I can hardly believe it, but the journey has come to an end. It has taken a little over a year to complete the journey and what a journey it has been. Each course, each module was in truth an adventure. The journey was well mapped out thanks to our instructors; however there were little side trips and detours (mainly when it came to learning styles, teaching styles, pedagogy, online models and who can forget learning objectives).
I was so naive when I started the course. I thought we would learn how to create online content; it never occurred to me that I would need to know what my teaching style was or even what my students learning styles were. It never even entered my mind that I would need to know anything about education. I know, it seems incredible but it is true.
So what did I learn in the certificate program? I learned that you can form a deep sense of community in an online course, but it doesn't happen by magic. It has to be planned and worked into the course design. I learned to create learning objectives (at least basic ones that work). That if I want my students to succeed the course must be designed with their learning styles in mind; it can't be designed based on how I like to learn. I learned what components are necessary for a quality course. A quality course is not based on the background colors, flashy animations or even all the bells and whistle.
What is needed is a good solid foundation. But it doesn't end there, just because you have a solid foundation that doesn't mean you can pay less attention to everything else. Each component that gets placed on the foundation needs to be complete needs sound and well thought out, especially if you want it to stand the test of time.Will the course I worked on throughout this program stand the test of time? I hope so; it probably won't be look exactly the same. There will be changes made as I receive feedback from the students. It might migrate from WebCT to a different platform; we never know what the future holds. Will the material change, I hope so since the web is a constantly evolving creature. If my course is not allowed to develop and change it will stagnate. Instead of having a course that will interest and challenge students, I will have a course that is out of date and considered a joke.
Will I be the same? I hope not, I hope I evolve just as my course will evolve. I know that I am not the same person that started the program. Since beginning this course I have been touched and influenced by my classmates and instructors. With their support and encouragement I gained confidence in my abilities. Thank you, all of you for everything.
One final thought, this may be the end of one journey but it is also the beginning of a new journey. Where it will take me I don't know, but it will be interesting to find out. Maybe I will see you on my journey.
clipart provided by: http://www.worldatlas.com/
