Module 1 Reflection
I felt much more confident developing this module than my initial experience with figuring out how to create my Introduction Module. We knew right from the beginning of the course when this assignment would be due so there was lots of time to prepare. During the Introduction Module, I had to go through the learning process of figuring out a new learning management system and the technology skills required for the different components. At the same time, I was deciding on the content of the online course I was developing. Once I made the choice to focus on the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Programme curriculum, I was able to put a framework in place for all the different Moodle assignments. I then acquired further experience with Moodle when creating my Quiz.
I set up my Module with 5 units, each focusing on one of the essential elements of the PYP’s written curriculum; knowledge, concepts, approaches to learning, attitudes and taking action. I had thought I would then have to develop 5 complete lessons along with the additional discussion forums. I appreciated the additional specific instructions posted in our discussion board, that the expectation was that we only needed to develop 1-2 lessons as each lesson took me quite a long time to create. I felt it was important to include my digital story into my course as I had made sure it was connected to the PYP curriculum.
Looking back on my reflection of the Introduction Module, I had been worried about figuring out technical components such as the Splash page. However, I found that my logical and problem solving skills improved throughout this course and I discovered that I was much more ready to take risks and persevere as well as acknowledging that learning new skills takes time and to build this into my overall completion plan. Ironically, once I built in more time for learning technology, I found that I usually completed my goals for each part of the assignment earlier than expected.
The other skill I felt I further developed while developing an online course were my communication skills. I found that I was constantly revising and changing the wording, or look of the page knowing that when delivering content online, you need to be as clear as possible. I enjoyed creating the curriculum content for my online course as it helped me to reflect on how I am communicating with the teachers at my school with the same content. I felt that it was helpful to refer back to Anderson’s articles about online teaching while creating this module. I also referred to specific International Baccalaureate documents for the content of the module.
I know that this MET course is supposed to help students develop skills to go further and make teaching online a reality. As an Elementary teacher, I still haven’t had this opportunity but knowing that as more and more online courses are being offered, there is a definite possibility that I may have this opportunity in the future and this course has helped me to be much more prepared.
References
Anderson, T. (2008b). Teaching in an online learning context. In Anderson, T. & Elloumi, F. Theory and practice of online learning. Athabasca University. Retrieved from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/14_Anderson_2008-Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Anderson, T. (2008a). Towards a theory of online learning. In T. Anderson & F. Elloumi (Eds.), Theory and practice of online learning. Edmonton AB: Athabasca University. Retrieved fromhttp://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/02_Anderson_2008-Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
International Baccalaureate Organization (2012). Developing a Transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry. United Kingdom: Antony Rowe Ltd. Retrieved fromhttp://pypchat.wikispaces.com/file/view/Developing+a+Transdisciplinary+POI+2012.pdf
International Baccalaureate Organization (2009). Making the PYP Happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education. United Kingdom: Peterson House. Retrieved from http://www.sph.edu/sphi/tl_files/Curriculum/Making%20the%20PYP%20Happen,%20December%202009.pdf