In this course I was able to explore different tools used to create effective online learning communities. We mainly focused on how social media could be integrated into an online learning community. I didn't really see social media as a big part of online learning. I just thought of it as a distraction. Prior to this class, I found myself working for 5 minutes and then rewarding myself with 10 minutes of Facebook time. However, this semester we used Facebook to turn in assignments. It worked well. We were able to post a reply directly to the original post of the assignment. Our class focused a lot on Twitter and how it could be integrated into a
learning community. It was also used to reflect on the TCCfx conference
as well. I have not been a big Twitter user. However, when we did an assignment using Twitter I noticed many people were Twitter Users. I really like the "list" feature on Twitter I didn't know it existed before. The hashtags make it one hundred times easier to search for specific topics/information.
In this class we were given many opportunities to collaborate. The following are projects we have completed:
- Collaborative video project
- The multi-tasking discussion
- Storify
- Create a Pinterest board
We were required to meet on Blackboard Collaborate every other Monday. This provided us with other opportunities to collaborate. One discussion I enjoyed in particular was the discussion on digital identity and privacy. I found the suggestions from my group members as well as those from the other groups to be beneficial. I think the information is important for everyone to review. I enjoyed the other discussions as well.
Upon exploring different tools used to create effective online learning communities, we learned about different learning theories. There are 4 basic ones, behaviorism, constructivism, connectivism, and humanism.
We were also required to create a blog. We were to add at least one post per week. This helped us to reflect on what we learned for the week, how we felt about the course, the content, and our opinion on whether or not we feel social media can be used effectively in an online learning environment.
Our final project was to create a personal learning network and share it in a form of a mind map. I haven't started a PLN prior to this assignment. I found a lot of information on reading comprehension on various sites, such as Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. I also looked up and subscribe to a few blogs that was filled with information, strategies, worksheets, and videos. I think it would be beneficial to create a blog as well and begin to contribute information. As for right now I have started a Pinterest board.
I would like to thank Dr. Bert, each and everyone one of the T.As (how does Dr. Bert always get the good T.As?), and everyone in the class for a great semester. Special thank yous to Desi, Kaulana H., and James :)
