I've learned that I have to view myself less as "the expert" in the classroom and more as the guide.
My takeaway from this module is that there is a lot of limitations to active learning, so it is important to use the technology that works best for your type of students and curriculum.
Attitudes can affect the implementation of active learning activities in online learning, so it is important to explain the reasoning to the students and administration, if necessary, to allow more time to purposefully plan the learning activities.
It was helpful to learn that students may consider active learning to not be learning and not a good use of their time. It is important for the instructor to make sure they understand the importance of active learning.
From this module, I have developed a greater appreciation for active learning techniques. Active learning demands more planning and effort on both the students' and instructors' parts. I intend to plan carefully and balance power in the classroom to optimize student learning outcomes.
Online instructors do not have an "easier" job, in fact it can be more challenging to engage students without face to face interactions
Comment on Alisa Summers's post: Yes, Ms. Alisa. I taught online yesterday. My battery was at 85% on my laptop. All of a sudden, it shut down, and I had to scramble to complete the lecture. I learned to ALWAYS have a back up plan, OR simply always have a charger.
I understand that I need to have a plan B in case technology fails
I've learned that there are multiple ways to teach students and keep them engaged. Not everyone learns at the same place nor do they retain the information within the lecture the same. Most students are visual and/or hands on learners. I'm thankful to know how to pursue certain assignments while keeping this in mind.
I have learned that giving more time and thought to online learning activities are beneficial to the student success outcomes!
Being that I am a 100% remote teacher, it was most helpful for me to learn and understand that creating remote-based lesson plans tends to take more time than in-person lessons.
Technology is a factor in online learning. When a program fails, it is essential to have a back up plan in place just in case. Some may not realize that online learning can also be engaging.
Some of the key takeaways were:
- An instructors attitude can be their biggest barrier when it comes to change.
2. Active learning requires more effort on the student and is certainly not made for individuals wanting passive learning.
3. The instructor or facilitator, should recognize they are a guide in the student's self-directed learning process.
Assessing one's attitude towards incorporating new learning methods and teachings are important because as instructors/facilitators we are here to guide the students and we need to understand that everyone does not learn the same. SO stepping outside of your comfort zone by incorporating active learning and can help student understand the concepts and content better.
Attitudes can be a challenge in online learning. Providing students with clear expectations and activities that promote community and engagement is important.
Online courses can work both ways. The advantages of online learning can be very convenient for adult learners with small children, transportation issues and medical issues or caring for family member with special needs. I was an online learner and it worked great for me because of my situation.
The disadvantages of online learning are not being able to have a direct contact with instructors to explained materials in very easy to learn ways, the hands on are not there as well. Technology can be a pain and very frustration especially in deadlines. Students have their focuses on other things rather than what they are doing in the present. Students always wait last moments to submit assignments. Students becomes very distracted and lazy.
I never took into consideration in doing active learning the student becomes responsible for their own learning. As an instructor I took it to heart if the student hadn't learned anything from my lectures. in today's age of cell phone distractions; active learning would be the best approach to catch the student's attention.
While active learning is a very important part of the development for critical thinking, it is difficult to monitor and support. Having said that, it is important to find the means to provide such learning if possible, as it weighs the students ability to utilize almost a complete sphere of their intellectual and educational skills.
You need to test the technology you use for an online course so as not to hinder online learning. You also need to make sure your students have the necessary equipment to be able to participate and complete assignments.
Back up plan is always good to have when technology fails to ensure student learning is not interrupted
