Introduction

In unit 4 there was an opportunity to complete an expert challenge. This challenge was to create an elearning facilitator evaluation checklist based on that units discussions. I decided to take on this challenge as a way to sort through and organize some of the suggestions presented by my peers. The following artifact is the final product.

Artifact

Reflection

While this checklist has a post-instruction category that focuses on reflection of teaching practices, this checklist in itself cab be used as reflection of teaching practices. I think that it is important to reflect and evaluate on what we are doing frequently throughout a course so that we can ensure we are providing our students with the best education possible. After every activity, lesson, unit or term we should be considering what worked, what didn't work and why.

While the checklist I have presented covers quite a bit, it is important to note that a course isn't perfect just because every box is checked and attempting to check each and every box might actually have a negative effect on your course. Every course is different and every class that takes that course is different. What works in one situation does not necessarily work in others. I attempted to keep the list broad enough that teachers can adapt it based on their course, but there are certainly items on that list that wont work for every class.

For example, the list item "Facilitation allows for derivation off of topic if the posts continue to be meaningful and productive" might work for higher grades but might be challenging for young students who can get off topic quickly. It is important, when going through this checklist, that you consider how each item works for you and your class.

This checklist will be a tool I will use in the future, but for me, the creation of the checklist had value. While I find the discussions in online courses extremely beneficial, I find that we are throwing out a lot of tips and resources and it can get overwhelming. I leave the discussion having learned more, but often forgetting about the specifics. I found, by creating this list, I was able to organize the information that was discussed and I have a document that I can take with me that includes all of the specifics I would have forgotten.