Orientation Experience Reflection by Susan Gosnell https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t Beyond design considerations, how does the orientation succeed in offering an engaged, student-centered learning experience? How can you continue to improve it? en-us 2020-05-05 12:02:11 UTC 2025-10-22 17:47:30 UTC hello@padlet.com Example post: your name susangosnell1 https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/551876219  Answer reflection prompts here]]> 2020-05-05 12:17:18 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/551876219 My reflection-Kristina Barnes https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/560358969 I think that my orientation module is well structured, organized and guides students through the expectations for the course as well as week one. I will continue to improve it by making sure all my links are updated with the current dates and information.]]> 2020-05-08 17:24:32 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/560358969 Kathy Harding - Reflection https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/560407374 My orientation page was new to me, but I understand why all the components are needed. Students can follow the pages on how to navigate the course. there are also pages which reflect Valencia's policies. As an online learner, that can be a time saver to have it all in one place. I am looking forward to learning more and probably discovering I might need to refine my "start here" page. ]]> 2020-05-08 17:46:34 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/560407374 Roy Coleman - Reflections https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/561564040 It is difficult enough for instructors to engage individually with students this way, especially in asynchronous courses. By having a video introduction and walking the students through the syllabus and course materials, it at least introduces the instructor to the student. I had not done an introduction discussion, but it is a great idea. I am hoping that most students will attend the zoom meetings to begin to know them. ]]> 2020-05-09 15:15:14 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/561564040 Amy Lee Reflection https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/563413344 I am new to Valencia but not new to course lead at a previous University.  Thus far I have found it enjoyable to dig in to create in Canvas as the bulk of my experience has been with Blackboard.  I enjoyed creating an orientation module and used methods I have used before.......
It is difficult to engage students in an online environment.  Virtual check ins, and emails and zoom meetings are necessary.  Moving forward with my course I would use student feedback to improve the course for the future.  



]]> 2020-05-10 20:57:00 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/563413344 Kim Harvey https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/565731954 Students do not have the opportunity to engage with the professor face-to-face, so virtual engagement is important. This virtual bulletin board can help clarify questions that many students have at once. My experience has taught me that most students usually have the same questions. Whether we as professors may think we are being clear, it is not always the case. This active learning strategy could minimize numerous emails from students and limit the amount of extra announcement and email communications that happen back and forth in an online course format. I think adding an occasional fun post can keep the course exciting for the student and keep them engaged with the online professor. ]]> 2020-05-11 18:30:21 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/565731954 Tony Mellone https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/565904444 Students need to focus on learning content. A well-designed and prominently featured orientation module will start them right by getting them involved with the content as quickly as possible. Students need to know right from the start what they are expected to do and due dates. They need clear directions on how to access the instruction and assignments. They can confirm required skills and equipment and be directed to resources for shortfalls. 

Any confusion on the part of just one student trying to get started is the time to reconsider the content and clarity of the orientation. Also, as the semester progresses, certain of the college resources might be more useful, and can be included in the orientation for future sections.]]> 2020-05-11 19:43:25 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/565904444 Craig White https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/568310471 The orientation module is extremely effective at student-centered learning because it provides a step-by-step guide that can move students through all the information they need for the course.  So often I have students email me random questions in the middle of the semester that I thought were covered sufficiently well in the syllabus.  However, students apparently often glance over that.  The orientation module provides a convenient place to locate all of those pieces of information in a step-by-step guide by the transitions from one page to the next.

I think the best way for me to improve my orientation module would be to provide more visual interest. Right now, it is mainly text. However, the orientation module in this class had a lot of pictures and videos that really made the layout more interesting. Adding these things would be the next step to improving my module.]]> 2020-05-12 18:03:33 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/568310471 Janice Delahunty jdelahunty https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/568620632 I have found that a well thought out orientation page encourages students to be more engaged with the class.  It guides them through the process and they gain confidence in their ability to be successful. And it reduces having to clarify things 

]]> 2020-05-12 20:32:45 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/568620632 A properly developed orientation module will help students feel more comfortable from the beginning, will minimize frustrations and will help students succeed. It will also reduce questions and confusions. There has to be a balance between too much information and what is needed when. Otherwise they will feel overwhelmed, intimidated and will not remember. That's why repetition in other modules help, as well as organizing the information with headers and key items. https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/568725190 Sometimes its hard to see what might confuse someone, so the best way to improve it is to evaluate students questions to see how that question or confusion could have been clarified within the module.  Then edit the module to address that. ]]> 2020-05-12 21:39:44 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/568725190 Janice Delahunty jdelahunty https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/569970026 A well designed orientation should engage students as they can clearly see the expectations and any associated course work.  A well designed orientation should reduce their frustration on what to do and when to do it so they can plan their own schedules.  Many students may work, or raise children (or both) and need this structure. This will prepare students and will encourage their engagement in the course work.

