Category: post 5

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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 201- Post 5

 

Much of the concepts that impact my thoughts on student engagements and retention, come more from my decades of experience in online education as a student, facilitator/instructor and curriculum development. My first online/distance course, I completed in 2004/05. My Bachelor degree was completed largely at TRU-OL. My Masters degree was completed entirely online at Athabasca U. I’m now currently completing a doctorate degree in Education, specializing in online education and educational technology.

Through these many courses I’ve seen good strategies, and many not so good strategies. Effective engagement becomes a combination of instructor strategies and student learning styles. There is no one blanket policy that will work for every situation. Considering this in light of the rapid expansion of international student programs also has an impact on this.

I still have quite a few questions regarding what the role of a faculty member is in student retention. I understand the important role of an instructor in engagement with students; however, the role of faculty in retention seems to raise a few ethical questions – e.g. marking and evaluation of students.

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Post 5 – reflective reflections?

 

  • What are 2-3 of the most important ideas that you have studied during this course?

I have explored and critically engaged in the concept(s) of cognitive presence in relation to the COI Framework, along with the topic and concept of ‘feedback’. Approaching these ideas/concepts with a notion to critically engage or interrogate, has facilitated a deeper understanding of the terms, and potential pitfalls.

  • What are 2-3 questions that you have as a result of this course? Identify ways that you can begin to answer those questions.

I remain curious about the relation of the some of the concepts explored in this course and the relation back to a ‘student-centred’ approach. I am curious about the notion of cultural presence(s) and whether the COI framework might have some ethnocentric views. I am curious, and exploring more, the notions of what ‘learning’ is and how it is defined. The brain is a deeply complex entity – and, yet, much literature in education may be guilty of speaking in absolutes, or large generalizations.

  • Identify 2-3 specific goals that you would like to achieve in light of what you have learned about cognitive presence, approaches to learning, and feedback;

I continue to explore definitions of ‘learning’ in relation to some of this material. I intend to incorporate some of those (e.g. Knud Illeris) into my current doctoral dissertation proposal which is due to be defended in the next 4-8 weeks.