7201 Course Practicum Reflections
Class Creation
Class Creation
This class kept us so busy. We started by discussing our experience using learning management systems, (LMS) and our concerns. Since I have a bit of a background (having been an instructional designer) I was looking forward to learning Blackboard. We posted the design sheets we created, showing our learning activities and resources, and then we gave each other constructive criticism on how to improve and what to include in our classes. After this came the exciting part, starting to create our classes in Blackboard! We all created three lessons, and all three lessons had to include learning objectives (what we wanted our students to learn from the lesson), a mini-lecture, learning material such as articles and videos, and learning activities. The learning activities varied but we all created discussion boards, tests, and blogs or journals. In each module we had to make sure the learning activities and resources aligned with the objectives we created and how.
This class kept us so busy. We started by discussing our experience using learning management systems, (LMS) and our concerns. Since I have a bit of a background (having been an instructional designer) I was looking forward to learning Blackboard. We posted the design sheets we created, showing our learning activities and resources, and then we gave each other constructive criticism on how to improve and what to include in our classes. After this came the exciting part, starting to create our classes in Blackboard! We all created three lessons, and all three lessons had to include learning objectives (what we wanted our students to learn from the lesson), a mini-lecture, learning material such as articles and videos, and learning activities. The learning activities varied but we all created discussion boards, tests, and blogs or journals. In each module we had to make sure the learning activities and resources aligned with the objectives we created and how.
Adding To The Class
Adding To The Class
Besides the learning modules, we created many links on the Blackboard to resemble a real class page. We set the Announcements page as the page students see when they enter the class and created announcements like a real class. We created an instructor page where our contact information, such as office hours and email were posted, and we even added online tools like Blackboard and Skype to our classes. We all created banners and rubrics to show how we would grade assignments. Our final assignments required us to create a syllabus and an orientation to show students how to get started. There was so much work involved in creating the classes but showed us what a real teacher would do.
Besides the learning modules, we created many links on the Blackboard to resemble a real class page. We set the Announcements page as the page students see when they enter the class and created announcements like a real class. We created an instructor page where our contact information, such as office hours and email were posted, and we even added online tools like Blackboard and Skype to our classes. We all created banners and rubrics to show how we would grade assignments. Our final assignments required us to create a syllabus and an orientation to show students how to get started. There was so much work involved in creating the classes but showed us what a real teacher would do.
I Got Over Frustration
I Got Over Frustration
I was so excited to start the class development but frustrated at times. I would put together an assignment, only to find out it didn't work with the lesson. At times I did feel overwhelmed but took breaks and did things a little at a time. I went through my classes several times, and under student view because I wanted to see the class as a student would. I was so happy to learn new skills and seeing my class come to life was amazing. I liked the idea of going piece by piece and creating one part, then another. I had never realized all the parts we needed for our classes to be successful. I took many Blackboard classes since 2016 but never as an instructor and never realized how hard it can be to complete a class. I think this explains why so many instructors had online classes that were lackluster and didn't contribute to anything.
I was so excited to start the class development but frustrated at times. I would put together an assignment, only to find out it didn't work with the lesson. At times I did feel overwhelmed but took breaks and did things a little at a time. I went through my classes several times, and under student view because I wanted to see the class as a student would. I was so happy to learn new skills and seeing my class come to life was amazing. I liked the idea of going piece by piece and creating one part, then another. I had never realized all the parts we needed for our classes to be successful. I took many Blackboard classes since 2016 but never as an instructor and never realized how hard it can be to complete a class. I think this explains why so many instructors had online classes that were lackluster and didn't contribute to anything.
My Teaching Style
My Teaching Style
As an instructor I plan to be interactive with my students, including online classes where we use technology such as Skype. I think this class really allowed me to be an instructor and will help me be an instructor. As I race towards the end with this class it is with sadness and joy. I am happy I didn't give up and followed through but will miss the interactions with everyone. I liked that we posted our assignments and asked for advice. We all became better teachers and students because of this, and our future students will be the ones to benefit. Yes, it was difficult at times, but it was worth it!
As an instructor I plan to be interactive with my students, including online classes where we use technology such as Skype. I think this class really allowed me to be an instructor and will help me be an instructor. As I race towards the end with this class it is with sadness and joy. I am happy I didn't give up and followed through but will miss the interactions with everyone. I liked that we posted our assignments and asked for advice. We all became better teachers and students because of this, and our future students will be the ones to benefit. Yes, it was difficult at times, but it was worth it!
For my reflections on finishing the program go here: Certificate Program Reflections
For my reflections on finishing the program go here: Certificate Program Reflections