Module+7+Reflection

= Module 7 Reflection Prompt  =

Reflect on how you perceive yourself as an online learner. Are you well-prepared to be an online learner? Tell us about what you need to improve in order to be a successful online learner. //** Description **//

The basis for this reflection is from the Chapters 1, 2, and 10 from The Student Guide to Successful Online Learning-A Handbook of Tips, Strategies, and Techniques. This reflection is also based off of the rest of the content in Module 7 as well as the discussion boards. // Impact //

Before participating in this module, I did not think much about how I would teach online. Right now I'm more focused on taking classes online but it got me thinking toward the future where I may be teaching an online class. When I thought about teaching online I thought about what I would like to see as a student in an online class. I think the most important thing for an online class is instructor presence. I think it is important that students see the instructor as part of the course and that the instructor is interested in what the students are doing. I think it is important for the instructor to provide feedback within a reasonable amount of time as well because the students may not know what direction to move in without feedback from the instructor or other students.

I also think it is important that the students in the class get to know each other. When I take an online class, I feel like I never get to know my fellow classmates. Sure I respond to their posts in the discussion board, but if they do not have a photo up I do not even know what they look like. Therefore, I think it is important for the students to post a picture as well as a post telling us about them. If I taught an online class, I would want my students to feel very comfortable with me as well as the other students in the class.

This module also helped me focus on myself as an online learner and I was able to discover a lot about myself. Prior to reading the discussion posts in this module I felt like I was a successful online learner because I always participated (did my assignments) right away. I felt like if I accomplished them at the beginning of the week, I would not have to focus on the class until the next week. However, while I like to be efficient and get things done, I found that I do not participate in many discussions this way because I do not go back to the discussions until the following week and by then I think it's too late to share my thoughts on someone's post who did not have it available when I was doing my work. I found that I can learn a lot more about the topic when I get my assignments done as well as check the discussions throughout the week and not just putting the course on the back burner until the next week. // ﻿ ** Intent **//

Because of this module I will focus more on what students need from an online class when and if I am going to teach one. I will keep in mind what I think needs to be included in an online class as well as ask my students what they need from my class. I feel this is important because everyone learns differently and may need different things out of me as the instructor of an online class.

Also, as an online learner, I will focus more on my classes and not just concern myself with getting the work done. I will focus more on the class and keep in mind that just because I may be done with my assignments for the week does not mean that the learning is done.