Module+7+Reflection

Reflect on how you perceive yourself as an online learner? Are you well-prepared to be an online leaner? Tell us about what you need to improve in order to be a successful online learner.

** Description ** This reflection will focus on what I experienced and learned during Module 7 of our Introduction to Technology course. During this two week period, our cohort was given opportunities to consider strategies for effective online learning and teaching. We also shared ideas and thoughts through discussion board regarding our own online teaching and learning experiences. I will explain what I have gained from this time of reflection and what areas I feel I need to improve upon.

** Impact ** This module has allowed me to take time to consider my own online learning experiences and what my strengths and weaknesses are as an online learner. I have also been able to learn from my colleagues, as I have read many of their own personal strategies for teaching and learning online. I personally do not have any experience teaching online, but this module has helped me understand that in order to be an effective online teacher one day, I first need to learn how to be a successful online student. I have realized that I have made my schedule open enough to commit the necessary time to online learning, but I am not as orgainized as I'd like to be. I know that I am a verbal and hands-on learner, so the need to read so much online text often becomes very overwhelming for me. This helps me realize the importance of providing online students with multiple ways to access important information. Although, with the convenience of online learning comes compromise. I think I need to be willing as an online student to find ways to make learning material work for me. For example, I could record my own voice reading online text and then play it back for myself in order to make the information more retainable for my learning style needs.

** Intent ** It is my intent to continue to find ways to improve as an online learner and consider how I might one day apply what I know to be effective as an online teacher. I want to become more committed to reading weekly material and create a more predictable schedule for myself which would include completing such readings during the beginning of each week. I liked the idea shared by a colleague to create a binder for each course. This way, I have a quick go to source where I can access the necessary information for each week and not feel so overwhelmed.