Angela Arocha

Reply to Harold Ortiz's post:

I agree with Harold's comment on the Title IX training, this was very detailed and informative.  It was also interesting to learn about VAWA and how it relates to Title IX.  I also agree that this is needed for the safety and wellbeing of all students and employees to protect their rights regardless of race, gender, gender identity in both traditional and online programs.   

In this module, I learned about different methods of communication including the importance of developing a community.  The general strategies for establishing a relationship with your students including welcome calls, ongoing reminders, using names in all correspondence and setting up virtual meetings just to name a few.  The writing skills was also discussed including basic, intermediate, and advanced when responding to a student.  I agree with being careful with your word choice and making the reply or introduction positive, using tentative stems, emotional brackets, and ARCS.  The more we practice this method of writing and implement it the better the… >>>

In this module I learned the importance of understanding different technology trends and methods of communication in an online environment.  The technology trends are key to organizing an online program and using the different methods of communication can help reinforce the human interaction of an online environment.  I agree that synchronous video conference is a method of connecting with the student that humanizes the experience, but all methods of communication should be used.      

In this module I learned about online learning, the perceptions and understanding the online student. It was interesting to learn the statistics of F2F learning compared to online learning and the fact that there is a modest increase of online students outperforming the F2F students.  The survey of hiring managers looking at prior experience and interview performance as being important for hiring individuals.  The comparison of the traditional student versus the post traditional student was interesting in understanding who are online students and understanding their challenges.  Finally, the online student competencies was analyzed, I agree that these seven factors must… >>>

In this module, I learned about the importance of retention and creating a community.  Students in an online environment need to feel a sense of community and that the instructor as well as the institution cares about them by establishing good communication.  The student has a higher possibility of leaving an institution if they feel they aren't being heard or understood.  We must encourage, motivate, and keep them focused by creating a work alliance.  We still need to enforce policy and procedures by making them accountable for their learning as well as inform them why following these standards are important… >>>

In this module I learned the importance of taking student's personalities into consideration when teaching and looking at your own teaching style as well.  I think incorporating a different approach to teaching is important, the facilitation of learning activities and giving up control is important because it allows students to grow and become responsible for their learning.  I have had to change my teaching style of Authority/Lecture, it has always been easier for me but it has not been the most effective for the students to learn.  I think a combination of the different teaching styles and listening to your… >>>

In this module I learned about the True Colors method of identifying personalities based on: Blue, Gold, Green and Orange.  It was interesting to identify myself and my family members using this spectrum and how accurate it is.  I will use this method to understand my students personalities better and to enhance their learning.

In this module, I learned that there are different personalities that can be analyzed using different theories.  The fundamental personality trait models of Hippocrates I found to be very interesting because it associated the personality to the human body.   The other personality analysis that I understood was Keirsey's four Temperaments.  My learning these different interpretation of personalities we can understand our behavior and the behavior of our students.  This could be helpful to assist them when they are learning in an online or F2F environment.

In this module I learned different methods to measure critical thinking skills by using best practices including Cooperative learning and Problem-Solving Learning.  The importance of group activity and self-reflection for students can increase their self-esteem and create a community of learners who can collectively increase their critical thinking skills.   I like how the Problem Based Learning can be used to solve any problem that exists in the real world and having the students find solutions by using resources and prior knowledge, this enhances their ability to resolve issues and increases their critical thinking.   

In this module I learned about the importance of the instructor's attitude and being student oriented is key to implementing Active learning strategies.  The strategies for engaging the learner must be directly related to the course and the learning objectives.  We also need to have a rubric for grading and provide feedback on a continuous basis.  The student needs to feel the active learning strategy has a purpose and will help them to learn.  I like the concept of the "periodic pause" and "Flipping the Class", I have used both of these strategies in F2F classroom and I will try… >>>