Improving the orientation module should be an ongoing effort.  Over time instructors can decide what works, what doesn’t and just listen to feedback from students.  Most important would be making improvements based on feedback 
]]> 2020-05-13 12:59:50 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/569970026 Beverly Bond bbond6 https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570100133 Designing this orientation module was a great learning experience for me. Normally I am able to walk and talk my students through the syllabus and course expectations. Having to design an orientation module that was well organized, engaging and not overwhelming has been an eye opener. I realize how important it is for student success to give detailed instructions on how to navigate the course, the expectations of the course and to engage students to participate in the first assignment to ensure their success. A well designed orientation should help students feel confident and prepared for the course. I feel like I have come a long way with my orientation module but would like to add a welcome video or navigation video.]]> 2020-05-13 13:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570100133 Jack Rogers https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570137499 I had a zoom session with my new students yesterday, which I set up as an opportunity for us to "meet and greet" and get to know one another face to face. For my course home page, I used a Valencia template that included all the elements required in the Start Right rubric. It turned out great and yesterday I received lots of positive feedback on how organized the course was and that everything was very clear. I had very few questions about how the course would operate because they knew it all already from the orientation module. Pretty great!
As for how to improve, I'm not sure. I think that might come from future interactions with my students and the questions they have for me that I can use to adjust the orientation info.]]> 2020-05-13 13:58:31 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570137499 Lynda Wilson https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570560480 There is a lot of information in the orientation module. I broke mine down into short topics. I think that most students are not going to read every word of the orientation pages. It's like when I get an update on my phone or iTunes or something, I NEVER read it. I just scroll down to the bottom and click "agree"! I want my students to be able to find what they need fast, not have to scroll and read things that they may already know or don't need. That being said, I did learn a lot about how to organize Canvas to make it a "friendly" place for students. Since I teach F2F classes, most of my students may become overwhelmed with too much information. ]]> 2020-05-13 16:15:53 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570560480 Sue Rendano https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570587600 This proved to be both a challenging and enlightening experience!  It definitely required  much more time and patience then I had anticipated!!
It definitely helped me appreciate how important an organized orientation is, so students do not become overwhelmed and frustrated with a new learning format!

]]> 2020-05-13 16:25:18 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/570587600 Sue Rendano https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571091754 The orientation succeeds in engaging the student by being easily accessible and user friendly. Having specific area/topics clearly marked and organized is definiftley a plus. As far as improvement, that becomes clearly evident with student feedback, as well as the number of times, the same question is asked requesting more info and guidance/directions from students.]]> 2020-05-13 19:52:36 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571091754 Maribeth Gagliardi https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571176771 The orientation module has SO much information, and I think the language, the way that it is written, the segmentation, etc. make a big difference in the way that students are able to process the information in a way that will be useful in the course.    Plus, having a reflective assignment (such as the syllabus quiz) ensures that they are comprehending the material, as well as navigating the course successfully.]]> 2020-05-13 20:35:50 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571176771 Maribeth Gagliardi https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571182214 Improvements can always be made - semester to semester and within each semester. The goal seems to be to provide succinct information in an engaging way that is comprehensive enough to cover student questions. Based upon the questions received, the instructor is able to refine and modify the content to improve student understanding.]]> 2020-05-13 20:38:51 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571182214 Tom Ravenscroft https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571632497 This is my first experience at designing an orientation module so the opportunity for improvement will be immense. I am anxious to see how well the students engage with the course through the orientation module. The feedback from the students with their progress through the course will be a big help in improving every aspect of the orientation module. A never ending and continual learning experience for the students and me.]]> 2020-05-14 03:23:11 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/571632497 Joan Gibson https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/572538766 My journey through the course so far has been enlightening and challenging. I am learning as I go. There is so much information to digest. 
The goal is to have students access the information in the course easily and seamlessly, which makes a lot of sense. Canvas has changed since we first started to use it, but learning is a life long journey.]]> 2020-05-14 12:52:40 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/572538766 Stephen Cramer https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/572577913 An orientation module does have a lot of information.  There are so many topics to present to the students.  On Canvas I place everything on the home page so that the student does not have to go to too many places and get confused.  I even put the announcements on the home page so that they will not be missed.  I learn from the students.  What comments do they have throughout the course.  Based on these comments I will revise the structure of the presentation or alter information.  I feel students are important for developing a good course.

