Growth

While taking MEDT 7464, I have noticed that I have grown both personally and professionally. The growth that I have personally shown has been very significant.  First, I have learned the importance of time management. Getting the most out of this course requires one to understand the requirements and dedicate time to work-on given assignments.  As I encounter tasks in my professional arena, I will use this same strategy to complete those given tasks. Next, I have learned a great deal about collaboration.  During this semester, it was nice to keep the same group members throughout out the course. We were able to learn each other’s strengths and weakness and assign tasks based on such. We were able to meet on a weekly basis. These weekly meetings were very beneficial. We were able to make sure everyone was on the same page, reflect on assignments, and give feedback while working on Google docs. When given a professional task to complete, I will use similar strategies. Although it’s nice to work on a task in an area you are comfortable, growth is also important. In order to grow, I offered to take leadership roles in areas that were not my strongest. This is when I feel like the greatest growth occurred. 

Presenation Night

We had to present our course through an powerpoint presentation. I always get super nervous about presenting. Although I practice repeatedly, my voice always seems to crack. Well tonight was no exception. Screen shot that were didn't fully display the features of our course. Each person took an area to discuss and team work helped to complete and revise this assignment.

The key

There are several key components that make a online or hybrid course successful. Overall, you want to support the learner. Although the instructor has office hours, you want to be easily accessible. The goals of the course should be clearly stated. Assignments should be differentiated by learning styles. There must allow be a wide variety of resources (videos, journals, books, etc.) for students to access information. Students must also be given opportunities to collaborate with their peers. A great way to do this is through discussion post or group assignments.

Course Review

The course review process has been very challenging. One part that I found most challenging was that you are never fully finished completing a course. Their are always, edits, revisions, and additions to be completed.

I enjoyed seeing how my classmates created their courses and going back to edit our course. We all found things that we would like to revise and improve. I am glad that I had this opportunity to review my classmate's courses.

Long Journey

Creating a website has been a long process! Understanding the process of creating a online or hybrid course is ongoing. There are always things that can be done to make the site better, more user friendly, or more effective. As I mentioned before... working  with a great team and delegating task makes the job much easier. I'm so grateful o have experienced this process.

Appreciation

My group has been working great together. Communication and assigning roles had definitely been the key to our success! I have a new appreciation for professors who design online courses. Course design seems to be an ongoing process. There is a lot of checking, double checking and covering your bases. This week I found it difficult to organize the course in a manner that was esthetically pleasing. I believe having a weekly format that stays consistent would be helpful not only to students, but to the instructor, as well.

Constructivist Theory

As I went through my undergraduate program, there was a strong focus on the constructivist theory and theorist. The foundation of my teaching career had a strong constructivist focus. Today, I have slightly veered away from these principles, but strongly believe in their value and worth. I strive to make real world connections with the standards that are being taught! When teaching my money unit, I include items that my 2nd grade students would be interested in buying. The students are instantly connected!

As I began my teaching career, I taught in a brain-based charter school. Each unit had to incorporate a variety of learning styles. The teachers also took a multiple intelligence test to see how they taught and learned. Looking over the results helped me to teach in a way that my students learned.

Although I have moved away from some of the constructivist theories (as I wrap my brain around how to teach and assess the common core standards), I still consider myself a constructivist designer.