Module 4: Project of Choice Discussion

Module 4: Project of Choice Discussion

            We received an email stating that our mentors would no longer be a large part of our “Project of Choice.”  However, our mentor expressed the desire to still help as much as he can.  We decided to have weekly chats so that we can determine the best project for his class.  During this week’s chat, we brainstormed and talked about logistics.  GaVS courses are already set up.  The professor does not change any of the modules.  However, the professor facilitates discussions and answers students’ questions.  Therefore, we decided that our “Project of Choice” should be centered around the “News” section of the homepage.  This is the section in which the professor has the most control.  So far, we have come up with the following ideas:

1. Create an extra credit assignment for students to complete.  The assignment will be linked to the “News” section of the homepage.
2. Come up with a creative way, using Web 2.0 tools, to inform students about GaVS policies and procedures.  This will also be linked to the “News” section of the homepage.

I am thankful to have a mentor professor that does not mind taking a few hours out of the week to communicate with us.  So far, the GaVS experience has been extremely enlightening.  I had so many misconceptions about being an online instructor.  I thought that the entire course was designed by the professor.  I did not realize that although there is some autonomy, there are some modules that cannot be manipulated.  I also learned that an online instructor has to be creative in the ways in which they communicate with students.  Our mentor professor uses various technological tools to create notes and memos for students on the “News” section of his homepage.  I am interested in checking out Powtoons, a tool that was mentioned in our most recent chat.  This may be a tool that I incorporate into my “Project of Choice.”