Diving Into Online Learning

This week I embarked on an 8-week online learning course for teachers.  I began with a self-assessment to determine what type of online learner I would be.  As it turns out, I am an almost ideal online learner.  This is mostly due to my ability to figure things out on my own and some basic technical knowledge. 

I was relatively sure that I'd be okay.  I have taken a couple of online courses through the local junior college for fun.  I love the flexibility of being able to access, work on, and submit work around my daily activities, rather than trying to fit my activities around a set class schedule.  I really wish online learning had been a possibility back when I had a job with a lot of mandatory overtime, was trying to finish college, and was failing badly at a new marriage all at the same time.  I remember many times having to explain to my college professor that I had had to work late and explain how sorry I was to have missed the first half of class...again.  The professors were not sympathetic.  My boss didn't care about my college aspirations.  My then-husband just wanted dinner (hopefully he's either found a new wife to perform that duty or learned to fend for himself by now). 

Since I have begun dabbling in online learning, many friends and colleagues have told me that they could never take a class without human interaction.  While it sounds counter-intuitive, I have found the interaction with instructors and peers more meaningful online, as people can think about their responses before giving them, as opposed to having to give the first response that comes to mind.

Because I love online learning, and because it seems to be increasingly prevalent, I want to begin using aspects of online learning in my classroom and am hoping that this current course will give me enough knowledge to make that happen.  I have seen demonstrations of how "flipped classrooms" can work and have seen some amazing tools that can be used with students, but never seem to have the time to sit down and research which ones I want to use or how they can benefit me.  I am hoping this course can help me learn some practical things that I can take into the classroom with me in August.

My students have moderate to severe disabilities.  Learning online in their homes might be difficult for them.  They can, however, start "online learning" in the classroom with assistance so that they become familiar with the tools and procedures that are currently being used.  I also see online modules to be used in the classroom as a terrific way to differentiate instruction for my students; online tutorials on how to access different websites or plan public transit routes would be an invaluable resource for students who often need much repetition to learn a skill.

I can't wait to get started!