Week #9: Response to Peer Reviews

My Peer Reviewer role! I was tasked to review two modules written by my peers. This task was uncomplicated because Katia provided a detailed template guide. I spent a fair amount of time reading each of the two modules and referenced the guide to provide, accurate feedback before I engaged in the actual online modules. I think what I appreciated the most from this assignment was:

1. The time that it takes to write an online blended course reflects in the quality of work that is presented. Less is more! I personally know that writing curriculum is time intensive but is rewarding when you see quality and student interaction.
2. Curriculum writers create content that is student centered. Just as in a live classroom, online classes build in motivational sets, anticipation sets, guided instruction, student interaction, and assessment that guides further instruction.
3. Teachers/instructors do not have to leave their personal teaching styles at the door! We can still incorporate personal style with voice, choice of tech tools and applications, type of interaction, student outcomes and choice of assessment.

Reviewer: Comments on Prototype Modules

I would like to encourage my peers to keep creating and producing quality work. The prototypes were written in diverse voices that responded to the issues/challenges that students/learners face in society. Outcomes that reflect student needs is the purpose of education. My peers used their personal leadership styles to create an online course that responds to meeting needs. The ADDIE model is adequate for curriculum development because it gives the framework to produce quality work. The ADDIE model was used with proficiency, making the lessons in their modules easy to reference.

Lesson content was varied between the modules I reviewed. I found I had to switch my learning mode from high school student to adult learner. From the lens of a learner, I appreciated the simplicity and flow of content, while adhering to the overall goals of the assignment. Content written to target a specific audience was achieved. The flow between tech tools/applications was balanced with individual reflection with time for written responses. Being encouraged to write to the audience of your choice was a plus. Both prototype themes were written to accommodate a targeted group of learners. The creators felt that student-teacher interaction while completing an online class is an important social tool to engage their students. Overall, I felt encouraged by the work presented in these two modules because it gave me time to reflect on my own learning and ways to improve my prototype.

Receiver:

I appreciated the constructive feedback that was given. My topic choice covers all domains of learning: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual. Trying to capture elements of all domains was my intention and I realize that I will need to clarify this moving forward. Moving away from a traditional way of teaching/knowing to an online classroom takes creative, in-depth planning. As the curriculum writer, I have a lot of knowledge to share of First Nations language and culture. As an online curriculum creator, I need to take advantage of the platforms that are used in today’s classrooms.

Another observation I would like to make is that thorough planning is still the norm being taught at the university level. It has been a long time since I sat in a university class (1991) and using the ADDIE model to guide my planning brought me back to my undergrad days.

The feedback I received highlights:

1. Using H5P makes learning interactive. I have the mindset to encourage interaction (even if its in the form of a worksheet) but incorporating H5P is a good fit for online classwork.
2. Create connection! Give my students something to build knowledge with, e.g., explain a concept before the lesson starts. Build on their prior knowledge through connections.
3. Land based learning and connecting to culture is validated. Educators value the need for our students to learn in this way. Cree pedagogy is an acceptable standard in today’s classrooms as a way to meet the needs of “all” students. This is encouraging to hear!

Thank you for reading my blog! Looking forward to reading more prototypes and giving my support!