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.
When COVID hit, I understood the importance of utilizing technology for online teaching, and I realized that I needed to enhance my skills in this area. I also recognized the significance of actively listening to students and practicing empathy. Initially, I believed that managing this class "Humanizing" would be challenging, as I had watched numerous videos suggesting that dedicating several hours each day to complete assignments would be necessary.
I have learned a lot of things in this class called "Humanizing." For instance, I've gained knowledge on creating a fluid syllabus, something I hadn't done before. Moreover, I've learned how to better connect with students and make the class more human-centered. Additionally, I've expanded my vocabulary related to the curriculum.
In the future, I will apply the skills I have learned, such as the concept of a "liquid syllabus." I believe that implementing a liquid syllabus will make it easier for my students to access and navigate the course material even before the semester begins. I am aware of the importance of creating short videos, as they can help students engage with the curriculum more effectively.
My liquid syllabus offers a streamlined guide containing instructions for a successful start during the initial week of the course.
It furnishes both personal and professional insights into my background and teaching philosophy, laying the foundation for my students to build a sense of trust.
I try to humanize my class by adding short videos that showcase my personal life. This will help students feel more socially included.
I chose this image to be the course card. It will help students develop a growth mindset, as they can relate to the student depicted in the image. Additionally, the apple symbolizes the importance of maintaining good health and nutrition to ensure proper brain function.
Also, my class is Physics, and as you can see in the picture, understanding the concepts and formulas will help students retain the information for a longer duration.
The homepage for the initial week of the course is designed with a focus on simplicity. This straightforward design ensures that students can effortlessly find their way to the appropriate starting point.It will help students to access the resources easily and establish a sense of belonging. The homepage features a picture of me smiling to send positive cues, and the banner is designed to help students feel relaxed and foster a positive attitude towards Physics.
"Getting to Know You Survey" communicates to students that the instructor values their unique identities, and shows our empathies, and mitigates stereotype threat by asking simple questions about their personal struggles throughout the course.
An icebreaker is indeed an introductory activity typically conducted during the initial week of a course. Its primary purpose is to foster social interactions among students and help them become more familiar with each other. The idea of creating a short video as an example, where I share memorable narratives or experiences related to physics or natural phenomena from my childhood until now, is a creative and engaging way to make students feel welcomed in the class. Sharing personal experiences can create a sense of connection and relatability, making the learning environment more inclusive and comfortable for everyone involved. This approach can help establish a positive and interactive atmosphere right from the start.
A Course Bumper is a brief, visually-oriented video that serves an instructional purpose in your course. It serves as a scaffold to provide extra support for students who need it. In this video, I explain the assignments step by step, using pictures to humanize the tasks and make them more relatable to students
A microlecture refers to a concise audio or video presentation focused on a narrow topic. Integrating microlectures into my teaching methodology can serve as a powerful strategy for improving the learning experience, they enable a smooth arrangement of my students' learning experience, focused on distinct educational goals. To illustrate this, I've provided a few instances of the subject "Period and Wavelength," aimed at assisting students in getting started.
