Angela Arocha

I learned in this module the importance of using the technology tools that will be most useful to meet the objectives of the course.  We should give feedback when we give assignments to the students that will be meaningful and assist them in improving.  The students should also provide meaningful feedback to improve the course.

In this module I learned about managing classroom behavior with disruptive students.  The Adult learner is different than a child learner.  We must treat the adult with dignity and demonstrate understanding for good classroom management.  I like the tip about giving the student a note rather than reprimanding them in front of the whole class.  The tip on handling tardy students was also useful and can help to stop the behavior.  I have encountered many of these classroom behavior issues and maintaining my composure, being respectful and being consistent, were the keys to gaining control of the classroom.   

I learned the 4 teaching styles and how to improve the Buddy and Controller to become a Guide.  It is important to learn how to be a guide but we may in actuality be a combination of different teaching styles.  The Guide is ideal and we should strive to have more attributes of a Guide to improve our classroom and interaction with our students.  The suggestion of how to improve ourselves if we are the Controller was very beneficial.  I found out I have a little of the controller and guide, I may need to include more of the Buddy… >>>

In this module I was able to learn about the importance how FERPA is affected related to HIPPA, Solaman Amendment, and SEVIS.  HIPPA has alot of similarities to FERPA protection of rights.  I learned what the Solaman Admendment was and how it supercedes FERPA.  This information is very relavent.  The online method of teaching presents unique challenges with FERPA and it makes sense not to have Anonymous students since you need interaction between students and the instructor.     

In this section on FERPA it was interesting to learn about the rights of students after they graduate (as Alumni), if they are students and employees of the same institution and the rights of the students if they die (next of kin FERPA rights).  The student who is an employee of the institution cannot look up their own information, they must also go through FERPA to request records.  This information was very detailed and good information. 

This section had important information on FERPA on Annual disclosure to the students and what students can choose to disclose or not disclose about their information. It was also interesting to learn what can be disclosed without a students consent (14 conditions) for example when a student has been found to be a perpertrator of a crime.  The important role of a Parent and the guidelines stipulated of when a consent is required and not required for a student's educational records.  This information was very specific and useful to understand FERPA guidelines.

I learned that FERPA is important to protect the students rights and for their well being.  I also learned that the request can take up to 45 days to be processed.  The complaint of a student has to be 180 days from the day of the incident.  It was also interesting to learn who has access to these records and what is considered an educational document covered by FERPA.  Understanding FERPA is very important for Faculty, employees and students. 

The information on Consent was interesting and how it differs per state. The statistics on College Students and Date Violence was very shocking and sad.  We need to do more to make students aware of these situations and have them understand better the meaning of Domestic Violence, Date Violence, and Stalking.  The information on retaliation was also very important, this is probably one of the main factors why victims do not report these crimes.    

It was interesting to learn that a Title IX/VAWA complaint does not need to be reported to the police but it must be investigated by Title IX coordinator.  You should encourage the Victim to report it to the police but sometimes there isn't enough evidence or the case is dismissed.  This would be difficult for the Victim to handle, especially if they do file a police report. I believe in cases of sexual violence there should be a police report filed.    

The Title IX Coordinator needs to be a person who has a leadership role and is trustworthy, especially when it comes to confidentiality.  They need to have knowledge on how to handle victims of sexual violence including being sensitive to their needs.  The reporting of Title IX and VAWA violations is important to protect these victims and stop the perpertrator.  I agree that immediate response is needed to prevent further acts of violence and to assist the victim(s).