Category: OTL 301

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OTL 301- post 6 – wrapping things up.

This course was an effective review of the COI framework and an opportunity for me to critically reflect on some of my teaching practices, but also, what I have learned and experienced as good, and bad, teaching/instructional practices in online environments. Based on the fact that I was very familiar with the COI framework and associated research, I did not experience have much shift in my thinking on this material. I think and feel there are some positive aspects, and especially for learners in these courses that may never have been exposed to the COI framework

Similarly, the WordPress platform is something I am familiar with. It can be an effective platform for this type of delivery. I was also able to read and interact with past and current learners. This is also one of the tools that I may consider in future learning opportunities. I have utilized it in the past to post a developed curriculum, as well as support the community engagement that occurred to develop the course.

The more effective learning strategies within this series of courses, for me, were the ones that encouraged and facilitated self-reflection. There are simply not enough courses that facilitate critical self reflection within one’s own professional practice – in this case instructing/teaching/facilitating online.

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OTL 301 – post 5

  • Did you engage in each of the phases of the critical inquiry process?

I would answer, somewhat, to this question. There are certainly some phases that are more represented than others.

  • Were you able to resolve any problems or dilemmas?

I didn’t face much for dilemmas, other than the fact that my research and education pathway has resulted in some skepticism of the research papers and research results within this field.

  • What might you do differently in a future course?

There isn’t anything in particular that I can think of in this particular course. The dynamics (personal and within each course) are different. Courses also have different proposed outcomes and needs.

  • How might you engage with your students to ensure that they are working through the entire inquiry process?

There are a variety of ways in which students can be engaged. In an online course this can included through the course platform itself – e.g. discussion posts. Then there are options for email, as well as social media. There is also the option for phone calls, or video calls (e.g. Skype). All of these can assist in facilitating students through the entire inquiry process.

  • Do you think that working through this course in an open platform like WordPress helps to encourage reflective learning

Somewhat, yes. I would imagine for some learners engaging in this course there may be a large learning curve in navigating WordPress. Fortunately, I had quite a bit of familiarity with the program/platform so did not struggle with it. I did learn through the most recent process, a part of WordPress that I did not know.

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OTL 301 – post 2

 

My view of effective practice has not changed much as I’ve moved through this material. Having studied at Athabasca U. for both a Masters and now a doctorate degree I have been exposed to the COI framework on multiple occasions and have taken courses with some of the theorists attached to it.  I feel that my approach to teaching (online, blended and/or in-person) is guided by various aspects and principles of the COI framework. However, I also have a few arguments with this theoretical standpoint.

Some of the basic principles such as open, honest communication to build trust seem to be principles that can work in many different scenarios.