Learning activities update http://scolbourne.trubox.ca/category/learning-activities/
These can also be found by clicking the tab entitled “learning activities” at the top of the page.
Category Archives: OTL201
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 4
I used the app Explain Everything on my android phone to create this short tutorial. Streaking microbiology plates is one of the skills I cover in the workshop I teach. Creating a quick video tutorial could help streamline the teaching process in our classroom section of the workshop.
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.