, which describes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, and being a motivator, which has to do with motivating students in order ensure that they know that they are doing good and on the right path.