"What I have learned so far."

I have been introduced to WebCT, the online learning environment, models of online learning, and so many other factors influencing learners and teachers in online courses. If you read my previous blog; you will find that I have adapted to this online environment very well and you probably have too. I have experienced a lot in very little time.

Online teamwork, challenging but ultimately fun. I have experienced negative and positive feelings to our discussion topics. Many of us communicate very well in our discussion threads, and others don't feel like participating much just as in the traditional classroom. I had lot's of fun creating this blog. I have spent many hours in front of my monitor researching the different learning styles and reading discussions, but there is no better feeling than completing an assignment. I do hope my students feel the same way.

Most of the learning objectives for part 1 have been met. It's hard to believe how much we have learned in so little time. We focused on learning to use the basic WebCT functions that are employed in this class, brushing up on some basic computer skills, becoming oriented to the course, and we got to know students in the class. We were introduced to and created individual Web blogs (which are a lot of fun to create). We looked at the online learning environment, including the importance of incorporating 'high touch' along with 'high tech' to achieve effective learning outcomes. We reviewed the various models of online learning ranging from fully-online courses to the use of Web-based resources to enhance learning in the traditional face-to-face environment. We concentrated on learners in the online environment, reviewed learning styles and other individual student factors that influenced the ability of students to be successful online learners. We looked at teaching styles and considered the way in which teachers need to adapt their teaching to be effective in the online environment. The relationship between teaching styles and learning styles was explored.

Enough said; we are on our way to become great online facilitators. With hard work and dedication and passion we will all finish this journey together.

Thank you for taking the time to read this entry; Your comments are always welcomed.


Josie Davila

"Adapting to Online Learning Environments"

It's important to keep in mind that all of us have made a huge change from print to screen. We have to adapt with the new age of technology. Many of us now communicate through email, blogs, and online chats. It's not too late to realize that all these changes are for the better believe it or not. We are in a society that wants things now, and with the click of a button someone receives an email. Yes, it's true that things are changing and many of us have yet to understand the effects this shift might have on teaching our courses. Indeed while many courses talk about the effects of technology, few incorporate it into their curriculum in ways that actually enhance learning.

Perhaps we are missing something. We have to keep in mind that in order to increase motivation for some students we have to use novelty. While the online format may present additional opportunities for involving the student, it also requires additional skills for assembling, analyzing, and using the needed information. Being more aware of these skills can help us think carefully about how we adapt materials online.

Many students feel overwhelmed with certain activities or assignments. Is it the way it is being presented? Are we adapting to our students learning style? Many things come into play, but bottom line is that in order to effectively complete tasks some learners find it more difficult than others and need that extra help that only the online instructor can provide. I recently heard a classmate say, "With everything I am doing I feel overwhelmed and I asked the professor to explain the assignment as if she was explaining it to a kindergartner." Don't we all feel this way at one point or another? This is nothing more than the truth. Our students may be visually literate, yet they rarely come to our courses with the ability to analyze complex ideas conveyed by an image or text. Let's try to remember that by adapting to the different learning styles; we are one step closer to truly helping our students.

We all learned what our learning style was; mine is Auditory/Verbal and I learn best when the information is presented auditory in an oral language format. The strategies for me are to join a study group to assist me in learning the course material, or work with a study buddy on an ongoing basis to review key information and prepare for exams. I do read out loud to aid in my recall. I record myself reading sometimes and play it back to review it over once, twice or however many times to learn the material.

As online learners we now realize what challenges we have ahead of us. By adapting to our online learning environment now; we will assume better responsibility as future online instructors. Let's never forget how we felt as online learners in order to be effective online educators.

Thank you for reading this entry; any comments are welcomed,

Josie Davila