Session+One

===Recall all the courses you have facilitated or participated in since becoming a member of the eLearning community. Is there one that stands out in your mind as being an outstanding learning community? Describe for us the aspects of this course that you felt made it an outstanding. If you do not feel you have ever been a part of an effective learning community tell us what the course lacked, and how it could have been improved. Click on the "EDIT" button to contribute your ideas, and don't forget to click "Save" when you're finished!===

Yeah....I am now a part of the group!....for some reason my membership would not go through. So, I have been reading everyones thoughts and now I get to Wiki...exciting. So in recalling the online classes I have taken with eLearning they all have been very well organized, facilitated, and the information outstanding. They were all facilitated by different people and that is where I feel the differences have been. The facilitator just like the ftf teacher the atmosphere and "feeling" of the classroom is going to be different. The online class I enjoyed the most was, Designing A Virtual Fieldtrip. You could feel the passion that the facilitator had for the subject matter and it came through to us all. We had an environment that was buzzing with creativity. I also facilitate an online Art Appreciation class. I have taken the techniques learned from my eLearning classes and applied them to my online Art Appreciation class. Such as, requiring the students to participate in discussions and reply to their peers. This really has made the class come alive and you start to learn all the different personalities that are on the other side of the screen. I also received many emails stating that they really began to learn once the discussions were in place. I was also more involved with all of my students.

Leigh-Ann: I have always had positive experiences with both sides of my eLearning involvement: faciliation and participation. As I first started this journey as a participant, I completed three courses in one semster. Being in three courses at the same time, I was able to experience first hand the different climates established by the different facilitators. One facilitator was very quick to answer emails and acknowledged that I was a participant in the course. Another facilitator was not as present and I found myself not putting forth as much effort in that course. Even though we are adults, we all still like to be acknowledged as well as our contributions. So, these initial experiences have encouraged me to be a facilitator that acknowledges each participant at some point.

Sharon here: Data Driven Instruction and Kids, Content, and Comprehension were two of my favorites. Both courses were content rich and full of discussion. I facilitated Data Driven Instruction and was a participant in Kids..... All participants were interested in the class and I was able to see both sides of the coin as facilitator in one and participant in the other. Both classes grew into mature on line experiences as they progressed through the sessions. In both classes I think I learned more than anyone. Kids.... was my first on line course. I was so nervous that I would do something wrong, and I did hit several wrong buttons, deleted information and never figured out how to make some of the tools work. The next class I took for a PLU was Data Based Reform and I learned to refine my skills and not be so afraid to make a mistake. From what the other posters wrote, we were all green horns learning out of our comfort zones.

As a facilitator, I learned very quickly that I could change the mood and quality of posting through coaching and guiding. I also learned that people really enjoy discussing their craft. The downside to both courses were the participants who were told to take the classes by an administrator in their school. These participants tended to respond only to each other and I noticed that some posts were duplicates. I had to learn to waltz with them and bring them back to the dance of on line learning.

I have to say that my most difficult learning experience as a facilitator was that of facilitating a PLU showcase. I saw adults use the same action plans in two courses and then try to use the same showcase in both on line classes. Some did not use the rubric provided for the ppt presentation and simply moved the words from their action plan to their ppt. The best showcases were those that could show implementation and provide data as to the need and the outcome. I knew from personal experience when I made my showcase for my PLU what was needed to be effective and what some participants presented just was not up to standard. I probably sent more emails and notices than I will ever send again. I tried to be generous and even gave an extra week for completion. I think PLUs showcases are hard to facilitate because the participants do not understand the weight of what they are attempting. They continually have to be reminded that this course is not for CEUs, but administrative PLUs. There is a huge difference in the amount and quality of work expected.

