Reflection on the final week of Open Course in Technology Enhanced Learning (#octel)
This course has provided me with many resources:
– Reading materials and video materials that have taken me through the whole process of designing a course through to implementation and evaluation of the project and the importance of assessment and feedback to the participants;
– The thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of the other course participants have given me a better and deeper understanding of the different learning/teaching theories, issues involved in course design, implementation, stakeholders and how and why some projects are not successful;
– Time (thinking time) to focus on the different aspects of learners – their needs and expectations and how to engage and support them, course design, use of technologies, and the varied concepts and theories of teaching and learning.
At times I felt out of my depths but the readings followed by ideas presented in the forums and participating in webinars and the forum allowed me to articulate my understanding and contribute to the discussion threads.
So to answer David’s question – yes the course has addressed and provided some answers to my big question.
I have in discussion with my colleagues been able to provide concrete examples to address concerns that they have about adopting and using educational technology. As I am better informed and now have a much clearer understanding of the various cycles and stages involved I can understand their concerns and perspectives and this has enabled me to provide possible options and more realistic and achievable small steps to help them achieve their teaching and learning objectives and in turn answer my big question. The steps are small but I feel that we have started to move forward and I will endeavour to continue to support and help in this forward momentum where I can.
I will watch out for ocTEL 2 in 2014 and the different aspects of this course will remain on my radar and I hope to be in a better position to participate and learn from other participants, the course content and staff. It has been fun and challenging and I learnt new ideas and concepts and more about TEL and
got to participate in discussions on key issues with a dynamic group of
people – what more could one possibly want?
A big thank you to #ocTEL ALT and the staff and other participants of the 2013 MOOC.
