One of my favorite projects from this entire semester was making my first e-portfolio. The reason I enjoyed this assignment so much is because I got to be creative on my own and design things the way I wanted to. I also like the fact that I can use this for future jobs and even use this site when I start my own classroom for my parents and fellow teachers.
I also enjoyed the collaborative lesson plans because I was able to work with someone who had many similar interest as I did. I feel that the lesson plan assignment really helped me open my mind to other ideas from another individual. Also, I thought it was great because I feel that whenever you place two great minds together, you are able to come up with more intelligent ideas and learn more, especially when the ideas are coming from your peers.
On that note, I would like to conclude with one idea that might help make this course better for future students. Although the workload was just enough for this class, I feel that if assignments were due on Sundays opposed to Fridays more students will be free from receiving constant late penalties for assignments (almost every online course I've taken has offered this option, please don't take it in a negative way). Most students like myself that take classes online or at night, are extremely busy through out the week with working and taking classes. Therefore, it makes it difficult for us to submit assignments by Fridays, especially if we only have weekends off and have classes almost every night throughout the week. Even though my advice for improving the course may not be the best advice, I hope you can take it into consideration for your future students. I personally think my success rate would have been much better if this option was available this semester.
Since technology is growing so quick, I found this article on the New York Times Website on how students are urged to bring their Smartphones to school to enhance learning. NewYorkTimes.com Article
This article goes to show that a course like this one if effective for all educators because even students are urged to learn with technology.
Video provided by YouTube user Jp Victor
Resources:
Richtel, Matt. "Digitally Aided Education, Using the Students' Own Electronic Gear." New York Times. NewYorkTimes.com, 22 March 2013. Web. 24 April 2013.
There is always a tough balance between providing students with their needs and the reality of some structure and time for assessment. I will definitely take your suggestions into consideration, but I have also heard from others that the Sunday deadlines are too difficult as they work on weekends (not weekdays). I think the challenge with online classes (really all classes) is to map out the entire class on one's own calendar and work the deadlines earlier than expected to allow for some wiggle-room. I know that doesn't always work for me, but it certainly helps to plan for deadlines. Best wishes in your future classes and in your future classroom! :)
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