Key Areas of Learning

Throughtout EDUC 4150 I have learned a lot about online learning and developing online courses. I have summarized the majority of my learning in my Journal # 3 below. I have concluded the the key areas of learning for me where:

1. Different Generations of Learners: I learned about how different generations of learners engage with online courses differently and have different expectations from a course. I also learned that there are other factors to consider including the students social, racial, and class background.
2. eLearning vs face to face learning: I learned about the challenges and opportunities within elearning. I researched the best practices and how instructors and learners can approach the challenges.
3. eLearning Theories: I learned about several learning theories and how they apply to elearning. I focused on connectivism because of its connection to online learning and networks, and I learned about how connectivism can be applied in an online course.
4. eLearning Tools: I learned about various eLearning Tools and I developed a wiki. I learned how these tools can be used in an online course and found some that are applicable to my courses.
5. Quality Guidelines: I learned about the benefits of using Quality Guidelines. I researched several different examples of Quality Guidelines and highlighted which ones I would like to replicate for my courses.
6. ePortfolios: I learned about the significance of using ePortfolios as an assessment tool for learning online. I learned that traditional forms of assessment may not be suitable for online courses such as final exams and midterms. I learned the ePortfolio’s allow instructors to track the students learning progress and provide them a creative and autonomous format to display there skills and interests.
7. Blogging and Reflecting: Through my own reflections and blogging, I tracked my learning progress and learned the effectiveness of reflecting on what I have learned. From this experience, I learned that the blog and reflections are great tool to refer back on what I have learned and apply it in the future.