438 reflection #3

This week I learned a couple of really important things about online learning. Interestingly, I learned these things because of participating in this class AND two other online classes. It has definitely given me a new perspective about participating in online classes and what online learning should be like through the assignments, videos, and discussions of this course. One of the things that has readily become apparent is the need for time management. If time is not managed properly, I don’t believe that eLearning will be effective.  This time management needs to come from both the instructor and the student. The instructor needs to set up the course in a way that challenges the student, yet still sets the student up for success—having clear expectations that are communicated clearly. Also, the student needs to make sure to take ownership of the course—keeping up with assignments in a timely manner. The other thing that I learned in this past week is how important instructor support is. Because the course is not taking place in a physical location where you can explain instructions in multiple ways, check in with students easily, and gauge facial expressions and body language for understanding, you have to be very explicit, if not repetitive, with initial instructions and then check in with students often, either responding to questions or soliciting feedback. As a student in another online class where the instructor has been very distant, I now understand just how important this support is.