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HI

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After completing the first 2 modules, one of my misconceptions about online learning that any regular classroom teacher is qualified to teach online was cleared up that it takes a bit more work to be able to master online teaching. Instructors need to learn the technology and tools of the learning management system, while also learning effective online pedagogy such as how to motivate learners, enhance student interaction and understanding without visual cues, tailor instruction to particular learning styles, and develop or modify interactive lessons to meet student needs.
~Stacy Justice

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Many times I like to say that children shouldn’t be sitting in front of computers all day. After reading the article, and watching the videos I realize I need to change the way I say this statement. What I really mean is that I don’t think children shouldn’t be sitting in front of technology playing games all day. I am a total advocate of online learning that is blended within the classroom, especially for younger students. But I am a big believe in the fact that our students today are technology savvy and would do well on computers for learning. If we teach our students how to use computers as a tool, then they will be successful. If we just through online learning and technology at them, then of course we will have distracted students. I think it is time we start to change the way we look at technology and begin to show our students how they can use it to benefit their learning.

-Andrea Torres Ramos

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Hoos' Cognitive Shift in Online Learning

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Hoos' Cognitive Shift in Online Learning

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My experience with online learning before this class has been very limited (in fact almost non existent).  I am realising now that it is actually a very personal experience and that teachers potentially have much more at their fingertips to help the students.  Online learning that uses large amounts of data collection seem to be the best as they allow the teacher to see exactly how each student is doing and then address any weaknesses a student may have.  This allows them to intervene and help the student accomplish the goals of the learning.  This process sounds nothing like the "teacherless" online learning classes that I had once imagined.
-Trey Hoos

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As I was reading through the section of the iNACOL article on common myths and misconceptions about online learning, I realized that at one time or another I believed a lot of them myself. A lot of my thinking began to shift prior to this class, but the reading and viewings for this week really helped to eradicate certain ideas once and for all. One particular myth that I think a lot of people probably still subscribe to is that "Online learning is essentially teacher-less".  Teachers may even fear being replaced in the future by computers or intelligent adaptive learning technologies. Watching the Day in the Life video clips definitely proved that this is simply not the case. It takes just as much effort, if not more, to successfully facilitate an online learning program. To paraphrase a quote from one of our previous courses: technology will not replace teachers but teachers who use technology will replace those who do not.

-Mariam Mutafian

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I had not really considered the work that online teachers do before watching the two day in the life videos. I thought that most online teaching programs were mostly maintained by LMSs. These LMSs then spit out the data to the teachers and tell them how to proceed from there. However, online teachers are basically school teachers available at all times constantly updating and checking course materials and viewing the discussions or graded assignments completed by students. Online teachers do not have it any easier than the classroom teacher. The first two modules are making me consider how I would run my own online course. The job would be challenging obviously. While the online classes may be intensive for some students, it seems far more intensive for the teacher of the course now in my opinion. But hopefully the job is just as rewarding.

-Andrew Brodeur

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A pre-existing notion I had before reading both modules is that  online teaching is impossible at the Elementary School level and extremely difficult at the Middle school level. I honestly believed that online learning could only truly be successful at the High School and College levels. After reading and looking at the statistics I see that online learning is possible for all grade levels and can be beneficial at all grade levels. I still worry about Elementary School students receiving the social development needed to progress, but this can be rectified through blended learning environments and produce the same outcome.
-Breanna Deleon

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Before completing both modules, reading the various articles and watching the videos, I wasn’t aware of the various types of online learning methods there are. I simply associated online learning with having access to the computer and doing assignments. I pictured teachers assigning work from the comfort of their homes. After watching the video, I realized that they have an office and colleagues they collaborate with. This school year with the new Chromebooks that we will be receiving I would like to try and implement the flex model so that I could further support my students.
-Jenniffer Herrera

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Before completing modules one and two, and before delving deep into the constructs on online learning, I had a pre-existing notion that online causes many issues in terms of social development and building relationships. After reading these articles and viewing the numerous videos, I have learned that many online educators report that they get to know their students better online then they do through face-to-face instruction. Seeing how involved and connected these teachers are with their students makes me believe that this could likely be true. When I was a student in traditional public schools, I rarely asked questions or spoke with my teachers. Online learning almost forces students to have direct communication with their teachers. I also didn't realize that many online schools arrange activities and courses for students to attend face-to-face. I actually came up with this idea in a previous class and thought it was a revolutionary idea! Turns out someone beat me to the punch and that these things are actually already happening. I am happy to know that leaders of online programs work to keep social interactions and relationships a focus of their school systems.

