What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?
To be honest, I was not sure what to expect. I am pursuing a master’s degree as part of my interim contractual agreement. I knew I wanted something that was dynamic, relevant and quick paced. This was my first online course, and naturally I was rather anxious as I am the quintessential procrastinator; however, I managed to fit the assignments into my schedule relatively easily…after that first week.
At first, I felt the course concentration and content was more relevant for K-12 faculty and administrators; however, I have found that the things I have learned can be applied to higher education and student affairs. As college’s and K-12 research innovative ways to align curriculum and ensure that students exiting high school are college and career ready, the knowledge I have gained in this introduction will be valuable. I already feel as if I am more familiar with the K-12 environment including their challenges and triumphs.
To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
Not everything is relevant. I am not in the classroom and do not supervise any faculty. In addition, I struggle with the TEKS and K-12 standards. Because I am not in K-12, I am not familiar with the standards and the learning curve was steep. As I progressed through the course, I did realize that in order to provide efficient and effective service to our K-12 partners, my familiarity with the standards is essential. As we look for ways to align both career and technology as well as academic dual credit courses, I will leverage the knowledge I have and will gain in the coursework.
I did benefit from the wiki, blog, wordle, animoto, etc. assignments and immediately identified relevant applications in higher education, student affairs, in particular. I look forward to sharing with my staff so they can integrate into their own routines, presentations, and communication with prospective students.
What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?
I can’t say that I did not achieve any outcomes. Again, I was not sure what to expect. I have been out of school for 16 years and this was my first online course. I thought that I would be too distracted for online learning and that I needed to be in a classroom with my peers and an instructor. I am a product of chalk and talk and am a digital immigrant. I am very skilled and nimble with Microsoft office as I was a former end user trainer, but my desktop and web publishing skills are minimal. I also did not realize how may open source and/or free programs are available to support and enhance instruction, social networking, personal communication, etc. I also did not realize how the course would result in me more closely examining what is occurring in my own children’s classrooms. I am certainly more informed about the integration of, and the need for technology in my children’s classrooms.
Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?
Yes, I have been successful in carrying out the course assignments. The assessments and summaries in the first week were overwhelming. I was discouraged and was having second thoughts. After all, I started this course at the same time my husband started a new job and is working out of town Monday through Thursday. As we progressed I became more interested and engaged. I have learned to pace myself during the week and am fortunate to use work time (when available) to read and complete assignments.
Although my assignment and discussion scores have been relatively high, I do miss the feedback regarding the quality of work and areas of improvement. Perhaps both are available in Epic, but I have yet to find it.
Although this is an online course, I print everything. It seems counterintuitive, but the digital immigrant in me needs to feel the paper. By the end of the day, it is difficult for me read from a computer screen.
What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?
I feel as though I my technology skills and attitudes have improved and as a result my ability to lead the young, digital natives that I supervise. I am fortunate to be working at a young community college that values technology in the classroom. Our classrooms are state of the art and our information services and planning division is diligent in researching and reviewing innovative ways to support and implement technology both in and outside of the classroom. While I do have leadership, strategic planning and assessment/evaluation experience, I am missing the classroom experience my peers bring to the discussion. I am unable to contribute to the classroom discussion threads unless I am able to consider my past experiences or experiences with my own children.
I also was surprised to discover how much idle time I actually had in my life prior to enrolling in the course. At first, I was concerned with integrating one more obligation into my routine…but it is working and I only have 17 months to go!
