Wordle ReflectionCreating this wordle, also known as “word clouds,” was a fun exercise and helped me to focus on the important topics that are included in our coursework. They are powerful words that highlight the essence of the Teaching Online Utilizing Technology certificate program. In our textbook for this class, “Teaching and Learning at a Distance” I think the description below summarizes our coursework.
“The teacher orchestrates the individual learning activities of students who collaborate with classmates, distant learners, the teacher and multimedia technology available locally or from the Web. Finally, the learning environment of the future encourages collaboration without the limitations inherent in the self-contained classroom.” The Teaching Online Utilizing Technology (TOUT) accurately describes what the certificate is all about. Just for fun I looked up the word tout in the dictionary. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary one definition states that tout means to talk about something or someone as being very good, effective and skillful. I thought it was interesting that we are learning skills and effective communication in our coursework. By enrolling in this academic program we are planning for our futures in the fast and ever changing world of technology. We are learning to teach online courses and become trainers in our field of choice. We can choose to enter or continue in the academic area or move into the corporate workforce. We are currently learning this online eLearning field in the Education department. This course differs from a traditional synchronous approach of teaching where live instruction is given and learning occurs at the same time. This coursework utilizes the asynchronous approach that offers learners access anywhere and whenever they choose. Collaboration and teamwork creates an atmosphere where people can be productive and happy. It is the key to success. As a virtual classroom we collaborate with others when we interact on each other’s posts to give our feedback. Two points that Borje Holmberg states in his Theory of Interaction and Communication are one, “Emotional involvement in the study and feelings of personal relation between the teaching and learning parties are likely to contribute to learning pleasure.” Secondly, “Learning pleasure supports student motivation. (Pg. 48)” Our instructors communicate with the students through emails, syllabus and posted assignments. They promote learning by using graphics to make an interface attractive, interactive multimedia to keep materials interesting and video to visually stimulate which keeps students engaged. Students communicate and interact with other students through a blog or our message system and our websites. Written communication is vital to success in the virtual world. In the online platform when our written word is our voice it is important to convey our thoughts respectfully and accurately. Our words reflect our values and how we see the world around us. The Internet and the virtual classroom is our platform to send out our message. In conclusion, the TOUT program is content and learner centered that utilizes the asynchronous method of instruction. It uses technology by incorporating interactive multimedia, graphics and video to deliver instructions that effectively facilitate learning. |
WORDS IN THE WORDLE
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EDUCA2700
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