** Susan ~ Yes, ** one particular course that I participated in was an outstanding learning community! The facilitator set a good climate. She was there and flew in and out with //News Announcements// and the necessary things, but we took the ball and ran with it. The majority of my classmates put thought and time in answering the Discussion Questions. We actually developed threaded discussions and used higher level thinking skills. I think we motivated each other. Most of us really connected to each other and we created a good learning community. I made one friend, which emails me now. The content of the course was developed well and kept our interest. The learning community **//breathed and moved//**. We worked very hard, and at the end, I felt bitter sweetness. I was glad the deadlines and work was completed. I was glad to reach my goal. I was glad to have learned new things, and met some wonderful educators, but at the same time I was sad. I felt a loss of not being in that **//living, breathing, learning community//.** Today, I find myself in another good climate, because our facilitator set it, and is leading, by flying in and out. My classmates and facilitator amaze me with their education, knowledge, experiences, pictures, interests, etc. We have made a connection and I feel **life**. We are **//breathing//,** because we are motivating each other as we work on our assignments. We are developing threaded discussions, while using higher level thinking skills. We are reading, using tutorials, listening, writing, editing, using //Waki Wiki,// using many levels of thinking, problem solving, etc. Together, we truly are a **//moving effective learning community…//**

Jacqui - you have a beautiful way with words. Is writing an interest of yours? I liked the comment that you feel life in this course; I do too. I'd wager that this will end up being the best class I have ever facilitated. You really don't need me. I've seen early on that there's not one participant who is not capable of picking up the ball and running with it (Mark Ingram could learn something from our group). I agree with Sharon about the PLU classes. That is the worst situation I have ever found myself in. You literally hold someone's future in your hands, but they don't/won't put forth the effort indicative of an administer, and flat out cheat. I won't tell how many I caught, but it was eye popping. Anyway, I'm happy to be where I am now. We may be the premiere class that Tom can use as an example of online learning at its best.

Susan ~ Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I started a novel twenty years ago after my precious dad died, and put it on the shelf. I am going to blow the dust off of it and start again. I feel like a monkey swinging from the trees, when I try to write, because I don't know what I'm doing. However, being out of our comfort zones is good for us. I am definitely out of it in this course, but I notice that we all desire to be in this particular course! That is a big part of our motivation. We do need you, each one is needed to make the whole! I wanted to try facilitating one of thos PLU Courses, but fear had a hold of this monkey's tail! I am just faciliting my third course now. Since they are new, don't you think that you, and other facilitators were having to work the //Bugs// out of the course?

Recalling all the courses I have participated since becoming a member of the e-Learning community brings back cherished memories. It is difficult to select just one, but if I were to do so, it would have to be course, EDU5501EF; Data-Based School Reform. My reason for selecting is, we became an organized cohort, here at our school to undertake this venture, with not having any knowledge of what to expect, much anxiety! Once the orientation was revealed, and we began interacting within the forum, and our facilitator, Lynne Meeks was so reassuring with her comments, we all became a happy online community of learners. Charles

Hello Sharon: I see we have experienced some of the same cumbersome ordeals when first starting to take online courses. My most recent episode was this past Sunday morning (suppose I should have gone to church?) the City of Opelika decides to pull the plug (lost power in the community) and I lost everything I had typed. One downfall to the software that we use in posting, I have not been able to find any directives on being able to save as we type. I see I must invest in a back-up power supply, especially if I plan to facilitate. My first course was Data-Based School Reform. It was for a PLU, and several of us here at the school enrolled in the course; a new adventure (online courses) for us, and, in addition, the state requiring extra work (PLU's) and no monetary incentive to boost our enthusiasm. We plowed through and accomplished our goal for our first PLU. We worked closely in our in our cohort, but all assignments were different, and individualist. Being a musician, there are just so many variations a theme can withstand. Charles

Heather - I have had several courses that were all wonderful learning experiences! The facilitators were always on top of what was going on and he/she set the tone for the rest of us. I have participated in group projects with my classmates as well as individual projects that were shared with one another. When one is in a course such as this it really makes one feel as though he/she is a true part of the learning environment in that course! I totally agree with Susan in that "Together, we truly are a //moving effective learning community//**//!"//** 