-Tori Wenger

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A pre-existing notion I had about online teaching is that it is difficult (or maybe even impossible) to plan for student interventions. I was under the assumption that an online course really puts the responsibility on the student to view and understand the content, and the instructor really doesn’t have an option for intervention if the learning does not happen. After watching the video from Module 2 about a day in the life of an online instructor, I realized that there are LMS’ that offer opportunities for intervention strategies. The LMS in the video has a separate tool used for providing students with intervention activities. If that attempt fails, the teacher then has a chance to offer online tutoring (why didn’t I think of that in the first place??). It makes me appreciate this type of education even more.

-Ali Doubet (Lederer)

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My personal beliefs about online teaching and learning has changed more from the online modules. From this entire Master’s program, I have learned about how supportive and helpful instruction through the use of technology can be to the education of students today. From the videos and articles we have read, I had learned more about the role of the teacher. Just like with students, there is greatly flexibility and support for teachers. They conduct their days very similarly to that of teachers in a school building. Many of them are still in school buildings as well. What they do that improves the learning is the access they provide to the students and the communication that is required. I think that does make a huge difference in student success. With online or blended learning programs, the teachers are in communication with each student all the time. I think this helps them to build better relationships with students as compared to teachers at a brick and mortar school.

I know that when I had thought of students completing school online, I always thought how the students are so isolated and alone. They do not talk to anyone and never get outside. I thought that this was more for home school students and that the student really is doing everything on their own. I see that from the articles and videos that students are highly engaged and have lots of social opportunities online and outside of the home. With labs, field trips and even going to the school building itself, they do not lose that part. I also had no clue how many states have their own virtual school. I think that this helps to keep the curriculum streamlined for all students in the state and many courses are taught by teachers that work in the schools. It makes me wonder what type of legislation we have in the state of Maryland that supports student learning.

Cristina Kahn

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These two modules have really addressed one of the main misconceptions that I had about online learning in general. While I always felt that blended learning did a good job of merging the traditional brick and mortar classroom with the online learning component. I have been able to use a basic rotational model in my classroom and have seen the benefits of it. However, I have previously thought that strictly online education was a bit easier. I think of other people who share comments such as, "just take an online class, they are so easy." Because of that, I often felt that this was true. However, after the first two modules here, especially the video on the day in the life of an online educator, I can see that there is much more to online education. The readings have helped me to understand how much work goes into them, and that the success rates that online education boasts are not necessarily just because of the ease in which the courses can be completed. I now understand the rigor that does exist in the area of online education.

-- Brandon Hallberg

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Before completing these first two modules, I, similarly to others in this course, had a very basic understanding of what blending learning encompasses. I mostly just thought of it as the concept of having students complete videos and assignments at home, using a computer, and then come to class to receive further instruction and clarification. However, I have learned that it is so much more than that. I find that at the elementary level, that not all my students have computers at home, let alone have parents that want their young child to spend so much time on them. I am excited for this upcoming school year to teach my colleagues about the rotation model and have students participate. I am also excited to try this model with my students with IEP's so that they can continue working on their IEP goals even when I am not in the room.

-Cara Mogavero

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From Module 1, I have more clarification as to what blended learning encompasses. I didn’t think the rotation station and flipped classroom would be categorized under the same model. However, I have a better grasp of rotation station and the other models of blended learning after reading the clarifying definitions. It now makes more sense why rotation station and flipped classroom would be more closely related. Before reading the four models of blended learning, I associated blended learning with online work and visualized it as either a hybrid course (online or face to face), a flipped classroom scenario, or simply all online. It was also refreshing to see that my teaching with rotation station or lab rotation was a form of blended learning that I participated in.

