EDLD5368+Instructional+Design

=Course Reflection=

Online learning is a 21st century skill that is spreading rapidly in the U.S. as well as internationally. Educators would benefit in utilizing virtual learning to design and implement online courses as it allows them to reach students in a unique and non-traditional manner. Online learning is flexible, accessible, and unconstrained by meeting and time constraints. //“Teachers are discovering a new way to reach students, many of whom were not successful in traditional schools and courses. Administrators are exploring ways to offer a wider range of courses to students and professional development opportunities to teachers.”// (Watson, J., 2007) By using the Backward Design approach educators will be able to articulate the goals to best reach student’s needs and //“to begin with the end in mind to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction." (Covey, S., 1989).//

Designing the course within Schoology was a challenge. Learning to design a learning management system course with the end in mind was different than what I was accustomed to. I intend to use the course I designed by first sharing the information I’ve learned with my fourth grade team members. Many of the teachers currently don’t utilize technology tools as much in the classroom, and by modeling the information I’ve learned I hope to change their perspective on how when used correctly that it will help classroom instruction.  How I plan to implement my course is first within my classroom and grade level before sharing the information with the faculty. Students will be able to experience more authentic learning experiences and assessments. They will become more engaged with one another as they participate in a non-threatening learning environment. Each student is able to participate simultaneously and give their individual perspectives on various class discussions. Students have the capability to work collaboratively with one another, participate in a virtual environment, and to keep an electronic portfolio where they can share their work with others.

 While I enjoyed learning how to create and setup an online learning management system there are still some questions that I have that are still unanswered. I would like to see how other school districts are utilizing online learning with their students particularly at the elementary level. How would online learning best benefit Title 1 school districts? What barriers and challenges would most hinder educators from designing and creating online environments for students and how to confront those misconceptions?

 With the knowledge I’ve learned in this Instructional Design course I plan to continue to further educate myself about online learning. I want to expose my students to a new way of thinking and learning and to prepare them for the workforce. Educators need to be informed of the tremendous impact that online learning has on student success and achievement as they become familiar of how students can best learn online. //“In addition to helping address these shortcomings, online education also can facilitate mastery of essential 21st century skills by stressing self-directed learning, time management, and personal responsibility along with technology literacy in a context of problem solving and global awareness.”// (Watson, J., 2007)

Covey, S. The 7 Habits of Effective People, 1989 pg. 98. Watson, J. (2007). A National primer on K-12 online learning. North American Council for Online Learning. Retrieved on May 8th, 2010 from []