The most important lessons I gathered from the course are
A. The 8 principles of effective assessment feedback:
- helps to clarify what good performance is (goals, criteria, standards)
- facilitates the development of self-assessment and reflection in learning
- delivers high quality information to students about their learning
- encourages teacher and peer dialogue around learning
- encourages positive motivational beliefs and self-esteem
- provides opportunities to close the gap between current and desired performance
- provides information to instructors that can be used to help shape teaching.
B. The 8 strategies for facilitating social presence online.
- Provide opportunities for initial introductions and ongoing social interaction.
- Set agreed-upon, shared norms for operating together in the learning community.
- Discuss the unique nature of [online learning].
- Outline required activities and arrange support for students concerned about role requirements.
- Discuss the unique nature of [online learning].
- Provide explicit directions for all course activities; outline and discuss course content, skill and activity goals, and expectations.
- Be clear about learner choice and flexibility.
- Provide activities for instructors and students to share experiences and support one another.
- My thinking changed has definitely changed as a result of completing the course. I got the chance to discuss possible strategies with colleagues to handle students in continuous-entry courses. I also had the opportunity to think about the most effective way to keep an active communication channel with students.
- I think the platform (WordPress) works for different types of courses. It provides a good opportunity for my students to reflect on their studies and collaborate with classmates.
- I think peer-review was the most effective learning strategy because it gives students the opportunity to learn from each other.
I would like to create a dynamic learning environment where students can share their learning experience by creating tutorial videos and participating in discussion forums. I will also try to design a system to reward students who participate in discussion groups to keep my students engaged and encourage them to collaborate in a healthy learning environment.