Mae Dorado

In this module we learned best practices for fostering participation in asynchronous and synchronous discussions and best practices for providing feedback to students. 

Personally, I favored the traditional classroom setting, because in an online learning environment I cannot see the non-verbal learning ques or feedback in the form of body language such as smiles, nods, confused looks, frowns, etc. but with COVID...I've learned to adapt.

I agree that it is important to:

• Provide feedback on a timely basis.
• Word your feedback messages in such a way that they build confidence within learners and encourage them to continue to pursue the
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I have learned it is important to project and maintain your presence and authority from a distance, sometimes students can feel overwhelmed and have a hard time responding when the instructor is hovering.  As instructors we must establishing a trusting relationship with each learner, the students will respect and trust us which fosters a good learning environment. 

I plan to use these theories in my online courses that also teach best communication practices when working with patients in a healthcare setting.

Course Delivery is like the first impression.  An instructor must have knowledge and confidence by organizing the course structure in a way to make it easy to follow the course.  Next, the delivery platform or LMS and learning management software must have capabilities that enhance the instructors teaching methods with tools and resources.  And, lastly a dedicated instructor or person that fully comprehends their roles and responsibilities as an online Instructor can make managing a course easier and efficient and help the course be a success.

Over the years of teaching and through this training...I have learned that motivational engagement is important for the learning experience. If learners are enjoying the process, they're engaged...enjoying the material, enjoying the presentation, and are motivated to learn and soak up all that they can learn (like sponges).

Also, it is important to be efficient and effective in your feedback to allow students to promptly understand where they stand in the course. When students know and are aware, they're able to make adjustments if they need and will be successful in the course.