This summer I am taking an online math course from Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford University.
It is fitting I think, that an online math teacher should take an online math course and it is logical then, that one of my interests is the very structure and organization of the course. How do I as a student interact with the course and with other students? In what way is this course engaging? How do I assess my progress? Does the course provide resources for further learning? And how on earth can an online course compete with summer in Alberta?
It must be engaging, and you may be happy to know it is, both in content and structure, because for a period of time each day I am passing up on warm sunshine and relaxing beach reading, to sit in front of my computer.
What are the features of this course that make it work for me? Each lesson consists of a series of short videos with accompanying text. I can view the videos several times if I wish and stop at any point to jot notes. The videos are short, from less then a minute to about 12 minutes and each video ends with a question that asks a response from me. In addition each video includes a forum where participants can reflect and comment on content. As a whole the course is easy to navigate, I can see my progress and understand what is next.
Already I can see these strengths:
– short chunks for learning
– immediate opportunity for response to the content
– interaction with other students
– flexibility to work through the material in any order.
– easy to navigate
– learn when I want ( and enjoy the sunshine too!)
Have you ever taken an online course? How was it structured? Did the course format work for you? What worked well? What would have improved the course for you? I would like to hear about it.
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