Blog Assignment IV - Engagement

Module VI

Summary
This week we read about engaging the learner in an online environment.  A model that we saw in the reading that illustrated a way to engage learners is to combine constructivist approaches, like allowing students to learn through exploration of their own interests, with problem-based learning strategies.  This type of model can help to ensure that students are interested in what they are learning and that there is value in it.  Which leads me to the other item we covered this week, the lecture on the importance of Relevance.  Students will not learn easily or will not retain the information learned if they do not find the information or reason for learning it relevant to themselves or their lives.

Item of Interest
I think I have touched on both the engaging of learners in an online environment and the importance of relevance in my course outline.  I incorporated a self-assessment that students would use to rate their own level of participation.  I feel that this can really help a student stay motivated and engaged, particularly those students who like to see perfect grades, because if they are honest with themselves, they will see patterns where scores correlate with the amount of effort expended.  The importance of relevance comes into play with the collaborative project that will culminate in a mock job interview in the target language.  The students will garner useful and relevant information, tips and ideas about what could actually happen in a job interview.

Problem or Concern
My concern this week is simply that I do not know all of the mechanics behind a virtual session.  I am blindly assuming that there is a way to set up virtual sessions with students from my class and the collaborating class overseas, albeit with a need for consideration of the time difference.

Thank you,
Vic Lakso

Blog Assignment III - Community and Collaboration

Module V

Summary

This week we covered creating better discussion boards and collaboration.  We also added the Course Navigation Menu to our course outlines, which I found to be rather fun.  We watched the instructional video on the ADDIE framework's Design phase.  The Design phase consists of:

• Designing Assessments,
• Choosing a Course Format, and
• Creating an Instructional Strategy.

I've looked over the assessments I've planned and the objectives I have put into the outline.  As this is a work in progress, I am sure things might change or be adjusted, but for now I think it is coming along and looking good.  

Item of Interest

I have taken into consideration all of the feedback I have received in my two prior blog posts and I believe the solution to the concern about the one-minute speeches during a virtual session would be to provide opportunities during the virtual sessions for each student to speak through the microphone if they so choose, but to require an individual recorded submission from each student as an assignment rather than during the session.  That way, no one is put on the spot, students can create the recording on their time and submit it, I can listen and give feedback.  Thank you for your helpful responses.

Problem or Concern

My concern for this week is: Can I keep the format of this course as an online-only course with virtual sessions and online collaborative activities with another class, or would including a face-to-face session or two be needed?

Thank you,

Vic Lakso

Blog Assignment II - Assessment

Module IV

Summary

This week covered the second phase of the ADDIE model, Design, and it's aspects:

• Designing Assessments,
• Choosing a Course Format,
• Creating an Instructional Strategy.

We watched a video regarding effective assessments and read the appropriate pages in our textbook regarding assessments and objectives.  This gave us the information we needed to input appropriate assessments and objectives into our Course Outline Assignment.  Using the example provided and other resources, I think I have been able to input several effective assessment methods that are designed to keep students motivated, assess content mastery and even provide immediate feedback.

Item of Interest

I found it interesting that I realized that weekly discussion posts and responses in a discussion board are not just for providing some form of weekly assignment, they are actually a formative assessment that the students can use to gauge progress and understanding of the material covered and also a way for instructors to assess whether a student may be falling behind or need clarification on a topic.  Discussion boards provide the instructor with insight that can inform him or her whether or not to intervene or provide additional assistance.

Problem or Concern

There are a couple of assessments that I placed into my Course Outline Assignment that I am reserving judgement on as to whether they will remain in the outline or be replaced by something more effective.  The first item is an assessment that comes in the form of a one minute speech given by the student during a virtual session with the instructor and the class.  The student would turn on the microphone and speak in French, either something they wrote ahead of time or off the cuff if they feel confident enough.  I think this assessment strategy would be great for being able to provide immediate feedback due to the fact that it is in a real-time setting but I am a bit unsure if it would actually be effective.  Obviously, students who are unable to attend virtual sessions would need to be provided with alternative opportunities.

The second item is a weekly self-grade given to the student by the student based on their opinion of the amount of effort given to the course each week.  As it is an online course, I thought that this assessment strategy might help to boost participation and the amount of time and effort given by individual students each week.  I am eager to hear if anyone agrees or has tips that would make this strategy better.

Thank you,

Vic Lakso