Course Reviews
“Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection.“
– Kim Collins
Thank you for the Feedback!
Over the past weeks we presented our modules in class to small groups for feedback and then had two classmates share more detailed written feedback to each of us regarding our course shell, profile, and modules.
First off, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was able to ask questions and provide valuable feedback to help me critically evaluate my design. This task was time consuming and took a lot of focus, so I really appreciate the deep thinking that went into the suggestions that were offered. Each reviewer took the time to look closely at my course design and comment on aspects such as organization, appearance, and ease of use.
Feedback Suggestions
The feedback I received gave me a lot to consider as I streamline module one and continue to work on my second module for this course.
One question that was asked was, “How will students know or be taught the background information about growth mindset or how to set goals?” Even though I discussed why dreams and goals are important, I did not include enough information about growth mindset, or how to set goals. As I ponder where to add this valuable information within my course it has me considering a slightly different organization and labeling of my unit and lessons to keep it organized but also contain all the necessary information.
Another point that was made during the review was regarding the synchronous and asynchronous capabilities of this course. My original plan was that the course could accommodate both in-class learning or learning from home but upon further reflection, I would like to teach the course synchronously, in-class. As was pointed out in the review, when this class is taught synchronously and in-person, more authentic discussions with peers, small groups or whole groups could take place. Sharing our goals with peers or in small groups also helps us to stay more accountable for what we are trying to achieve in the way of goals.
Google slides instead of Google docs was another suggestion that was offered during my review. I originally chose Google docs so that students would not struggle to stay organized, and all materials would be located and recorded in one central spot. Perhaps, I need to investigate Google slides more in-depth so I fully understand the capabilities of this tool and then can make a more informed decision of which tool to proceed with.
Another suggestion to increase student interactions was chats within Google Stream. It was suggested that is a great space for students to post questions and chat while it can easily be monitored by the teacher. Student to student interaction is essential and is something I did not incorporate enough into module one, so I will be acting on this suggestion.
Lastly, our class last week addressed accessibility. Although I made some considerations within my course profile for access to technology or EAL students, I did not consider the needs of all learners. While reading chapter 9 from our Bates text I was reminded that if Universal Design standards are followed, the needs of a diverse mix of learners will be met. As I move forward with the planning for the rest of my course, I will need to ensure I have offered a range of options for student learning and that different abilities have been considered. It is essential to gather as much information about the learners as possible before the class begins to plan accordingly. Just as differentiation is essential in every classroom, it is also important for the success of online and blended classes and therefore requires extra consideration.
Thank you again for the feedback, I look forward to incorporating these ideas and suggestions into my planning as I continue to plan and streamline my course modules.
I am always open to feedback. If you have any other thoughts or suggestions you would like to share regarding my course or have something to add to the suggestions above I would love to hear from you.
About The Author
Hi Bev,
I really like how you listened to the feedback and now are looking at ways to make your learning modules more concrete and bring clarity to certain aspects of it. I really noticed this in my review as well because some of my learning tasks and content seem to make sense to me, but with the added perspectives and eyes of our colleagues, it has brought to light the things that I do not see within my course. I really how you are reimagining what this could now look like with this new feedback.
Thanks for taking the time to share!
Hi Bev,
Great post! I too struggle with the idea of asynchronous structures in teaching my high school courses. I find that too many of students cannot keep up with these components and in order for my classroom I need to have it synchronous. I am hoping to be able to lessen my need for control in my blended course design!
Scott
Hi Bev,
Thank you for your thoughts around the feedback you received. It sounds like the suggestions given will enhance your well developed course even more. I love how well you have added opportunities for peer interactions. I think student voice is so important and will definitely add a lot to your topic of growth mindset. I enjoy using Google Slides! They seem to help keep things organized and flowing better than docs for me. From the moment, I heard about what your course would be about, I was intrigued. I look forward to checking it out further!
-Kendra
Great post, Bev. I know the feeling of “this would be better in person” and have struggled to find ways to engage students on the ISTE or SAMR models that go just beyond substituting a device for pen & paper and beyond the shallow changes of online learning to something that is more redefined.
I also echo your sentiments about the accommodations we discussed in class. In my blog, I mentioned how it is very difficult to try to create hypothetical needs for our students. To me, it is the same as planning in the classroom – we all have units we love to do with our students, and we adapt them year by year to fit the needs of our individual classrooms. However, I will still say that thinking about the variety of accommodations is beneficial to our pedagogy and challenges us to be innovative in the wide range of uses that using technology brings to the class.
Thanks for a thought-provoking post!
Hi Bev,
I enjoyed reviewing your module; I thought it was really well planned and put together. I think that the whole idea of goal setting and especially growth mindset is an area that is lacking with a lot of the students we see in schools. This would be a great year opening activity/lesson/unit to complete and set the tone for the school year. Students must learn to fail or they essentially are failing to learn! Again, well done!
Bret
Hi Bev,
Your post was well presented. I truly believe that we will never be totally happy with our online lessons/units as we are constantly learning about new ideas and strategies to incorporate into this platform of learning. Building online community is a struggle I think in many situations. Nothing will ever replace face to face interactions but we have to do what we can to help develop and model these opportunities for our kiddo’s!