Photo from Alyssa Lloyd's Blog
Feedback on Alyssa Lloyd's blog post #1 regarding topic #1 questions: How can teachers effectively build relationships by encouraging safe communication and interactions in K-12 online & open learning spaces? What did you already know, what do you know now based on the course readings and activities, what do you hope to learn?
Alyssa, I really enjoyed reading your blog post! I agree with your statement that when setting up an online learning environment “guidelines must be well communicated to students”, this demonstrates the importance of scaffolding activities and modelling expectations to ensure understanding prior to starting assignments. I also like that you stress the importance of creating an online space that is “meaningful”, this is crucial to keep student’s engagement and have them connect with content for a deeper understanding.
You provide brilliant ideas for how to teach about safe and respectful interactions online, including: class discussions about positive comments, supportive and constructive feedback, and showing respect to peers, as well as an introduction to various privacy concerns. I also found that researching the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), completing the FIPPA quiz, and reading the articles for this topic was very illuminating and taught me a lot about various privacy concerns related to online applications that I should personally be aware off, and also be informed about as a future teacher who will need to educate my students about it.
Thank you for sharing this Wix blog, “Teaching Online: Distance Learning Ideas for Educators”, it is very informative and easily breakdowns suggestions for setting up an online learning space and ways to make it more usable for students. I like that you included an image of the Community of Inquiry Framework concept of the communication medium.
I appreciate that you recognize both the pros and cons of online learning and reveal the value that is has when used to enhance in-person, classroom instruction. It is a central skill as an educator to be able to look at methods of instruction from all perspectives and acknowledge both the pros and cons to be able to provide the best education for the students. You provide a thoughtful blog post, which makes me reflect on my own education experiences and what interactions I had with online learning and what I like and did not like about it. I look forward to following along on your journey, seeing what you learn, and the resources that you cultivate from it.
Questions to consider:
How will you address a student who either does not understand or refuses to demonstrate respectful and appropriate interactions online?
How will you build a relationship with a student if they cannot have an online presence due to safety concerns?
Do you think primary students (K-2) will be able to receive an equitable and successful education experience online?
How will you assist a student with exceptionalities who requires additional support through online education?