Final Thoughts

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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.

ancient Egypt - KingTutOne.com a Resource Center for Ancient Egypt

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 Instead of having a course that will interest and challenge students, I will have a course that is out of date and considered a joke.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.

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Sense of Isolation

This post should end anyone's doubt about the ability to create a sense of community in an online course. Over the past year while I have been taking the classes in the Certificate program I have developed a bond with my online classmates. Several of us has been together since the beginning, can you believe that was a over a year ago. I know that there was doubt if anyone would finish the class because it seemed like every week someone was dropping the class. But we persevered, took the summer off (they had get more students for the second course) and joined with new classmates to form a new group. It didn't take long before it felt like we had been together the whole time. It was same when the group grew for the third course.

What does that have to do with the sense of isolation? It wasn't just that we just grew close as a group, said hi online, or even nice job. We supported each other through difficult times, my nephew being shot, extended illnesses of loved ones, and even the death of loved ones. On the same note we celebrated the good things; anniversaries, holidays, vacations (much needed), babies, weddings and important projects being done. They were not just names, they were friends.

That is where the sense of isolation comes, before this course we were all in the class on a regular basis. There were the required discussions and there was almost someone posting on the cybercafe to letting us what was happening. And now it is gone. I know I am in a group and that I am not alone in the class but the interaction is gone.

I know, I know we are all working on our individual projects and this summer has been crazy. Boy do I know. But I also know that without the interaction I don't feel like I am working as hard as I should. Trying to keep up with everyone and all the great things they were saying and doing kept me on my toes.

Perhaps I am the only one who misses the communication and interaction. I just don't know. What I do know is that if anyone asks me if it is possible to develop a sense of community, I will tell them, "Yes, it is definitely possible to create a sense of community."

Roller Coaster Ride Continues

Well, three courses down and one to go. At times it has felt like a roller coaster ride with all the twists and turns, up and downs. Just when you thought you knew what what going on, the track would change or go straight uphill.

So, what do I think is going to happen in this course? More hard work, of course. Maybe some hair pulling or banging my head against a wall. I have worked in WebCT which will hopefully make it a little easier but I am not going to count on it (that would be the surest way to jinx myself). Besides that won't make the writing or the design aspect any easier.

Speaking of writing, that is one of, no it is my biggest problem). I don't have to do much writing for my job, the most I have to do is create tutorials using PowerPoint, which is not even close to writing a paper. I do an annual report which is basically a list of everything I have done for the past year. See my problem? I have not wrote a paper since I was in college many, many, many years ago. I can set papers up APA Style, I can do research, but when it comes to writing papers........ HELP!!!!! I know that our projects are not papers, but when you take a look at the courses we have taken there is a lot of writing involved. There is the syllabus, introduction, all of the components that make up the different modules. Need I go on? So, I say again...HELP!!!!

My other problem will be the design aspect. I have to try and remember everything we have learned and apply it to my course. I am afraid my mind will go blank and I won't remember anything. I want my course to be designed so that my students don't have to try and navigate their way around. I want everything to be seamless so that they can just concentrate on topic being covered. I want to take into consideration disabilities, learning styles, how much can be done in a week, etc. The list is endless, but all of the components are necessary for a well designed, put together course.

Where does that leave me now? Right now it feels like I am standing at the top of a crane getting ready to bungee jump (and I am afraid of heights and falling). So I am going to take a deep breath, exhale and start the journey. See you at the bottom.