I found it extremely interesting that the reading in module 2 eluded to the fact that it would be more work for an online teacher than a traditional in class teacher. I assumed the online nature would ease some of the more rhetorical aspects of teaching, such as classroom organization and set up of various lessons. I also had no idea of the breadth of combinations that online education can utilize.
-Katie Gauvin

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From our previous courses and other interactions, I had a conceptual idea of what I thought blended and online learning looked like. Being able to hear and see the different video from actual teachers helped me gain new perspective of what a typical day might look like for these teachers and their students. So often I thought of the flexibility these scenarios had (being able to work where/when you want whether a student or teacher). However, there is definitely more than initially meets the eye to these learning environments. It takes a special type of person to have the ingenuity and creativity to maintain the learning environment and develop the interpersonal relationship when doing so through screen or limited meetings. This teaching style is not for the weary and requires great strength and creativity.
-Ashley Mohoric

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Before this class, I really have had no experience or insight on online learning from the teachers perspective. I have participated in online learning throughout this graduate program and in my undergrad program as a student, but have never thought about the work and planning that goes into designing an effective online learning program.
I think that after completing the reading and viewing the various videos, I can see how blended learning really lends itself to teaching the whole child and can reach so many students with a variety of learning styles. I will be teaching 2nd grade this upcoming school year and have always had the thought that online learning is too challenging for the primary grades. After looking through the models I have noticed that I can utilize a blended model, like the station rotations, and allow my students to use technology to practice their independent skills they may need more assistance with. 2nd grade is getting Chromebooks this year so I am excited to use google classroom and various other tools to engage my students in a blended learning environment.
- Jesi Hennigan

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After engaging with these first two modules, a lot of my pre-existing notions about online and blended learning have been confirmed and/or extended. For instance, I believed that setting up and managing students and curricular content could be very time consuming, especially when considering how much variability there can be. I think about how that is already the case for traditional classroom teachers as they push towards differentiating instruction for their students as much as possible. With online learning, this differentiation towards personalized learning becomes much more of a reality, but with that also comes the responsibility for the teacher to ensure that they know how to guide and enrich each and every student to continuously push them towards greater mastery of a wide range of concepts. I feel like it would be really difficult as and online teacher because of how readily available you need to be throughout the day for all your students. Forget about taking work home with you, work lives with you at home!

-Jen Chen

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One of the things that I assumed and is even shown a lot in tv, movies, ads, etc. is that the teacher is in their own home, drinking coffee and in their pjs, and responding to some messages online. They post some assignments and then walk away from the computer. It's all very glorified and looks so easy! Obviously that's not the way it is, but the first modules really helped to show different examples of teachers going to actual locations and meeting with other online teachers. I didn't think this type of collaboration really happened as much with online schools. The info has also shown online teachers giving a lot of feedback and specific support to students, which is obviously a necessary component of student learning.

-Jennifer Aguiar

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After engaging in learning about online teaching, I am making notes about what to do better next year. I tried it out this past year and it worked well. My writing lessons were screencasted for students and then students followed directions to go through the writing process. This worked well, but as I read about online teaching, I'm seeing how much communication and collaboration my students should be getting that they didn't this year. I worked very hard at planning good modeling through screencasts so that students could follow the directions, but there were opportunities for creativity and for collaboration with one another I missed. We also have a brand new LMS in MCPS available this year, so I"m excited to try out some new things. This upcoming year I will be looking for ways to make the online learning portion of my classroom more engaging than just watching me on the screen and following directions.

-Royanna Flowers-Herbert

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After completing the first two modules of this class, I believe my personal belief has changed somewhat about online teaching.  As a kindergarten teacher, I always thought that any online learning that would occur in my classroom would be limited. After completing the readings and the videos, I now feel that there are more opportunities available for me to use for online learning, even with these young learners. I have always been a teacher to use technology within my classroom but I cannot say the same for my teammates.  After these first two modules, I am hoping to take some of this back to them and showing them how online learning is possible with students of our age.
-Alyssa Stancliff

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I have completed 2 online courses before in my undergraduate degrees and was not a fan. Previously, I found the courses confusing to navigate, and struggled to check in on a daily basis as life got in the way. With this class, I have no choice but to check in everyday. While I'm still struggling to keep up due to currently working, I am forcing myself to since this class demands it. I appreciate the way you have set up the "classroom" as what I need to complete, when it's due, and what resources to use are all bundled together to make our lives less confusing. While I'm sure most teachers 5 years ago were not as proficient in online teaching, and therefore created confusing environments, you have done well providing us with exactly what we need. So thank you for that!