]]> 2020-05-14 13:08:41 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/572577913 Pam Sandy https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/572659785 I think the orientation experience gives the student a roadmap for the course and helps them feel comfortable with the online learning environment.  In considering the students’ experience, I think that cohort program students and experienced online learners will zip through the pages of information as it would be very repetitive from course to course. It might be beneficial for the faculty to highlight the differences in a particular course such as a different grading schema that we use in Allied Health as compared to general education courses or the connections between the course and learning experiences in lab and clinical courses.  I would adjust the orientation quiz to add questions about those unique parts of the course.  

]]> 2020-05-14 13:38:39 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/572659785 Josh Knorr https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/573367742 I think by breaking the course down into modules (orientation, first week, second week) turns the course from one massive, daunting task to complete to much smaller, more manageable chunks. I believe this will provide students with an ongoing sense of accomplishment as the complete each individual module one after the other, and keep them engaged for longer. I believe this process can be streamlined and improved by taking advantage of the linking function of canvas, where one page can link directly to the next so students can simply follow the links, starting at the orientation page if they choose to get to the content they need.]]> 2020-05-14 17:46:47 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/573367742 Wendy Joseph https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/573490299
I enjoyed this assignment thoroughly. I can see how beneficial it is to the student and to faculty if expectations and course navigation is discussed in the beginning.
One portion that I found is eyeopening is that when I first started taking online courses, it was a "clicking game" to find where everything is located. With this new model, it allows the students and the instructor a designated place to notate every aspect of the course. Moreover, it allows for consistency through all courses taught at a designated institution. 
In an effort to improve my course, I plan to implement some of these changes into my Shell]]> 2020-05-14 18:38:28 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/573490299 Evan Gomes https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/573496945 I enjoyed this assign,ent. It really made me take the time to structure my course really well, provie students ALL the necessary information they typically have questions about, and lay everything out there clarity. I will use this orientation module for all my course and improve it every time. I am new to online and am very excited to see how well this orientation module guides students. I look forward to their feedback and responses. This exercise was also mindblowing and eyeopening, I didn't realize what I was missing and how I could have previously made my course so much better for my students in terms of accesibility, optimal course design and structure, and organization. I am sure I will have many more ideas to improve my module. Thanks]]> 2020-05-14 18:41:21 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/573496945 Kelly Moore https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/574158462 I think this assignment allowed me to view the course from my student's perspective. In the past I have written detailed welcome emails to my online or hybrid students or more recently I too have engaged with my students in Zoom sessions to help them get started. When the course has an Orientation module it enables students to see clearly how to navigate the course and start right. This is especially true when someone misses the first class meeting and really needs a roadmap.]]> 2020-05-15 03:16:19 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/574158462 Arif https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/574195676 This assignment gave me great coherence and clarity about the communication and implementation of the "Online Competencies". I, for the first time created a multimedia greeting for my class that I plan to fine tune for the future classes that hopefully will be a fun orientation experience for all. Additionally I require my students to write a small life map essay to know their perspective and flow of ideas. Thanks for this opportunity! ]]> 2020-05-15 04:04:13 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/574195676 Joan Gibson https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/574884565 Creating an orientation page was a brand new concept for me. I actually enjoyed doing it. Additionally, I understand the high importance of creating a course that allows students to seamlessly navigate form one week to the next with clear instructions. Canvas is far more sophisticated now than when I was first introduced to it.
I am learning which is good.
I tell my students that learning is a lifelong journey, I have to prove it to myself now.]]> 2020-05-15 12:01:47 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/574884565 Su Jamison https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/575264504 It's always helpful as a learner to be directed as to how to start.  I also think the introduction discussion board is really important to make learners feel connected to the content and to each other.  I know for me, moving online has felt hardest because of the lack or consistent personal connection.  I hope that a good orientation module will help foster a sense of belonging. Also, It is really important that students know what is expected of them, whether it is a f2f or online class.  Having a start right module will help encourage them to read the syllabus and decide if they can commit to the expectations. :)]]> 2020-05-15 14:41:28 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/575264504 Kim LV https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/575577828 Beyond design considerations, how does the orientation succeed in offering an engaged, student-centered learning experience? -- It definitely keeps the younger technophile students engaged & on their toes with a new way to post questions & possibly for them to add to each others learning experience.
