1.+Session+One-Online+Course+Participation+Reflections

Take time to reflect on your experiences as an online course participant.

In the first column of the table provided below, describe one characteristic that you feel was essential to your being a successful online course participant.In the second column, describe one or more challenges you faced or encountered in your participation in the online course.

Add your name at the end of your comments.

**Return to the wiki throughout the week to read the characteristics listed by others.**


 * < **Essential Course Participant Characteristics** ||< **Challenges Encountered as a Course Participant** ||
 * < enthusiasm for sharing with and learning from others- Suzie Martin ||< balancing between coursework and outside commitments=Suzie Martin

I think we all struggle with this issue at one time or another. JS || Not sure if I am on the right track with my project Worried my posts sound stupid (Kim) I never really considered this. Thanks for enlightening me. JS || Making sure my posts are thoughtful and encourage responses (Brittany) || (Rachelle) ||< I had technical issues with a Webtop application that was really frustrating in my last course (Rachelle) I am curious what it was doing? Which ap was it? JS Sorry I am just now responding. It was the ePearl app and it just would NOT load on my computer. We did everything to make it work. I even tried to download the program externally from webtop with no success. Somebody fixed something behind the scenes and presto...I had access...but it took from Wednesday to Monday before the situation was resolved. It was very stressful...lol. || my and my classmates work -Bronson ||< Not enough time to devote to reading everyday or concentrating on implementing new technologies in the classroom (taking 2 courses at a time) - Bronson I agree that the reason for taking the courses should be to use the information in our classrooms and many times we have so many other things going on, we get sidetracked. JS || required to use a program that wasn't Windows Vista compatable it limited my at home participation. And I've also had problems in the past with my posts freezing, I have learned to know save as I go- Kem What was the program that wasn't Vista Compatable? All the programs used with WV learns should be compatable. Was the instructor informed? JS || -Heather ||< So many technology tools were introduced in my last course that I became overwhelmed/confused about which was for what...They were all neat, but I feel if we would've been introduced and really taught how and why to use Manhattan for example, many educators would introduce it to their classroom. That certainly makes sense. I think that may happen with this course also. I know there are several mentioned and they are link to one of the sessions. I will try to demonstrate as many as possible. JS ||
 * Self-directed Learner (Kim) || Internet issues
 * < Motivated (not a procrastinator) || Internet issues I always feel helpless if I can't fix a computer issue. Sometimes it is the computer itself, and I know how frustrating it can be to have issues like that. JS
 * < Open minded in trying and learning new things
 * < Critically thinking about the application of
 * < Interactive and honest (provide meaningful feedback) ||< I also had technical issues with previous course; One class I was
 * < Apply knowledge learned during the course into the classroom.
 * < Be a self-motivated learner ||< Unsure of requirements for assignments/sessions. Time management (especially if one is taking 2 courses at once) - Teresa Can I ask what was confusing about the requirements? JS ||
 * < Self-discipline ||< One class I took focused on how the information would be used in the classroom. Since I do not teach, I felt that I was not making wise use of my time when writing lesson plans. Also, when I took two classes at one time, it was a challenge to get everything done on time. Vivian I see your point about the issue of lesson plans. In all the courses, we stress using the information in the class room. These courses are used for teacher (and aide) professional development. I understand that you may not teach in the classroom, but what is your suggestion for a project or how would you apply the information if you are not in the classroom? JS ||