-Erin Tyler

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Next year I'm moving to 3rd grade and I'm incredibly nervous about it because for 12 years I've taught K & 1st. After these 2 modules I am more excited about making the move to work with older kids who are more independent and who have 1:1 Chromebooks.  As I have done these readings and watched the videos I have been able to make connections to useful practices that I can actually implement in my classroom.   I am excited about the prospect of using a blended learning model like flipped classroom or station rotation next year and feel like I will be better prepared to find free online curriculum to help my students pace their own learning and to individualize instruction.   I feel like this is a great tool for me to explore and be able to share with my new team next year.
Sean Kinney

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Online learning and change in pre-existing notion

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Online learning and change in pre-existing notion

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Prior to this course I think as a kindergarten teacher I was hesitant about online learning.  I was making it bigger and more difficult then it really is.  Maybe thinking or believing that it looked a certain way and wasn't necessarily possible with my young learners.  However, after these first modules my understanding and knowledge of online learning has changed my original perception.  Online learning takes on many forms and models and has so many benefits.  My students may be young, but they pick up on technology very fast and are capable of learning through online platforms and programs.  With the flexibility and opportunity for individualized learning it is a great tool to learning and success in the classroom.

-Kari Cregger

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The biggest misconception I had about online learning is that it all had to be done online and the computer was the teacher.  I have learned that there are lots of different models and ways that online learning can occur.  What has changed for me is the realization that I could actually implement blended learning now, and that I do it sometimes through Code.org.  I really like the opportunity to expand on these models and think of them in ways that could actually help my students and impact my teaching today.  It doesn't necessarily require an entire restructuring of a school to implement one or any of these models
- Ashley Kinney

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Before completing these first 2 modules I was under the impression that online learning was much more independent for the learner. I assumed that students were given assignments and then were on their own to complete them. I did not realize how much support and scaffolding teachers can provide from so many online resources! Additionally, I did not realize how collaborative the assignments could be amongst the students. I think with today's access to Google Docs and such, it really allows students to connect with one another without having to be in the same room. It also allows students that are in the same room to work at their own pace, but then compare each other's work later on. I am very interested in learning about additional tech. resources to implement in my classroom across all subjects.
-Katie Sims

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My personal beliefs on online teaching and learning has improved after completing the first few modules. I was excited to read about all of the different applications of online teaching and the various models that are utilized. I realized that I actually utilize some blended learning in my classroom through the rotation model. I always perceived online learning as just online classes for upper level students, and now I'm realizing that is able to be used in the younger grades as well. I'd like to continue to learn more about how to do so as we are "supposed to" get a class set of Chromebooks in 2nd grade next year.

-Crystal Shub

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I have worked at the same school for the past 3 years, and that school is located in a low-income area. At the beginning of every year, I am excited about trying new technological tools out and attempting some blended learning lessons throughout the year. However, the past 2 years, I have found myself defeated and claiming that I can not complete blended learning because my not all of my students have access to technology at home. These first 2 modules helped me to remember that blended learning does not necessarily need students to access technology outside of school, but that it can also take place within the school, where all of my students do, in fact, have access to technology. I will now focus more on implementing rotation models within my classroom, so that students have the benefit of face-to-face learning, as well as online learning, within their school day.
-Keri Beswick

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Before I started this course I really liked the idea of blended learning, and was very much on board with it in a hypothetical case. I thought it was a good idea, but didn't think I was ready to actually do it. I thought it was a good idea in a theoretical sense, but I wasn't convinced enough to actually consider doing in class. The more I read about it (and yes..it's only been two days) I am beginning to think I should actually approach my principle about this. I have the physical infrastructure to be able to do this and there are so many benefits that I need to really consider doing this in another class. Now I actually also began to realize that I was already doing a blended class in my computer science class. Throughout the year I was a bit uncomfortable with the class because it just seemed different, but after my scores and reading these articles I am really embracing this type of class.   There are a few things I need to change (such as feedback), but this has really encouraged me to continue embracing this blended type of learning.
David Baker