How can you continue to improve it? Semester by semester, or one step at a time! Learning whether all students are using this tool & if not how to encourage all to use it. This is a great idea for a NSE course but I am not sure how enthusiastic students in my science courses will be having to go to Canvas, the publisher and then here to padlet. At what point does the course become overwhelming for them? This tool may serve them well to review tougher concepts before a test. That is where I would focus improving it over time.
]]> 2020-05-15 16:43:39 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/575577828 Richard Jerousek richardjerousek https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/576044118 I think that a smooth and clear orientation allows students to focus on learning the course content instead of learning how to navigate the course. We should continue to improve the orientation information and syllabus as the course progresses because inevitably there will be some mistakes or unforeseen roadblocks to student learning and engagement. Students have already made me aware of mistakes in my orientation module this summer and I immediately make the updates so other students don't have the same questions. I prefer to link everything and to NEVER duplicate information to avoid student confusion as the course progresses.]]> 2020-05-15 21:16:00 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/576044118 Luisina Matile (Lulu) https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/576804732 Orientation is the introduction to a course so in my opinion, it needs to paint a good picture on what the course is about and what is required to be successful in it. It will be full of detailed information in regards to every aspect of the course which can be overwhelming to the student but the great thing about it being online is that they can always go back to it and read it for reference. Orientation in person only happens once. I think that a way to improve is experience and feedback from the students. For example if a student asks a question about a specific topic covered, well maybe that topic was not explained as clearly as I would've like and I need to go back and make changes so that it is easier to understand.]]> 2020-05-16 15:16:58 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/576804732 César Colón Orientation succeeds because it is very import that we are transparent with the students. Besides the general information and policies the student can access links to further their understanding of what is expected and it clearly describes what the course is about every step of the way. Even though to a certain point it is basically all in our syllabus the syllabus is long and, like with any ready a contract, they stop reading before they get half way through it… Orientation is set up in various clearly indicated sections to which the student can refer to and answer specific concerns they may have from the beginning to the end of the semester. Segmenting the Orientation is a quick access for the student. To improve upon it we need to stay informed of any changes that occur within Valencia’s policies, as we learn more on how to engage students (Best Practices in teaching, new tools) and improve our own teaching style. https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/576981642 2020-05-16 18:19:24 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/576981642 Dheeraj Verma In an online learning environment, the orientation module shows the instructor’s commitment towards student success and generates a sense of belonging among the students. It not only provides information about the available support services, but also steers them in the right direction. When I started building the orientation module, I was anxious while recording the introduction video. I used FAIL as my first attempt in learning. With practice, I will get better. I would like to create a page with 5-10 motivational quotes and a short video which could motivate students to achieve personal and academic success and add that page to every weekly module. https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/577126873 2020-05-16 21:21:13 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/577126873 B. T. Maakuu https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/580645296 Bulmuo T. Maakuu

Starting a course can be very daunting for students and they can easily loss focus and get confused before starting the course.  An orientation module that is well structured to include all the essential directions and expectations for the course but in a simple to follow format for students to navigate their way through the online environment is important.

As the semester progresses, challenges faced by students and brought to my knowledge and new available resources will be incorporated in new orientation modules to bring about clarity for subsequent orientations.

]]> 2020-05-18 17:59:28 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/580645296 S Cramer https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/648646725 The orientation module basically tells the student what is expected of the students and what the students should expect out of the professor.  It should tell the students what they need to do to succed in the program.  The syllabus is dynamic as it should be updated each semester based on the students' concerns.]]> 2020-07-06 21:08:20 UTC https://padlet.com/susangosnell1/glr6yk9jc2t3kz3t/wish/648646725