Distance Learning Course

I have enjoyed learning how to develop an online course and also how to work with Blackboard. With regard to the discussion topics, I found Universal Design to be especially interesting. This was a new concept to me, and it was good to learn that it began in the field of architecture before educators began applying the concept to the classroom. I also found the Quality Matters site and rubric to be very helpful. It was very good to be reminded that when developing courses and evaluating courses, instructors should take into consideration different abilities, learning styles and special needs. One thing I will remember when designing an online course, will be to include podcasts which will help auditory learners as well as blind students.

It has also been a pleasure to share information with other instructors both in secondary education as well as in elementary education. In some ways you can get to know people even better in an online course because you can communicate (asynchronous communication) whenever it is convenient for the students and the instructor.