Module 6 - Weekly Reflection

A precourse survey started our activities for the week. I used Survey Monkey to create my survey. This tool is easy to use and contains the functionality needed for most course related surveys. Before starting the survey, I needed to reorganize /redesign my online course (again!) in a more meaningful way. I had the opportunity to teach a blended format of the course this week. It did not go well. I did have my students complete a survey but it was too late to change the format once I received the results. Lesson learned! The survey must be sent out well enough in advance so that the necessary changes or adjustments can be made to the course design if warranted.

I also participated in Monday's Dimdim conference. There were approximately 10 classmates participating with Jennifer and the facilitator. The conference went smoothly and was a great way to connect with the class. I did not have a microphone but was still able to communicate via chat with the class. Jennifer showed us how a PowerPoint presentation could be displayed and used interactively in the Dimdim software. I am curious as to how a webcam would work with Dimdim. I am going to try to get a group of teachers to give this tool a thorough test as I am hoping to use this as one of my tools for my online course. I have used other conferencing tools over the past few years but their costs would be prohibitive in the K-12 school setting.

Our third activity involved a comparative study between two course syllabi; the Casey and Khalsa courses. The Casey study was a f2f journalism curriculum. Khalsa's course was an online media studies course. We focused on the concept of cybercoaching and its effect on teaching and learning in online courses. This method of formative assessment has been proven to increase student achievement. The task for this course is to incorporate this method into our developing online courses. We aim to help our students develop new and improved skills and knowledge rather than merely point out if they are right or wrong. This leads students to take charge of their own learning in meaningful and purposeful manner.

I have been developing my online course for the final project. I am changing the formats of many of my activities. Originally there were too many 'technology-based' activities which overwhelmed the students. I will be cutting back on technology and focusing more on organization and ease of use.