Final Reflection
This module focused on preparing for the online course to assure that learners became connected with the instructor and the other students by specific strategies like icebreakers. The initial prompt should be social in nature, helping the new class members create a 'face' for the names on the class list. Some of my classmates suggested using avatars as representations of the student to help make the connection. The courses I've taken here at UW Stout have all had interesting and challenging icebreaker activities. I do recall that in my first course, in true newbie fashion, it took me all afternoon to figure out what to say -- the icebreaker didn't ask for specific information, just to introduce myself by describing what I saw out of my window. While I understood the importance of a good start, this module helped me practice creating those course beginnings. I didn't realize that the estimate of 70% of the time is generally dedicated to pre-course and first week activities though. That's good information to know as I move into the online educator role.
I had a number of improvements to make on this page. My prompt didn't direct the student to try to interact with others so I added a suggestion that they contact at least 2 other students. I gave an example of a question they might ask to find out more about each other. My introduction set an acceptable example for the students but I added the answer to my own suggested question in an effort to make an attachment with the students. For the introductory email, I added my name to the subject line to get the students' attention when they received it. I believe I got all of the important elements into the message including a link to a Jing video on how to access the discussion forum on the LMS.
I had a number of improvements to make on this page. My prompt didn't direct the student to try to interact with others so I added a suggestion that they contact at least 2 other students. I gave an example of a question they might ask to find out more about each other. My introduction set an acceptable example for the students but I added the answer to my own suggested question in an effort to make an attachment with the students. For the introductory email, I added my name to the subject line to get the students' attention when they received it. I believe I got all of the important elements into the message including a link to a Jing video on how to access the discussion forum on the LMS.
The 70/30 Rule
Our focus in Week 5 has been the importance of communication with the students during the pre-course and first week of an online class. In Making the Move to e-Learning: Putting Your Course Online (Lehmann & Chamberlain, 2009), the authors suggest a '70/30' rule: course preparations and first week interaction should be 70% of the work and 30% of the work occurs during the course. The authors note that by helping students create connections with the instructor and other classmates during the first week of the course improves the chances that the student will continue and complete the course. Our course work this week concentrated on developing messages for students to help build those connections. Here is a sample of how I might communicate during the pre-course and first week of an online class that I facilitate.
Making Connections Prompt
All of us have had an experience in our careers where we understood just what it was to be a nurse. In this activity, tell us about that time in your life. Be sure to keep HIPAA regulations in mind as you tell us your story. Also let us know what name you prefer, where you live and a little bit about your job, if you're currently practicing. Getting to know your classmates is important so 'meet' at least 2 other classmates by asking them about something that will help you remember them. For instance, "What is your favorite movie?"
My Introduction
I graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing (now Covenant) in the late '70s. My first job as an RN was in a very small ICU. We had only one patient the night I realized I really was the nurse. My co-worker had gone to the cafeteria when all of the sudden the monitor alarm went off! I rushed into the room of our 300 pound patient to begin my 'A-B-C' s and sure enough - no pulse. I'm 5'2" and at that time was about 100 pounds, but I hopped up on that bed and gave those chest compressions my all! When others healthcare providers began to arrive they started laughing - it probably was a funny site to see -- and a big respiratory therapist took over compressions. But I knew then that I was a nurse and could take care of my patients! Since then I've worked in the Operating Room, Emergency Room, did some travel nursing, insurance case management and finally arrived here at CSON some 13 years ago. My husband and I spend our time between Lubbock and Gilbert, Arizona where 5 of our 6 grandchildren live. Gardening and music occupy some of my free time as well. I love helping students learn the basics of our great profession. And I look forward to working with each of you as you move from LVN to RN.
P.S. My favorite movie is Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. I end up watching it every time it comes on TV.
P.S. My favorite movie is Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. I end up watching it every time it comes on TV.
Initial Email Message
Subject: Welcome to Transition to Professional Nursing from Instructor Vicki Thornley
Welcome to your first course at Covenant School of Nursing: Nursing 4101 Transition to Professional Practice. We are glad you have chosen to continue your nursing education with us. I'm Vicki Thornley and I'll be your instructor for the Transition course. I look forward to working with each of you during our 8 weeks in the course.
The Transition course will officially begin Monday, August 11. I'll open Module 1 at midnight on August 10 so please take some time to explore Edvance 360 and locate your course. If you need help with that, you can contact John Doe, our Instructional Technologist, during regular school hours for assistance. His email is [email protected].
Getting to know one another is an important part of online learning. In Module 1, I'll post an icebreaker activity in the Discussion Forum to help us get acquainted. Here's a video to help orient you to the discussion forum. Click this link: First Post for a preview.
Until next week!
Vicki
Welcome to your first course at Covenant School of Nursing: Nursing 4101 Transition to Professional Practice. We are glad you have chosen to continue your nursing education with us. I'm Vicki Thornley and I'll be your instructor for the Transition course. I look forward to working with each of you during our 8 weeks in the course.
The Transition course will officially begin Monday, August 11. I'll open Module 1 at midnight on August 10 so please take some time to explore Edvance 360 and locate your course. If you need help with that, you can contact John Doe, our Instructional Technologist, during regular school hours for assistance. His email is [email protected].
Getting to know one another is an important part of online learning. In Module 1, I'll post an icebreaker activity in the Discussion Forum to help us get acquainted. Here's a video to help orient you to the discussion forum. Click this link: First Post for a preview.
Until next week!
Vicki
