Monthly Archives: April 2017

OTL301 – Post3

Once again, since I teach my workshops face to face as opposed to online, this blog post is slightly altered to be relevant for me. The activities I have come up with are ones that I could use in the classroom. I have tried to integrate the ideas of collaboration, community and teaching presence into these activities as I feel they are equally valuable in a face to face classroom setting.

 

Learning outcome #1:

Identify the differences between procedures for routine blood collection and procedures for blood culture collection.  Explain the reasons for these differences in regards to microbiology lab results, diagnosis and patient care.

Learning activity #1:

Read the procedure for collecting blood cultures. Highlight the steps that differ from routine blood collection. In pairs, discuss reasons for these differences. We will then review these procedures together as a class.

 

Learning outcome #2:

Ensure correct processing of microbiology specimens including media selection, labeling, inoculation, streaking and incubation.  Understand importance of proper streaking patterns to obtain isolation. Demonstrate use of sterile technique in biological safety cabinet.

Learning activity #2:

Choose 3 different types of specimens and review each specimen and requisition for correct labeling.  Choose appropriate media plates according to job aide. Label each media plate with a unique identifier (example: SC-1, SC-2, SC-3) as well as required incubation atmosphere (O2, CO2 or AnO2).  After watching the demonstration, inoculate and streak media according to protocol.  Sort media according to required incubation atmosphere.

OTL301 – Post 2

The reading material on teaching presence has expanded my view of the teacher’s role in an online classroom.  Previously I described organization as an effective practice in my experience as an online learner. I know understand that this is only one of many important aspects of teaching online and all three categories described must be carefully considered and put into action.  The categories described as design and organization, facilitating discourse, and direct instruction are all essential to a positive learning environment.

In my last post I talked about my experience with a well organized course and how clear expectations and outlines helped me feel supported in my learning experience. The idea of ‘design and organization’ as the first category of teaching presence supports this and confirms my ideas.  However, after reading this article on teaching presence, I see how enhanced direct instruction from the teacher could have contributed to the overall teaching presence and made my experience even better.

OTL301 – Post 1

In addition to teaching through TRU, I am currently working towards earning a degree in Health Administration online through Athabasca University.  This online learning experience has given me some valuable insight.  Each course I take is slightly different in the way it is organized and facilitated. To me, what stands out the most in an effective course is organization and cohesiveness.  Classes that are clearly outlined, organized and well structured help students clearly understand what is expected in the course.  There must be a sense of consistency between the outline, the assignments and learning activities. Lesson notes should always agree with the learning materials and never contradict or confuse the information.

One class I took recently was a struggle for me. I found myself venting to friends and family about how frustrating the class was. While the information presented was relatively simple, the way it was presented was disorganized and often contradicted itself.  There were many mistakes in answer keys for learning activities, the textbook sometimes contradicted the class notes.  As an online learner, I felt confused for much of the time and second-guessing myself often. This translated to a feeling of being alone in my studies and even made me hesitate to reach out to the facilitator.

The contrast between a well organized course and a poorly organized one is huge. Organization and cohesiveness gives the feeling of a supportive environment. It is easy for students to ask questions in a well organized course.  I wish I could take that class again in a different learning environment!

OTL201 – Post 5

Review

The most important concept I took away from this course is the idea of social presence in an online classroom. Correspondence courses can be challenging and I see the importance of creating an inviting and supportive environment for students to fulfill their full potential in their online studies.  Making sure to remind students of the real person on the other side of the computer can help encourage this type of supported learning.

I think this concept should be carried forward into the face to face portions of our teaching as well. Taking time to introduce each other and to learn a little about each member of the group can help individuals feel comfortable in both online and face to face learning classrooms. It is in this way that students will feel they can relate to instructors and peers, encouraging sharing of ideas and collaboration during class activities.

My goal would be to start each workshop on a good note with icebreaker introductions. I will lead by example, sharing a little about myself before asking each student to share a little about themselves. Creating a supportive community right from the beginning of each workshop will help students feel comfortable sharing and asking questions. I believe this will help establish the right mindset in preparation of the transition into their practicum and then employment.

I would like to work on keeping students focused and engaged during the lecture part of our workshop. Day one includes a heavy amount of information and I would like to integrate some more activities that will help give life to the classroom. My tutorial in the last post was simple but I think something like this can help break up the day and keep students engaged.

OTL201 – Post 3

The workshop I teach is not online, it is a face-to-face two day workshop in a hospital setting. However, as I read through this course I believe that the idea of social presence can be applied to f2f classes as well. Ice breakers and introductions are important to create a supportive learning environment.

My Learning Activities section can be used to collect ideas for my classroom activities that I plan to implement as I make changes to the workshop.

OTL201 – Post 2

My introduction was a short glimpse into my life via a slideshow of everyday photographs. I feel as though this was a good way to give others a feel for my personal priorities, hobbies and interests. According to Lesson 1, this type of information can help group members find common ground and relate to others in the group in order to open up communication lines. Showing photos of my real life portrays a sense of vulnerability which I think helps others see me as a “real person” rather than just text on a screen.

One improvement that could be made to this post if it were for an online class is to also focus on the purpose of the group. My introduction tells others about me, but doesn’t necessarily relate to a particular class or group. Online learning should always be organized and purposeful to keep group members motivated and focused on the task at hand.

The lesson enhanced my understanding of open communication and the importance on a well set up LMS website. Ensuring students have the opportunity to easily comment, reply and react to each other’s posts is something that I had not considered in detail before.

OTL201 – Post 1

A little about me:

As briefly explained in my first OTL101 post, I strive to maintain a balance between my personal life and my professional life.  I work part time as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, as well as teaching hands-on workshops for Medical Laboratory Assistants. In addition, I am working towards my degree in Health Administration, through Athabasca University.

Most important to me is my family. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, and mom of three young girls. I know that for me to remain happy I must maintain a balance between family, work and fitness. I enjoy the laughter and joy that family brings, the challenge that work brings,, and the clarity and pride that fitness brings.  When I have time to take for myself I practice photography, art and I love to read.

Please see my quick slideshow  which shows a few of my photos.

OTL101 – Post 1

Hello,

Welcome to my version of the TRU open learning courses. I teach workshops for Medical Laboratory Assistance in a hospital setting. I believe that online learning students benefit most from a well organized, supportive environment and I look forward to contributing to a positive student experience.

I currently strive to maintain a balance in my personal life that includes family, photography, work and an active lifestyle. This includes my 3 young girls, a daily photography project, my 2 jobs, as well as running, hiking and rock climbing.