Importance of online learning

Today's students were born with technology. Throughout my years of career, I have witnessed the changing role of technology in working with the next generations of children and adolescents. My critical and evaluative thinking has led me to the conclusion that technology is no longer a tool for them, it has become part of their being, part of their identity. Therefore, it is not surprising that so many children and adolescents today do not respond to learning experiences that reflect a bygone era of education. If I want my students to learn, I have to meet them where they are, and that means I have to use technology effectively. Additionally, as a dual language teacher, helping my students develop the online learning skills they will need to continue their education is part of my responsibility.

 

However, one of the challenges of online learning is using technology effectively. Alan November refers to the “$1,000 pencil” that technology can become if it is not used appropriately (Madda, 2016). There are countless apps and websites that will help students learn information by rote, but these tools date back to behaviorist learning theory, which is not suitable for today's students. As Newmann, Bryk, and Nagaoka (2001) tell us, “authentic intellectual work involves the original application of knowledge and skills, rather than simply the routine use of facts and procedures” (p. 14). Teachers should use technology to help their students develop higher-level critical thinking skills (McTighe and Seif, 2003).

 

Lasting understandings

As I reflect on the process of creating an online course, I come away understanding that developing and publishing an online course requires a significant investment of time and a commitment to creating a good learning environment for students. All resources, objectives, assessments, and learning activities should be available to students at the beginning of the unit, and the course structure should be easy to follow. Creating an online learning environment is not a task that can be accomplished in a couple of hours.

 

As a classroom teacher, I always have an idea of what I want my students to know and be able to do at the end of each course, unit, lesson, and class meeting. However, goals must be articulated in a way that is clear to students and outside observers. Having to identify lasting understandings and clear goals for creating my online unit and remembering that I need to do the same in my traditional classroom.

 

When I started this course, I had preconceived notions about the effectiveness of the online environment when it comes to dual language learning. I continue to believe that face-to-face and blended learning situations provide a more authentic learning experience due to the opportunities for spontaneous conversation in two different target languages. However, I now see that online learning is not only feasible but also worthwhile when there are no in-person or blended learning opportunities.

 

Reflection on Usability Testing

I was able to conduct usability testing with K-8 teachers in the school district where I work who represent potential cohort participants in the implementation of my blended learning innovation plan. I believe these were the right people because they represented those who will interact with the course and were a diverse group of participants, including men, women, different races, and different socioeconomic backgrounds. Checklists were sent to teachers of different grades, subject areas, and some intervention specialists. But I managed to receive responses from only three, and I think I would have received more if the teachers were not busy with the different completion and completion activities for the year 2023, then I will be able to evaluate which stage within the school year is most viable for these evaluations.

 

I used our district-adopted technology programs. I feel that the test results provided me with relevant feedback to improve the course because the teachers are already familiar with that digital program.

 

The lessons I learned from usability testing feedback are the importance of diverse testing participants, and the impact of feedback from real participants provides impactful information to improve the student experience of the course. Additionally, providing participants with the opportunity to discuss and provide feedback about my work cultivates a safe, collaborative and respectful learning environment.

 

I continue to evaluate and make adjustments to my design to address usability issues revealed in testing. These changes are likely to include changing the course photo to one that shows a student using an iPad instead of the photo of a lone student with a book as previously set up, changing the wording in the welcome discussion so that it will be more inclusive for educators across all district functions, and also re-adjust. These small changes make a big difference and make me feel more confident as I prepare to start my course next spring.

 

This process has improved my course and student experience by making the course icon better indicate what the course will be about, being more inclusive with writing, and ensuring all documents are fully readable.

 

The testing didn't really impact my alignment of outcomes, activities, and assessments, but rather the testers validated that the plan makes sense and is set up in a simple, easy-to-follow format. They also mentioned that the learning resources provided were excellent and engaging.

 

I will address the infrastructure, system and support needs and problems that the student may face throughout the course in a collection of both formal and informal thoughts and reflections. Halfway through the course, I will ask students to complete a “midterm feedback to instructor” assignment, as well as complete a feedback form at the end of the course so I can make adjustments to the course to improve the course experience. student in the future. I will also encourage participants to let me know at any time if they have feedback to improve the student experience to share with me during the class meeting or via email.

 

I am excited to launch my first blended learning course to use technological innovation as a framework for innovation and change that leads to a better learning experience in my school district. It's just a first step and I know it will continue to evolve as I receive feedback from users and enjoy the opportunity to continue learning through experience.