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.
Before taking the Humanized STEM course, I was immersed in teaching a hybrid course, where lectures were delivered online through recorded videos, while in-person sessions were reserved for lab activities. Convinced that I was on the right track, I relied on video recordings and online assessments, assuming that the lack of feedback meant everything was going smoothly.
Upon completing the Humanized STEM course, my perspective underwent a profound shift. I came to the realization that my online lectures lacked the personal touch they needed. This course expanded my horizons, introducing me to innovative methods for creating engaging videos. I discovered the significance of video feedback. Learning how to genuinely care for my online students, provide warm feedback, and make the learning experience more approachable were valuable lessons. Importantly, I learned that imperfection is acceptable when crafting educational videos.
Looking ahead, I am committed to transforming my online (and even in-person) classes into more humanized and engaging environments. The insights gained from this course will guide me in personalizing my videos, incorporating ideas such as welcome videos, bumper videos, and introduction videos—short, attention-grabbing clips that establish a connection with students. I am eager to update my Canvas page, ensuring it reflects a friendlier and more personalized touch, fostering a sense of connection and community within my courses.
The liquid syllabus plays a crucial role as the initial impression for students. It begins with a warm and inviting video and message strategically crafted to introduce them to their professor. This approach aims to humanize the instructor, emphasizing that they are a real person and fostering a sense of comfort in interacting with them.
In addition to the personal touch, the liquid syllabus serves as a comprehensive guide, offering a detailed description of the course, outlining expectations, providing valuable advice, highlighting available support services, and establishing a pact between the professor and students. By engaging with the liquid syllabus, students gain a clear understanding of what to anticipate in the course and the contributions expected from them for a successful learning experience. This multifaceted approach ensures transparency and sets the foundation for a positive and productive academic journey.
The course card features a playful cartoon depiction of the chemistry lab. I appreciate the use of a cartoon image because it adds an element of fun and cuteness. My intention is to convey to students that the chemistry lab experience can be enjoyable and lighthearted.
On my homepage, you'll find a banner adorned with charming cartoon characters representing scientific items, creating a delightful synergy with the course card. The intention is to establish a warm and inviting atmosphere, infusing an element of fun into the page. Following the banner, you'll come across a picture of me along with my contact information. It's my hope that students will sense a friendly welcome to my chemistry course as they navigate through these elements.
The 'Getting to Know You' student survey is a valuable tool that provides additional insights into the students enrolled in my course. My intention is to convey a sense of care, making the learning experience more personalized. The survey consists of 11 questions strategically designed to help me understand various aspects of the students' backgrounds.
The initial questions focus on how students prefer to be addressed, their personal preferences, and their chosen method for accessing information on the Canvas Course. Gathering this information is crucial for tailoring my approach to meet their individual needs. I particularly appreciate the feedback regarding their preferred learning styles and any areas they anticipate might pose challenges. This insight allows me to adapt my teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning preferences and address potential difficulties.
I believe that this survey initial effort contributes to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
I opted to engage in the Wisdom Wall assignment because I appreciate the concept of current students offering advice to the next group of students. This initiative not only fosters a sense of continuity and community but also ensures that students realize they are not alone in facing challenges. Discovering that others have experienced similar struggles can be reassuring and create a supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.
I have created a brief 3-minute bumper video focused on "Gas Chromatography (GC)." This video aims to provide students with fundamental insights into the capabilities of GC and an understanding of how it operates. It is intended to serve as a pre-lab resource, preparing students for their hands-on experience with GC during the upcoming lab sessions.
In this microlecture, I dedicated 8 minutes to deliver a pre-lab lecture for a specific chemistry lab focusing on the CaO% analysis in an impure sample. The video begins with a comparative analysis of two titrations: one that students have previously encountered and another specific to the upcoming lab. Following this, I outline what measurements students will be undertaking during the lab session.
To enhance their preparedness, I provide a walkthrough of an Excel template designed for data recording and calculation. By watching this video, students are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to approach their upcoming lab session with confidence and efficiency.