Image by Barry Switnicki
Where am I Now?
I have just finished the first course in the Online Learning and Teaching Program, Introduction to Online Learning. On reflection, there are a number of new realizations and key learnings that I have made so far in this program. First and foremost is the realization of how specialized I am in my online teaching. It's primarily in a synchronous environment, teaching adults, with one content management system. There is a huge diverse world out there that is online learning! Another realization I am having, is that there are many priorities and interests that are driving the online learning and teaching paradigm. I'm also realizing that not all of them are focused on providing the very best learning environment for student and teacher. In terms of online learning design, there are a number of different learning theories and a multitude of opinion as to what works and what direction online learning should be headed towards. This is a swiftly changing field and the technology is changing even faster.
For myself, I am realizing that as an online educator and design expert I need to integrate myself energetically into the community of online educators and designers. More than any other field that I have worked in, this is a community of inquiry. The more this is reflected in what we do and how we do it, the more successful our students, and ourselves, will be.
For myself, I am realizing that as an online educator and design expert I need to integrate myself energetically into the community of online educators and designers. More than any other field that I have worked in, this is a community of inquiry. The more this is reflected in what we do and how we do it, the more successful our students, and ourselves, will be.