Amy’s Blog

Observing and Learning From The Best

June 24, 2008

Over the past week, I had the opportunity to observe several online courses created by seasoned instructors on the SUNY Learning Network.  After careful observation, it was interesting to see how each course was different but shared a similar structure.

I was delighted to view courses that were created on the SUNY Learning Network.  Over the past few semesters I have taken several courses through this program as well as Blackboard, so I was quite familiar with the tool bar, message board, structure of modules, and additional areas designated for links.  Although the structure in each class was similar, the tone and voice of each instructor was unique and shined through with their profiles and icebreakers.  For example, Dr. Zucker’s bio was short and sweet, however with his picture I got the impression that he was a lighthearted individual.  John Prusch often uses smilie faces throughout his assignment directions.  As a student viewing these images, I would get the feeling that although these assignments are important and worth X-amount of my grade, I should have fun with them and do my best.  Professor Harris used some audio activities which gave me the feeling she wanted her students to not only see images from her history course but listen to information about them as well.  William Pelz initial icebreaker activity revolved around a self test.  This structured icebreaker gave me the sense that Professor Pelz knew exactly what type of information he wanted to retrieve from his students in his psychology course. 

I have not taken a foreign language course online and I was quite intrigued by the different words, accents, and scriptures presented in the course Elementary School German.  Although all the subheadings on the main page were unknown to me, I was clearly able to navigate through the course, and try to make out what the terms mean.

Overall, observing these sites was fun.  I have taken a few ideas in regards to the instructors’ organization and tone that I may incorporate into my own online course.

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