**//Charles-You can do what I did and buy a laptop. That saves the work because it will not go off when you lose power.//** **//Everyone-I have had some great eLearning experiences. I also had two bad facilitators. They both took a week off to go on vacation. Neither even logged in during a full ten days. That made some of the"students" drop off the grid. To me one main requirement when you are asked to be a facilitator is to be there for the duration of the course.//** **//Heather-You are very correct. This is a fantastic learning community when done for the gaining of knowledge.//** **//To everyone-I have always enjoyed being the "devil's advocate" by taking an opposite stand on comments. I think it helps learning to incorporate all sides to a discussion. Sometimes I even take the opposite of my own opinion just to get new comments. So, please, do not take any comments personally.//** **//Pam//**

Pam and Heather - Your ladies have just brighten by Friday. I have a labtop, and I stopped using it because I was always hitting control keys that would wipe out large sections of text. I am a musican (organist) but typing has never been my forte. My e-Learning experiences have also been great, so far? I have directed many to take courses through e-Learning, and I plan to facilitate for e-Learning. I am not to be one that's in your face all the time, but will be making some sort of daily motivational communication, and let you know, between certain hours, I will be returing your inquiry. Pam I like that about you,, 'being the devil's advocate.' I am guilty of some of the same things you mention. When I was a grad student, at Fordham University, working on my P.D., my Ethics professor said he was going to give me an honoray pair of horns. He sad he could see them growing on me when heated issues would be up for discussion.(smile) Charles

Jacqui - What a great Wiki we have going. I am enjoying hearing the dialogue between you and the ideas being exchanged. I usually find that I take more away from these courses than I give. I was looking forward to Pam's article on the six stages of teaching using a Wiki. That would be very interesting to me. If I've overlooked it, someone let me know. I'm not as proficient as I'd like to be on a Wiki, but I figure by the time we're through I'll be in good shape.

Wanda- I have taken several online learning classes. The classes that were the most enjoying to me, were the ones where the facilitator was actively involved in the discussions. The facilitator was able to guide the discussions and ask questions to keep the discussions flowing effectively.

Ginger- I have not taken many on line classes and I find that having an active facilitator really does help. It makes you want to join in on everything and be heard.

Annette- I took one class this summer with elearning, and it was enough to draw me back to take more. I am taking three online class this fall-all with elearning. I am learning so much and very much enjoy working "on my time". Besides this class, I am taking two writing classes: one for K-6 and another for 7-12. Even though I have taught writing for 20 years, I still love to learn from others and chare with my students in their endeavor to be effective, productive writers. And my ninthe graders actually like my class! My summer facilitator was awesome!

Sonia E- I have taken several online classes and have enjoyed each one. The facilitators have been truly wonderful facilitators. The classes that I have taken were filled with understandable information. I read and found websites that you would not generally have time to look at during a f2f class. The online courses allowed me to take my time and read information without interuptions and to share my own personnel feedback with other students. I myself have had the opportunity to facilitate several online classes for the military. As a facilitator you must be actively engaged in the course and with each student....even the ones who do not post in a timely manner and the of course the ones that don't post at all.

Michele- I have facilitated several online classes, but the one that was the most interesting and challenging was the professional development for a middle school in Dothan. The school was divided into 2 sessions that ran at the same time and each teacher was given a code name and picture. This allowed the teachers to interact and comment without knowing who the other teachers were. I felt like it was a highly successful staff development.

Julie W.- I've participated in a couple of e-learning courses and one online college course. I've never facilitated an online course but have had the opportunity to participate in a very successful and not so successful course. The course that I was most pleased with involved the facilitator's committment to the course. I appreciated the facilitator's involvement and encouragement. I really liked the way the facilitator sent emails explaining the assignments and then sendng a reminder email mid-week. I did not have the same experience with another online course. So, what I've learned is to be involved and truly facilitate conversation and discussions. But most importantly, keep the participants informed of current assignments, missing assignments and the grading process.