Time to Reflect: What have I learned so far?

When I started this course, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a working of knowledge of WebCT through helping students in the library. I knew that I would have to post online; I knew that there would be readings online, but other than that I wasn’t sure what to expect. I kept telling myself that there would be work and that it would take up time, but I underestimated how much time was involved. Online courses require hard work and dedication. I didn’t realize that you could get to know the other students as well as we seem to have gotten to know each other; perhaps better than in some traditional classes.

I have not had any education classes so I was unfamiliar with the concept of learning styles, online models, or even constructivism. Once we started covering the different topics it quickly became apparent how important they are to creation of online courses.

After reading about the different Online Models I realized that I preferred the Integrated Model over the Wrap Around Model and the Content + Support Model. The Integrated Model offers the most in the way of creativity as far as course materials and assignments. With the Integrated Model the same information would be taught, but every class would be different. Each instructor would personalize based on materials and resources they want their class to use. And the interaction with the students would also help to form the class as the trimester progresses. The Content + Support Model make us of prepackaged course packets that would cover the required readings. Students would post their assignments online. This model would be the easiest for anyone to fill in and teach. It could be set up and you could have different teachers offer the same course with all of the students having the same learning experience. The Wrap Around Model is setup based on a particular source. All activities and resources are centered on that source.

It was interesting to learn about the different learning styles. After taking the quizzes and reading about the different learning styles I began to appreciate the effort it takes to create a class that would hold the interest of the varied learners. Creating a good online course would require knowing and understanding the learning styles and being able to incorporate them in different projects. I can not listen to lectures, so for me this type of class is a good fit. I never took into consideration that someone whose learning style is Aural would have a hard time with this type of class because they prefer listening. Also how do you incorporate hands on in an online course for that type of learner? These are all things that I will have to take into consideration when it becomes my time to create an online course.

I had never given any thought that instructors had different teaching styles. I knew of two styles: good and bad. You were lucky if you had a good instructor. It had never occurred to me that there were so many. We took the inventory and I turned out to be a facilitator, which means I like to encourage the students to learn and most of the responsibility is on them. (That is the really basic description.) I thought that was great, I didn’t stop to consider that teaching style might not work for every student. Some students might need someone who is able to Delegate to them, give them strict guidelines and deadlines. Other students might need someone who is an Expert.

Overall I learned that it is going to take a lot of work, time and planning to create a good online course. I will have to consider how to include activities that will engage all of my students not just one learning style. I will need to be aware that different students react differently to different teaching styles. And most importantly I will have to make sure my students are aware of how much time they will have to spend on the class.