This is starting to come together...

I have to admit, it took me a while to determine how this class would work and the value it would have for me as an online teacher. The two previous online classes related to online teaching, were not very beneficial to me professionally. In this class (UW-Stout Assessment Class) I was initially frustrated that we could only view Module’s one week, at a time and had no idea how I was going to get ‘new’ ideas to improve my online teaching skills.

I am beginning to determine how this class is going to impact my online teaching. I was looking for some ‘magic’ assessments to add to my classes. I am gaining the tools to create my own 'magic' assessments. Preparing our groups mid-term assignment and reading the other projects gave me a variety of insight about how assessments can used in online classes. I am especially intrigued and find value from the students that are not traditional public school teachers. The emphasis on skill education discussed by the health care educators is very valuable. I never considered ‘skill’ training in an online setting. I am also beginning to understand the attraction and need for on-line training in the corporate setting. Teachers might have a place to work outside of Academia.

I have told fellow teachers that we must not make online education the extension of face-to-face education and just transfer the content online. Online classes (and training sessions) need to be unique situations the incorporate a variety of electronic tools, the universal access to information created by the internet, and the economies of scale and cost of savings created by virtual learning programs. However, we must also use the opportunity to allow students to creativity explore and exercise higher level of learning skills. Online classes (training sessions) and assessments can create these new types of classes and opportunities for students to learn.

The Internet allows teachers to create assessments for each level of Bloom’s taxonomy. The ability to use interactive PowerPoint’s, and electronic quizzes to instruct, drill, and assess basic knowledge is very effective. The ability for students to express their knowledge and creativity through user created blogs or websites is very powerful. The ability to work in collaboration with others through the use of Wiki’s, commercial products, email, and instant messaging, allows for true distance learning and training. The rapidly emerging online conference technology is making real time online meetings and learning a reality.

Many critics have claimed that online education will minimize the role and need for a trained teacher to lead classes. Lower level skills and information can be taught and assessed online with little teacher/student contact. However, the variety and rapidly changing tools available for online teachers makes their skill set even more valuable. A truly creative teacher can combine their face-to-face skills and the tools for online learning to creative dynamic interactive classes with multiple assessments.