Where to start? For starters this is the 2ND time around for me and I won't lie that it's a bit draining of my energy. I honestly thought it would be the best thing to do but now I am not so sure for several reasons. First, I am not as excited as I was the first time around and this might be a problem to my entire design. The amount of work it took the first time around was intense and to do it all over again. I am teaching four traditional classes which takes a lot of preparing. What was I thinking?
As a student, I have learned that the design is crucial for success. To be able to have a well-thought out and structured design makes it an easier and more successful journey for students. For online courses, it's necessary to remember that certain elements will not be the same as teaching a F2F traditional class. What works for F2F may or may not work for an online format. It's a serious process that one needs to feel comfortable doing.
In my mind these courses should have an option of designing or not because when teaching online courses most facilitators I know personally took an already established course and facilitated it. I am not so sure that I want to continue towards completion of this certificate. Initially, I was excited and ready to embark on this journey but soon realized that maybe not all of us are ready to design. It does take a lot of experience and energy that is a FACT. For some it's a great opportunity because they have been teaching F2F classes for quite some time. These individuals have the experience designing traditional courses that offer a structured and challenging way to meet objectives and assess their students' progress. For others who do not have the experience this course in particular can be very difficult. Out of all the courses this one is the most difficult so prepare to be challenged.
I wish I could feel different but I can't. This is the first time I repeat a course and it's a feeling I don't wish on anyone so my advice read, participate and ask questions. Meet with the professor when you have a doubt because this time around I won't wait or hesitate to contact the professor for additional help. The one thing I can say with complete confidence is that she is always ready to provide her guidance and help you and me clarify any misunderstandings we might have.
Remember stay ahead do not fall behind. Attend all live Wimba meetings to participate in the discussion process. The best of luck to each and every one of you.
