Lisa Diones

I learned that similiar to the traditional classroom seting you will find all different types of students-noisy, quiet, disruptive, intimidators and procrastinators in an e-learning setting. As the instructor, it is important to monitor those behaviors, offer support or curb them if necessary to maintain a productive, collaborative and engaging learning environment for all students.

I learned that in an online forum it is more beneficial to have asynchronous discussions because more students are able to participate and express their opinions. I love the idea of giving a conversation prompt to begin an asynchronous discussion in my class as I feel it will give students who are apprehensive or take longer to process information time to reflect and really think about what they want to say before they post.

I learned that students feel more comfortable and have a better sense of security when they feel supported by the teacher as well as, get a feelng that the teacher has a vested interest in their success. I feel that I can facilitate this in my e learning classroom by being an active participant in student conversations as well as, supporting them during class by giving them individualized and positive constructive feedback.

I learned that factors such as, malfunction of the computer system, dysfunction of the CMS and level of expertise in computer technology and software are all factors that can cause a student to become frustrated. It is important for me as an educator to know how to support them by knowing how the system works on their end and mine as well as, to be able to offer them technical support in a timely manner if needed.