This is the End: Module Eight

3 highlights of this course:

1. The SAMR model, with this in my toolbox, I will be able to evolve my current assignments to be more effective in the classroom as well as to develop them for use in an online course.

2. How extensive Bloom’s Taxonomy has developed to include the online environment. This really aided me in developing my learning objectives and helped me better to understand the concept.

3. My work with Deb on the midterm project was a highlight for me as well. Her professionalism and care kept the project on target and a pleasure to complete.

2 things I learned about:

1. Writing Learning Objectives with the ABCD method was a new skill I take from this course that I will continue to develop.

2. Writing the blog posts in the 3-2-1 format is something that I plan to introduce to my students this fall. It seems to be much more effective than the current progress reports and project log that I have students complete.

1 farewell message or message of gratitude:

Thank you all for the valuable feedback and camaraderie during the previous eight-weeks. It was a pleasure to work with you again, Maggie. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to work together again. Jonnie, best of luck with your future online teaching endeavors once you have completed the practicum. I especially want to thank Deb for her work on the Team Han Solo project. Her leadership on the midterm assignment was paramount to its success.

Discourse Analysis Post

In reviewing the discussion posts from earlier in the course that involved responding to the readings for the module, I found that my posts were very detailed and included questions to the readers. The later posts that involved more feedback to others about ongoing projects were more taciturn and included specific suggestions. Neither type conveyed much emotion. Both fall into the “Informant” category that was included in Module Eight’s Background information. In reference to Hart’s five categories, also included in the background information, my discussion posts inhabit both the Activity and Realism categories. I am a strong proponent of the implementation of ideas that are tangible and recognizable.

These different types of responses lead me to fall into the Yoda (in the first case) and Spock (in the second case) categories. These seem to complement more than contradict each other (much like their ears). As I consider what tone I want to take as an instructor when it comes to discourse with my future students online, how much “Princess Diana” is too much? How much “Robin Williams” playfulness is allowed? Beyond my own tone, what are some effective methods to communicate successfully with the Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump in an online course? The article that Maggie included in the Module Eight Introduction focused on conversation, which is much different live than online. The Yoda and Spock tones, I feel, would be appropriate as an instructor, but could come across as pretty dry.

Yoda asks, "What are some ways that I could turn up the warmth level of my posts?”