In consideration of the vast array of distractors while online, be it advertisements, social media, or checking emails, it is crucial to model appropriate communication, as well as building and maintaining community in the blended and online learning environment.

In reflection of this module, I realize it has strengthened my skills in iNACOL Standard C (the online teacher plans, designs, and incorporates strategies to encourage active learning, application, interaction, participation, and collaboration in the online environment). I am now prepared to incorporate an online discussion board with all of my various music classes. I enjoyed creating an open-ended prompt that encourages deeper thinking, and interaction with differing opinions. I especially liked creating the rubric for this specific discussion. I plan to have this discussion as one of my opening prompts this coming school year.

Now that I have completed my first Google Classroom training from my district, I am now comfortable creating and implementing online discussion questions with Classroom. I was unaware how simple, yet powerful community building activities, like discussion questions can be for all of my classes.