This week I am learning about the discussion posts and assignments as elements to assess the learning of our users in an online course.
Last week, I already included posts and assignments in Canvas, in addition to the Knowledge check. You can check it out here!
Before designing the post discussions and assignment, I had to incorporate the content for Module 3.
I used the materials already created in the last weeks for the IDD of the mini course. I had videos and interactive modules creating in different tools to give the learner variety in Canvas.
I had to learn how to embed videos and Articulate Storyline modules in Canvas. I found this series of videos particularly useful.
You can check all the materials for Module 3 here:
- Canvas: Log in here first!
- Email: pilargmunoz@hotmail.com
- Password: IDT400xstudent
- User name: GoshornIDT400xstudent
Learning Goals and Content Materials
The post discussions and assignment are part of Module 3: Strategies for small group instruction.
The assignment called “Create your own Strategy cards” is to create cards with the explicit strategies that the learner wants to promote in the classroom and create a lesson example to explain how they will use them. This is an assignment that allows the learner to start creating materials that will actively used in the classroom similar to the picture.
- It is aligned with the following Content Learning Outcomes (CLO):
- CLO5: Implement strategies to differentiate instruction based on the students’ needs.
- CLO4: Design and facilitate lesson plans for small group instruction with a Content Language Objective.
The learners will watch a video with the instructor reviewing this technique.
In the first post discussion called “Implementation in your classroom”, the learners will explain potential challenges that they anticipate implementing the Peer Evaluation strategy in the small group lesson plan and comment or give feedback to at least two peers regarding their strategy.
- It is aligned with the following Content Learning Outcome (CLO):
- CLO5: Implement strategies to differentiate instruction based on the students’ needs.
The learners will have access to an interactive activity in Articulate Storyline where they will analyze this technique and have different activities to show their understanding. In addition, audio will be optional in each slide.
In the second post discussion called “Interview with an experienced teacher”, the learner will listen to an experienced teacher using the Peer-evaluation technique. Then, they identify one strategy or insight from the interview that they found particularly impactful and explain why. Finally, they will comment at least 2 peers’ posts agreeing or disagreeing with their opinion and offering suggestions.
- It is aligned with the following Content Learning Outcome (CLO):
- CLO5: Implement strategies to differentiate instruction based on the students’ needs.
For this post discussion, I will use the audio interview that I created in the course with Articulate Storyline.
Reflection
As a learner myself, I recognize that I enjoy the post discussions as a way to interact with my peers, especially in a virtual and asynchronous environment where this interaction is not as rich as in-person. However, the discussion posts give the learner an opportunity to learn about other’s points of view to enrich their own learning experience.
Regarding assignments, I feel they are a great complement to the quizzes because they usually ask for the learner’s opinion and experience. They are also more open and the learner can use different formats to submit. I added a rubric so the learner has more information about the grading expectations before submitting their work. For this assignment, I included Peer review as a strategy to let the learners see their peers’ ideas so they can incorporate some to their own work.
Post discussions and assignments are graded, so they should be as important as the quizzes to evaluate the learning of a student. Actually, being this mini course so practical and completely related to the learners daily practice, the assignments are part of the creation of materials and planning lessons. Assignments and discussions are a perfect way to keep the learners accountable for an organization.