This is the grand finale!
Throughout the course, there were several key learning moments for me. Early in the course I read in Bates text, that ‘learning is a dynamic process,’ which spoke to my personal constructivist ideas of learning. It fit with the idea that we are ‘lifelong learners.’ This is a bit of a catchphrase for teachers, but I actually believe that, or we wouldn’t be here participating in graduate degree classes, right?!
Paradigm Shifts in Education
Each week of classes, a new topic was presented. And each week, I felt like my thinking was shifted a bit. I like that commercial (pretty sure it is a car commercial which is irrelevant), where the person on stage says, “Are we ready for a paradigm shift?” and I felt like this at times in my learning. Each week I felt some new perspective entering my paradigm on learning and in blended learning.
The Bates text highlighted several items of learning for me, around pedagogy, providing rich learning environments, catering to the needs of students, and having an arsenal of tools available to you as a teacher. That arsenal of tools was certainly discussed throughout the course, as we discussed many new tools, and I learned from my peers as well. I will be implementing Canva, H5P, AI like ChatGPT, among many other websites that I learned about into my courses in the future. Our students can only benefit from us trying to make the course work better for them.
My course prototype was a little daunting at the start, but really helped me to look at just how I work on developing a course from scratch. It allowed me to take a closer look at the ADDIE model, and really consider where and how technology can be best implemented to benefit both myself and my students. It had me considering inclusivity in the classroom, which tools work the best, how to provide the most appropriate and beneficial structure, and considering feedback that was provided to me, as well as how to best provide it for students.
Overall, there was a shift in my thinking on blended and online learning thanks to this course. I outline this in greater detail in the video below. Appreciate any feedback. Take care everyone.
Summary of Learning Video:
I’ve learned that going back to the basics does connect students engagement. It’s hard to have them involved when they don’t know what’s going on. I think you did a really good job here and I connected with a lot of the things that you said. It was so important to try and shift your thinking and really put yourself in that moment. What would work best for your classroom and how can we identify the gaps. Great job!
Shayna!
I love how you synthesized your summary of learning from this class. I relate to your first message about learning from your peers. I learnt a lot from you and your class discussion contribution to our class. So thank-you! I didn’t know what an LMS was either until this class and it definitely can be overwhelming when trying to find one that works for yourself and your class. Great job!
How you summarized what you learned in this lesson is fantastic. Your first point learning is a dynamic process, is a fact. As new knowledge and experiences are obtained, “learning” is regarded as a dynamic process since it is ever-evolving and adapting. We are able to comprehend the world around us and engage with it in novel ways as we acquire new information and abilities. Also, when we learn more, our perceptions and analyses of historical data may alter. Due to learning’s dynamic character, both individuals and society as a whole can advance.
I’m not sure if I get ‘frequent flyer miles’ for my comments on your blog throughout the semester, but here I am….again!
I completely relate to the contradiction of complexity and simplicity I am taking away from this course and the Bates text. I also relate closely to your mention of equity and accessibility being eye-opening focuses this semester and redefining our inclusivity practices. I like your note on making your LMS work for you instead of being extra work for you – this is especially important as many of our hands are tied to what LMS we use based on our division. Understanding how to make your LMS work as a solid foundation for your prototype was a great opportunity to explore that because, as you said, it is often assumed we will figure them out. I’m really glad we were able to connect through our prototypes this semester and I wish you all the best on your future courses and that A30 in the fall! Thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks so much to all of my peers for such positive feedback. It has made this learning process so much more enjoyable. And we really have learned from one another.