Class Wiki

Our Assessment in eLearning Class wiki is located at: http://assessmentnetiquette.pbworks.com/w/page/34673932/Netiquette%20guidelines This is where our class collaborates to create assessment ideas.

Blogging in the Classroom

This week in my Assessment in eLearning class, we talked a lot about blogs in the classroom. I have found blogs to be a useful tool in the classroom. It's almost as if the students "have the podium" at any given time. Our Learning Management System (Blackboard) includes a blogging tool. Each student sets up their blog the first week of class by introducing themselves in the blog. Throughout the class, they have a choice as to how they submit certain assignments. One of the choices is on their blog. The blog allows me to determine student learning as they offer their insights on the material we are covering throughout the semester.

I also thought a lot about learner-centered teaching this week. I've always been a strong proponent of learner-centered classrooms. I've noticed that some of the faculty I work with find this a bit frightening. It's as if they are giving away "power" in their class. It does take a leap to move to a learner-centered classroom because it is most likely different than the classroom we are used to from our own educations. Lots of good things to think about this week as we continue to learn about assessment in eLearning. 

The Beginning

You may be wondering who I am and why I have an interest in eLearning. Here are a few tidbits of information about me and my interests. The questions were asked of me by a classmate during our initial course interview in the Assessment in eLearning class.
1.  Why have you chosen to take this course?
I decided to complete the UW Stout Online Teaching Certificate. I work with faculty to assist them with their online classes and I'm looking forward to learning some new tips and tricks.
2.  What is your chosen profession?  Where are you currently working?
I am a faculty member at Madison Area Technical College. I work in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. I have the privilege of working with our 350 full-time and 1200 part-time faculty to help them become better teachers. It's a great job! A lot of what I do centers around online and hybrid learning. I enjoy sharing what I'm learning with our faculty members.
3.  How will this course help your career and/or your students?
I'm hoping to get some new tips and tricks regarding online teaching. I also teach online for Lakeland College and Wisconsin Technical College System.
4.  What is your favorite travel location and why?
I love to travel! I have so many favorites, it's hard to narrow it down. Over spring break we took a train trip from Madison to Seattle. That was really fun and we really liked Seattle. It is a fun city with lots of fun things to see and it's pretty in that it's right on Puget Sound. This summer, I'm headed to the Blackboard Conference in New Orleans. It's going to be really hot in NOLA in July! But it will be fun and full of interesting information.

I'll be adding more as the days and weeks go on. There is so much to learn about eLearning and I'm glad to be able to share it with all of you!