Humanizing Online STEM Showcase
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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.
For a little bit of background, I'm completely new to the teaching profession. Yes, completely new to teach altogether, much less teaching online courses. I began this course as an eager open book to be filled with knowledge about how to connect with the students. Not only was I an open book, I was also an EMPTY BOOK. I imagined that I would gain a handful of tools for my tool belt. Boy, did I totally under estimated what this course would offer.
Where I am.
Today, I'm still a brand new book, but I now, I have a quite a few tools to my disposal. No, I'm not even close to being an expert in using the tools at this time. However, my exposure to them in this course has set a foundation for me to grow. Not only do I have a foundational, I also have a renewed hunger for HUMANIZED content rich material that nourishes a student to become the best human being possible.
Where I am going.
From the things that I've learned in this course, it is quite evident that I'm only beginning my journey to become a humanizing figure in the classroom (on-line or in person).
Liquid Syllabus
I plan to share the liquid syllabus with the enrolled students at least a week before the class is scheduled to begin. It will serve as my first intentional gesture of a kindness cue to welcome all students into a learning community. I'm hoping the video will foster a sense of psychological trust from the outset and set the tone for a safe space for everyone to learn as one community.
Course Card
I selected this image as the course card as I found it to closely represent the environment that I would like to cultivate for my online course. It depicts people sitting in close proximately, sharing, and completing assignments. It suggests that the environment will be one in which we all will learn from one another.
Homepage
In my homepage, I wanted to limit the layout and content to a minimal as to not overwhelm the students at the door. I wanted to provide the most critical information upfront and in a place that it won't be hard to find throughout the course.
Getting to Know You Survey
While creating this showcase, I tried to identify the most influential component that could potentially have the greatest impact on setting the tone for an inclusive and warm setting to welcome in the students to my course. At first, I thought it may be the Liquid Syllabus, but I came to the conclusion that the "Getting to Know You Survey" probably is the most critical
I believe the survey is the most critical as it sends a clear message that the instructor is human and is interesting in making a human connection first.
I plan to use the survey as THE FIRST graded assignment in my courses.
Wisdom Wall
The Wisdom Wall is an important component of this humanizing element because it shows people being vulnerable and expressing empath for themselves. Along with the empathy, the stories also encourage to serve as a welcoming voice into an unknown place.
Bumper Video
As a goal oriented student in college, I remember quite vividly experiencing a mental and physical impact on my body when there were important assignments due. At that time, I didn't understand what was happening. I'm sure I was experiencing Academic Anxiety, but just wasn't aware. I chose this video to use periodically (or at least once) in my humanized courses to make sure that students are aware that the condition is real. With awareness, the students have an option to take steps to address the anxiety in ways that work well for them.
Microlecture
In software development, it is important keep the user experience at the forefront of your design. Well designed and functional software, with a gnarly user interface (UI) that results in a less than desirable user experience (UX) is fairly worthless in the real world. This microlecture is intended to stress the importance of the UI when designing, and provide an example of a mechanism that could enhance the UX.