First Reflection

I took it for granted that this course would be just another required course that would would be none challenging for me but it is turning out to be just the opposite. The name of the course itself, "Facilitation of Online and Face-to-face Learning" which gave some attention but after reading the course description, the first 2 weeks of class, and the class readings, I found the class to be not just challenging but surprisingly involving. Based on what I learned thus far there is a lot involved with online learning/"E-tivities". Compared to the traditional style of teaching and learning, E-tivities gives a more blended style of learning involving a traditional style base of learning. In comparison, your traditional teacher/instructor is your facilitator online but seeming having a lot more involvement not limited to technical, cultural, team oriented, networking and collaborating environments. In addition, most of the development of E-tivities are based from previous learning experiences. Just with an Instructional Design development model, there is also a base model to use when designing E-tivities which is very useful. This model is based on 5 stages which work collaboratively and build as you go through your development and design. What stands out to me is that you can't really go the next state unless you really have the previous down packaged. The first stage deals with identification of new participants. The second stage involves really getting to know who you are working with and interacting among each. Exchanging of information is the focus of the third stage. The forth stage is more detailed collaboration and stage 5 is ultimately putting it all together as one whole e-learning activity. This model overall initiates teaching and learning, promoting a structure of stages of learning and continuous involvement. Because of the multi-task way of teaching and learning relating to the way I work, I have further interest in this class by learning more to enhance my expertise towards developing E-activities. I am actually looking forward to getting more involved with the next stage of this class.