I had no idea if I was going to do well teaching completely online. I am constantly learning about new technology and new ways to teach students about biology, but I was limited in my knowledge of the tools available to help with online instruction. I was a bit intimidated to learn how to use them. I pride myself in finding ways to approach science equitably, and to incorporate a variety of learning styles, assignments, and activities in my courses. However, I struggle with bringing hands-on scientific learning into an online environment.
After completing the Online Humanizing STEM Academy, I had a lot to reflect on. The most important piece of knowledge I have gained from this experience is thinking about how each individual student feels when they are in our course. Do they feel welcomed? Will they feel accepted? How can I do my part to create an environment where everyone feels appreciated, welcomed, and accepted and what does that look like? I have always feared recording myself in videos. Mostly due to the sound of my voice, but I now realize that it makes me who I am, and showing my students who I am is the start of creating a welcoming environment.
The tools I learned about in this academy are extremely helpful, especially for recording videos. I went from "no way", to "this is amazing" in just a matter of weeks. I can't wait to incorporate all I have learned into my courses.
I am excited to build online courses and incorporate the new tools I have learned to use. From a warm, welcoming introductory video, to a liquid syllabus. I will be forever editing, creating, and finding new ways to make online science equitable, accessable, and available to students while maintaining an adequate level of learning. I look forward to growing and developing my courses centered around a "Humanizing" effort. This will stay with me for all of my courses, whether in person, or online.