What are the most important things that you have learnt through your engagement in the ONL course? Why?

Being a student on an online platform has its own challenges especially if the online studies is the only thing you have going on at the same time. One would need to commit to the online course and make definite attempts to actively engage in the topic or it is not going to happen, not because you don’t want to but owing to other commitments….as I always say ‘life happens’ and you do lose track of certain things your keeping afloat. But relating and discussion of topics allows you to better understand the topic and opens your mind to newer ideas and different perspectives. Which has thought me to have an open mind and to listen more attentively and to ask further question before arriving at our conclusion.

Commitment is important from the participants and facilitators.

Learners are referred to as ‘participants’ and Lecturers are ‘facilitators.

Time Management is a great skill to have.

Have fun with your topic not everything has to be so structured it allows the creativeness to flow free.

Always reflect after each topic while the content is clear in your mind as time flys by we do tend to forget.

How will your learning influence your practice?

I know have first hand experience as to what it means to be a student on a purely online platform. It’s a different game all together because you still have to  encourage engagement the same way you would on a face to face platform.

What are your thoughts about using technology to enhance learning/teaching in your own context?

It’s a great idea through my experience on the ONL everyone can learn how to engage via the online platforms they just need help and support and encouragement. There are tons of platforms out  there and more are being created we just have to explore the different platforms to see which ones works best for us. You have to use the actual plat form and up skill whilst learning.

What are you going to do as a result of your involvement in ONL? Why?

I will start integration of some of the platforms I have used on the ONL. I will look at learners as participants and guide an facilitate better. I look forward to looking at new and improved methods to engage with students on an online platform. I have learnt the benefits of sharing reflections and learning from likeminded individuals so I plan on being more interactive on social networks maybe change from being a visitor to a resident.

What suggestions do you have (activities and/or in general) for development of eLearning in your own teaching or context?

Break the ice activities which worked well when I tried it on topic 4 for which I was the topic leader. It just allows people to get used to talking on an online platform.