UNIT 5 REFELCTION POST

Over the past two weeks, building a Canvas course shell and exploring Microsoft Teams as a learning platform has been a valuable and informative experience. It has reinforced just how critical organization, communication, and accessibility are in creating effective online and blended learning environments.

Through this process, I have learned that a clear course structure and consistent use of digital platforms can significantly improve student engagement. Canvas enabled me to build out modules with clearly defined objectives and deadlines, giving students a straightforward and structured learning path. At the same time, Microsoft Teams brought a collaborative component to the experience, with features like chat, file sharing, and live meetings that promote real-time interaction (Robertson, 2025). I truly see the benefits of using Canvas for content delivery and assessments, while leveraging Teams for collaboration and group discussions. This combination will offer both structure and interactivity, creating a balanced and engaging learning environment.

One of the most important takeaways for me has been the value of centralizing course materials in one accessible place. This helps to remove confusion while keeping the students organized. I’ve also recognized the importance of maintaining consistent communication, such as posting regular announcements and reminders, to keep students informed and on track. In addition, offering early technology go-by's which can boost learner confidence, especially when multiple platforms are used.

Reflecting on past experiences, I realize that my use of multiple, disconnected tools, (like Google Drive, emails, and ClassDojo), led to missed updates, confusion, and frustration. Students struggled to find important information, and I found it harder to provide support in a timely and efficient way. If I had used an integrated approach like Canvas and Teams together back then, I could have improved communication, reduced confusion, and created a more cohesive experience for everyone involved.

Overall, this experience has shown me that digital tools are only as effective as the design behind them. I now feel better prepared to build online learning environments that are clear, consistent, and supportive qualities that are essential to student success. By intentionally aligning tools like Canvas and Microsoft Teams with instructional goals, I can create learning experiences that are not only more engaging, but also more accessible and efficient for all learners.

References

Robertson, A. (2025). Integrating Microsoft Teams with Canvas LMS. Retrieved from Infrastructure: https://www.instructure.com/resources/blog/integrating-microsoft-teams-canvas-lms