And just like that, the ONL202 course has come to an end.

When I think back over the weeks of new topic introductions, recommended readings and PBL group discussions, a couple of reflections and observations come to mind.

First, the range of emotions experienced from the start to the end of the course.  This began with slight anxiety not knowing what the workload would be like or whether “enforced” interaction with PBL group mates would be painfully polite and ultimately pointless. In hindsight this anxiety was misplaced. I ended up in a place where for the most part, work was manageable, if only just, and I genuinely looked forward to the twice weekly chats with group mates and facilitators.

Secondly, the knowledge gained through the theory, readings and being challenged with perspectives from other group mates and facilitators was valuable. I would not have otherwise on my own accord educated myself on the topics covered by ONL. Now that I am wiser on several aspects of online, networked, blended learning, I know what I did not know at least and have a point of reference going forward.

What I enjoyed and derived the most value from is the experience of going through the course both as student and as a “leader”. This forced me to think like a student and understand (at least on some level) the inertia, frustrations and motivations that students who have to do online collaborative learning go through. It is sometimes easy to forget the student’s perspective when setting tasks and I appreciated having to jump through the hoops myself and the chance to reflect on how I learnt and what I took away from each session.

As for how my ONL learning journey will influence my teaching practice, I feel less anxious about having to organize my 100 pax online course come January. And I know that I have to create targeted spaces for students to be able to interact with me and peers alike, so that they become comfortable sharing their ideas and reflections, and to use that as a springboard to encourage more collaborative learning. As with each PBL topic discussion, it will be an iterative process, and I confess I certainly don’t have everything mapped out at the moment. However, with the tools that I’ve been fortunate to experiment with, and with the newfound understanding of why certain things are important for a successful online / collaborative class, I at least feel more confident with proceeding with my class design.

So thank you!