Humanizing Online STEM Showcase
Jennifer Czerniawski, Ph.D., Saddleback College
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.
Reflections
Where I was.
Before I started the Humanizing Online STEM Academy, I considered my teaching style to be approachable. This is particularly the case because I teach Biological Psychology and Research Methods in Psychology, which are two of the most difficult and potentially intimidating courses, so I want to compensate for that by being more approachable and 'human'. However, I wasn't sure if I hitting all the marks on that. Since I'm in the Psychology field, I was already aware of implicit bias and stereotype threat, but didn't know all the statistics on minoritized students. I was also really concerned about the time commitment for this course, as I have a busy semester and was also taking another online professional development workshop at the same time.
Where I am.
It's a relief to know I'm on the right track! One thing that really struck me was the difference between people from individualistic vs collectivist cultures when it comes to teaching and learning. I've taught students about these cultures but had never thought of their relevance when it came to my teaching approach! For instance, I don't like video or audio feedback comments, because I'm often in an office or room with someone so it's easier and quicker for me to read it, but now that I know some learners respond well to that, I plan on asking students their preference at the beginning of the semester (and also in the middle of the semester). There were some great tips and techniques in the class. For example, I had never used Adobe Express or Flip before, so it was great to get experience using new tools.
Where I am going.
I plan to continue with what I've been doing, as well as incorporate the 'getting to know you survey' in the beginning of the semester, as well as sending out my Liquid Syllabus with Welcome Video prior to the semester. I already send out an email with video, but the liquid syllabus seems more warm and welcoming. I also plan to use notes in gradebook to keep track of students' feedback preference, DPS accommodations, high opportunity learners. I thought I was pretty Canvas-savvy but didn't know that the Notes was something you can add that students won't see. I really like Adobe Express and plan on using that for more bumper videos. I'm happy to continute my Humanizing STEM journey and feel confident I have the skillset to do that now!
Liquid Syllabus
My liquid syllabus will be sent out a week prior to the start of classes. This will be a friendly welcome to the course. Within the liquid syllabus I have a welcome video, statement about teaching philosophy, learning pact, as well as information about the course and what they need for the first week to set them up for success.
I used warm, welcoming languages, as well as pictures and images to show that I'm human, just like them!
Course Card
I chose this image because the colors and design invoked a lightness and calmness, whereas most brain images are austere and intense which could be intimidating. The silhouettes of families give a feeling of warmth and community, which is what I want me class to be like. I think it sends a friendly welcoming message.
Homepage
My homepage serves as a kindness cue of social inclusion for students in a number of different ways. First, there is a course banner with a friendly, smiling picture of me. I use this to try and set the tone. Right below that I have a note about how I'm there to help, along with various ways to contact me if they have questions.
In order to help prevent students from becoming overwhelmed, I have a minimalistic design with a clear 'start here' link to the Course Orientation and buttons for important info/links. When they click on Course Schedule it brings them to a table that has each week and links to the module and assignments for each week to easily help keep them on track. Lastly, I have a link to Canvas support at the bottom of the page, as well as a link to the Life Happens which they can use to get extensions on assignments without penalty twice throughout the semester.
Getting to Know You Survey
This survey will be part of the Orientation Module during the first week of class. There are questions about themselves which will show that I want to get to know and respect them as a person. Additionally, I'll use the information from that to determine how to give feedback to students (written, audio, or video) and to know which students are high opportunity students. I can then use the Notes function in the Gradebook to have this information readily available.
Example questions include:
What would you like me to call you and what are your preferred pronouns?
When it comes to receiving feedback, which methods do you prefer?
What is most likely to interfere with your success in this class?
Wisdom Wall
For my Wisdom Wall assignment, I have students think back to how they felt at the beginning of the semester and how they feel at the end. This helps them tap into their own growth mindset and realize how far they've come. I think having this Wisdom Wall as advice for students at the beginning of the semester, when they're often overwhelmed and anxious, will help them realize that they can do it. Having the advice come from fellow students who have been in their place should really help foster a sense of belonging.
Bumper Video
My bumper video explains the differences between internal and external validity, which are really important but confusing topics when it comes to research design. I put it in a page in my module focusing on differences in research methods. I think the visual imagery and direct comparisons will help improve my students' learning experience, especially the use of humor.
Microlecture
This microlecture will appear in the first module of the class. I go over the different parts of a neuron and their functions, as well as showing where those parts of a neuron are. Therefore, it directly address the learning objective for them to identify, label, and describe the parts of a neuron. Additionally, I give pointers at the end that will help them when it comes to labeling the different structures.