This site provides examples of instructional resources created in the Humanizing Online STEM Academy, a professional development program funded by the California Education Learning Lab and administered by the Foothill DeAnza Community College District.
In the last few years, I have shifted to teaching online. Although this change has allowed me to develop my skills as an educator, I realized that I needed more growth. That's why I decided to enroll in the Humanizing STEM Academy. The knowledge I gained from the academy has helped me improve my teaching skills and reinforced my belief in the importance of continuous learning for enhancing one's craft. Even though it has been a change, I have understood that there is always room for growth with education.
After completing the course, I discovered new methods to incorporate more humanizing elements and activities into my classes. This approach helped me build a better rapport with my students and improved their learning experience. I also learned to use various free tools to create engaging videos, deliver concise lectures, and design interactive assignments. As a result, the quality of my online course materials has significantly improved. These resources allow my students to express their individuality while also streamlining my teaching process and saving me valuable time. Additionally, using short lecture videos and bumper videos has helped me cater to students with varying levels of preparedness, creating a more inclusive and efficient learning environment for everyone.
As an instructor, I have realized there is always room for improvement in education. My experience with the Humanizing STEM Academy has provided me with valuable insights and knowledge. In the next six to twelve months, I plan on implementing what I have learned from this academy into our online Certification for our Alcohol and Drug Program. Additionally, I intend to introduce my liquid syllabus and video tutorials to our other courses to create a more positive online learning experience and encourage students to take online classes.
I excited to use my Liquid Syllabus as a dynamic tool to establish trust and show care for my students' learning. I ensured clarity and accessibility using a user-friendly format, multimedia, and interactive elements. I embedded personalized messages to encourage questions and foster a supportive learning environment. I also integrated feedback mechanisms to demonstrate responsiveness to students' needs and preferences, promoting inclusivity and collaboration. This approach conveys my dedication to facilitating their academic journey and fostering trust and rapport.
The image on the course card is intentionally chosen to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for my students. It features a diverse group of people engaged in lively discussions, representing the dynamic and cooperative nature of our learning community. This image reflects our values of diversity and collaboration and sets the tone of enthusiasm and encouragement, inspiring students to embark on their learning journey with confidence and motivation.
My course homepage is designed to promote social inclusion and kindness cues. It features a welcoming message emphasizing inclusivity, showcases images and testimonials, and is designed with accessibility in mind. The homepage prioritizes inclusivity in content and functionality, fostering a sense of belonging and social inclusion from the moment students enter their online class
As a part of welcoming students, I have created a survey to get to know them better. The survey includes questions on their preferred pronouns, learning styles, and accommodations they may require. This shows our commitment to accommodating diverse needs and preferences. Additionally, there are open-ended questions that encourage students to provide feedback on how the course can better support their learning journeys. By actively seeking input and demonstrating a willingness to listen and adapt based on student feedback, the survey helps foster a sense of belonging and social inclusion. It reassures students that their voices matter, and they are an integral part of the learning community.
The icebreaker assignment I have created aims to foster a sense of belonging among students by connecting them through their real-life experiences. The assignment encourages students to develop a short essay that introduces themselves and personally. They are prompted to share stories, or insights from their lives that relate to the course theme or objectives. By sharing their experiences, students can break the ice and find commonalities and connections with their peers. This assignment humanizes the learning environment and celebrates the diversity of experiences within the classroom. Through sharing personal narratives, students begin to see each other as individuals with rich backgrounds and unique perspectives, fostering empathy, understanding, and, ultimately, a stronger sense of belonging within the learning community.
The video is an integral component of my course, serving multiple instructional purposes to enhance my students' learning experience. It is a supplementary resource that provides visual and auditory reinforcement of key concepts covered in the course materials. The video brings abstract ideas to life through engaging visuals and demonstrations, making complex topics more accessible and understandable for students. By incorporating multimedia elements, the video caters to diverse learning styles, accommodating students who may benefit from alternative modes of instruction. Overall, the video will deepen students' understanding, reinforce learning objectives, and ultimately contribute to a more comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience.
This microlecture is meticulously integrated into the design of my course, aligning seamlessly with specific learning objectives while maximizing student engagement and comprehension. Its inclusion reinforces vital concepts related to critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, which are fundamental to the course curriculum. By presenting concise explanations and illustrative examples, the microlecture facilitates a deeper understanding of these concepts, preparing students for the challenges they will encounter throughout the course. Moreover, the microlecture complements other instructional materials and activities, providing a versatile tool for reviewing, clarifying, and applying learning outcomes. I anticipate that this microlecture will enhance my students' learning experience by offering a concise and focused explanation of essential concepts, thereby promoting mastery and confidence in their critical thinking abilities.