July 28 - As I pass the mid-point of my Graduate degree in ELL here at Lamar University, I am tasked with creating an On-Line class. While my initial reaction was one of fear, I have had time to embrace the challenge and have moved toward excitement with the endless possibilities this new skill will bring. I am currently creating an on-line course that will complement my Innovation Plan, "Flipping the Defensive Meeting Room," by teaching our defensive players the skill needed to do this.
August 4 - I am pleasantly surprised that designing an on-line class isn't as tough as I thought it would be. I am glad to get the first one out of the way. I think that once I implement it with my college athletes, I will get enough feedback from them that my second attempt will be much easier.
August 11 - As we move toward the end of this current course, I was asked which existing courses could be moved to online versions. Because we do not offer actual classes, I began thinking about the things we could offer in an online format. Offering an LU Football 101 to incoming freshman would be an option, so our players could be a step ahead as they enter the next phase of their education. This could include both academic and athletic information. We could also provide information on proper Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning, helping to prepare our athletes in advance, before strenuous Summer and Fall workouts begin.
August 18 -
As we complete another academic session, there are several Guiding Questions that should be addressed:
A. What Instructional Design theories lend themselves to development of online learning environments? Which one did you lean toward in developing your course?
The ADDIE Model and Merrill’s Principle’s of Instruction both lend themselves well to the development of on-line Learning. While it was originally developed for the Army, the ADDIE Model is well suited for development in the academic world (Hall, 2017). This model looks at the desired outcomes and objectives, which is important for a course is being developed to teach student athletes to break down game video successfully. Merrill’s theory takes a task-centered approach, which is also critical in designing a course that not only teaches student athletes how to effectively break down film, but also builds on demonstration and scaffolding each more complex step to the last (Merrill, 2008).
Merrill, David, (2008). Merrill on Instructional Design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_TKaO2-jXA
Mary Hall (2017). Instructional Design Video: ADDIE Model. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CQ2NyosVvs,&t=25s
B. How did you implement the UbD plan for your learning environment in creating learning opportunities for students?
Implementing the UbD plan is critical, as the goal is effective preparation for D1 football games, therefore, learning how to break football film down correctly is imperative. When looking at the end result of well prepared student athletes with the ability to analyze game film for minute details in their upcoming opponent’s play, designing the necessary components of the course become self-evident.
C. With regard to what you have learned in this course, discuss the relevance and importance of providing online learning for our students.
Our current students now possess the vast majority of knowledge in this world in the palm of their hand. We have a generation that was literally raised on some type of mobile device. In the area of young adult training, specifically college athletes, current schedules often make actual scheduled classes inconvenient. By providing information online, we can provide valuable material, making learning available to almost anyone.
D. What is the enduring understanding you can take from this course and apply in your teaching?
The understanding that can be taken from this specific course is the realization that almost anything can be prepared to aid in learning almost anywhere and anytime. With the tools available, materials can be collected and attached to a program such as Schoology with ease. Instead of waiting for a time where the masses were actually all gathered together in the same location in the same town to share information, it is very possible to literally “Take the Mountain to Mohammed” by preparing the information in the form of an online course and allowing all to take part on their schedules in their own location. The possibilities are literally endless.