5368+-+Instructional+Design,+ET8008



Week two assignment, Online Course Template, we used the backward design to create our course. We began with examining our schools TAKS scores, benchmark scores, and classroom performance scores. We used this data to determine where the greatest need. I chose to design a class that would help with fourth grade reading. We used the backwards design to complete our template. This theory forces educators to consider what the ultimate learning goal is for students first, then to create lessons. “Only by having specified the desired results can we focus on the content, methods and activities most likely to achieve those results.” (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005)

Week three assignment, Schoology, we were required to use an open source learning management system. This was an exciting program to become familiar with, unfortunately, there were a few problems. The Schoology support team was very helpful. We were required to add all of our professors to our class, but were unable to do so because of the way that the software was designed. Schoology had a webinar just for Lamar students. They were able to get all of our problems resolved. The software has great potential. I would have liked to have been able to start using this system beginning on week one and continue to build on it as the course progresses. I would like to be able explore the system in the future and find a way to use it for elementary students. I’m curious of the technical support would be as great for individual teachers as it was for the University of Lamar. The National Standards of Quality Online Learning provides a good checklist for educators to use when creating an online class. (North American Council for Online Learning, 2006).

Online learning has huge benefits for educators. I see it in the elementary setting as an opportunity for supplying supplemental teaching. It would be great for tutorials, homework and for students who have a long term absence. I see it as a source for the entire class in middle and high school. I can see great potential for the business world. The training required for new employees or students could be done online without the requirement of attending classes at specific times/places. The same material can be covered but with a greater audience. I loved the classes that required group participation. I was unsure of the ability of scheduling, but it worked out fantastic. The audience potential is endless and the cost effectiveness is much better than a regular education classroom. I love the idea that the classes are original and not hearing that “this is the way we’ve always done it”. I’m sure in the near future it will be said again, but it seems as though the people involved with technology are always looking for better ways to present current material. I will use this technology as a location for students to receive additional support for the concepts being taught in the classroom. I can see the potential for videotaping classes that students are unable to attend (for medical reasons) and posting them in the online class. It would prevent them from missing the material and keep them current in the class even though they are physically unable to attend. I would also like to use this for students that need the extra repetition that they need to learn a new concept that they are unable to get in the regular classroom.

I would have like to have started working with this program at the beginning of the class. I think there are more features that I didn’t have enough time to explore. I would like to explore the potential for uploading my own video and digital graphics. I would like to learn how to include worksheets that are copyright protected. What are the copyright laws regarding textbook/workbooks that have been purchased through the district? Are we able to create a digital image of those worksheets and post them on our online classes if our district has purchased the textbooks/workbooks? Is there a limit to how many we could use? Is there a limit to the number of students who have access? Are teachers able to load pages from textbooks to their courseware that the school has purchased the textbook? I think there should have been a week spent on copyright laws. We have been taught to be careful and not violate the laws, but it is unclear to me where they are with online classes.

I would like to explore all the different ways teachers are currently using this technology and find ways to adapt it to my grade level. I believe it is possible to use it to for elementary, I just need to do more research to determine effective methods. I enjoyed learning from Schoology and the technology support was fantastic. I’m curious what other options are available for online course software and how they compare. The middle and high schools in my district use Blackboard, but I don’t believe it is as user friendly as Schoology. I will continue to explore the various options available and work within my districts capabilities. I would like to provide professional learning through these classes that teachers could do at a time and place that is convenient for them and still provide all the information that they need to meet the course objectives. This seems like the perfect medium to meet the objective of many needs. It’s exciting to see how easy it is to incorporate this type of learning system into the classroom.

References Wiggens, G. & McTighe J. (2005). Understanding by Design. Alexandria, VA. Association for supervision and curriculum development. (p 15).

North American Council for Online Learning (2006). National Standards for Quality Online Learning. Retrieved March 18, 2010 at []