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Before starting this course, I had a very general understanding about the concept of online learning. I could define it in basic terms; however, I never truly knew or understood the powerful and positive impact it had on student success. One pre-existing notion I had about online learning was that it is mostly used as a supplemental tool for students to engage in differentiated learning activities if/when they finish their classwork assignments early. After completing the reading for module 2, I have to admit that my pre-existing notation has been changed. The article was truly eye opening, and now I understand the multiple purposes/benefits online learning has to offer and how it is used in so many ways to support diverse learners. Another pre-existing notation I had about online learning was that it only works for students who are motivated to learn; however, after reading the article I have learned that teachers also use online learning as a way to reach students who have been unsuccessful in the classroom environment. The Cook County case study truly shows the positive impact online learning can have on reaching troubled individuals. After reading about iNACOL, I realize this TPAC framework has various components that go hand and hand that help support the opportunity, flexibility, and convenience online learning has to offer.

-Alanna Caplan

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I have been skeptical about online learning in the past, mostly because I think it would be challenging for me personally. However, after completing module 1 and module 2 I am realizing how beneficial it can be for students. The online programs are very personalized and differentiated for each student which is so important. I think that online learning reaching prisons is a great example of how it can have such a positive impact on children/adults. The biggest struggle in the public education setting (in my opinion) is getting teachers to be on board with more aspects of online learning. With generations growing up with more and more technology online learning is great opportunity for students to work at their own pace and have instruction tailored to their needs.
~Sarah Martinez

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I was always concerned about the role of the teacher with online learning. It was comforting to read how teachers are heavily involved in online courses, and that online teachers feel they know their students better online than in a face-to-face course. In addition, I’m realizing how online learning delivers a more personalized, differentiated instruction to each child. After reading, A National Primer on K-12 Education, I realized how more students are finding increased opportunity, flexibility, and convenience through online learning compared to traditional schooling. Teachers are discovering a new way to reach students, many of whom were not successful in traditional schools. I wasn’t aware off all the different terms related to online learning. I also didn’t realize there was a variety of online education programs, so it was helpful to read about the variety of options students have.
-Amy Ruk

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I think I have known possibilities of online learning and have been skeptical to have students learn completely online. I think it takes a lot of direction at home, a lot of self-discipline and focus to gain as much meaning from online programs compared to ever going in face-to-face. However, a shift has been to see how many possibilities and benefits there are. For example, athletes or students with medical conditions preventing them from keeping up with a standard school schedule. I can definitely see benefits for allowing students to take completely online courses even at a young age, especially those who may have other barriers as well. It is an opportunity to further reach as many students and learning styles as possible.
-Kathryn Batwinis

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My thoughts on online learning have not necessarily changed, I just really wish that teachers in my school were more open to these types of ideas. One of the reasons my internship was such a struggle was because most teachers were so hesitant to try anything new. What the Cook County Sheriff's office was able to is the perfect example of why we need online learning to be more prevalent in education. These students were able to complete curriculum and work at their own pace while in prison-why can't some teachers see that this can happen for all students anywhere?!

- Sam Laraia

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Change of heart in my pre-existing notion....

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Change of heart in my pre-existing notion....

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Kath Carr

After reading module two, my viewpoints of online education changed. I found myself very impressed with what the Cook County's Sheriff department provided to their young charges. So many young offenders are written off and rather then writing these 17-21 year olds off, they implemented a High school diploma program. One of the points that were mentioned was the idea that not many of these students found success in their previous education experiences. With this program, the curriculum is provided by Aventa Learning and the classes typically last for 6 weeks. But, students can go at their own pace, finishing the courses up earlier or later, asynchrously, based on their individual needs. They want to make sure that the student passes their first class which gives them pride and motivation to continue. This positive shift forward wouldn't be possible without online learning.

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As a high school teacher, I am already on the precipice of the blended learning model.  The big issue as the  iNACOL article proposed is the access piece. I feel that I have built some wonderful opportunities for my students though discussion board for Lit Circles and such, but I would like to have a stronger LMS than BlackBoard (which I don't feel is user friendly) to make the blended learning even more pervasive.
Ali Grava