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Letting Go of Certifications

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Created using NotebookLM In fall 2024, I transitioned out of working with or in a K-12 setting after over 30 years. I moved into higher education full-time. Although I’ve lived in this space for 15 years as an adjunct instructor, I still had a difficult time making the move. Not because the work was complicated or boring-it wasn’t- but because I no longer traveled in the same circles, so the people I talked to and learned with were suddenly not there anymore. That’s a hard thing to accept. Adding to the change, I also had to consider some of the certifications I achieved in K-12 that were no longer relevant to my full-time work. Some are prestigious, others not so much, and a few of them either require ongoing professional development hours or have a set expiration date. This brought a new dilemma- do I keep a certification that is no longer relevant just to have it? Do I let it go? Does keeping it mean anything when I have no intention of returning to that space? Does the accomplishme...
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Online Teaching & Learning Manifesto

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  Soon, I’ll teach a graduate course centered around teaching and learning online. In my roles as an adjunct instructor in higher education and the Director of Distance Learning for a community college, I live and breathe this modality. One of the assignments my students will be asked to do is to create an “Online Teaching and Learning Manifesto” in which they share their current beliefs. I love the reflective nature of this assignment and thought it was the right time to put mine on (digital) paper. In no particular order, here are some of the tenets that shape my beliefs and reflect how I teach graduate courses asynchronously and how I would like to be taught. Design matters . From user experience ( UX ) to interaction design (IX/ID), every decision made by an online instructor is important. Many students (and instructors) have bitter memories of in-person courses being moved online during 2020’s Emergency Remote Learning. Taking an in-person course and moving it online with no c...
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Mapping Digital Spaces Part II

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Back in 2017, I wrote a blog post about how I spent my time online . Using David White's  concept of  Visitors vs. Residents,  I examined  the technology tools and sites I frequented most and reflected on whether I used them professionally or personally. I then categorized them according to White's idea:  Visitors use technology tools to get a job done quickly. They don't leave a digital trail or engage with others. Residents regularly interact with others or create with technology while openly sharing parts of themselves, whether names, comments, or resources.  At that time, I was in a different role in education as a school-based instructional technology coach. Now, I am still in the field of education, but as the Director of Distance Learning for a community college. The only role that hasn't changed in those eight years is my role as an adjunct instructor. The assignment to map digital spaces has always been one of my favorites, so this week I decided ...
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Online Orientation Ideas

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Orienting students to online learning helps set the stage for success. By designing a "Start Here" or "Course Overview" module, your students see that you are invested in their learning. This 3-page document has ideas for items that can be included. https://bit.ly/OnlineOrientationIdeas
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Designing for Access: Tips to Improve the Accessibility of Your Digital Assets

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 In 2024, the Department of Justice updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requiring all digital assets to be fully accessible to everyone. To help move closer to compliance, I created a document with common issues that impede accessibility. The accessibility cheat sheet is embedded below. It is available for use with attribution.
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Are Online Courses for You?

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In my role as the Director of Distance Learning, I am responsible for helping faculty create effective learning experiences for students in hybrid and online courses. Even though my focus is on the adults, it is important for students to be oriented to online learning and determine if this modality is for them. With that in mind, I created a series of flyers to help our community college students determine if online or hybrid learning is right for them. Click on each image below to view the flyers in full size.
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QM Teaching Online Certificate Reflection

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This winter I am working toward adding a new credential to my learning: Quality Matter's  Teaching Online Certificate . This well-established and highly respected organization has put together a series of workshops that focuses on best practices of online teaching. I have reflected on each workshop as I completed them as a way to model metacognition. This post is the final reflection, 8 of 8. I'm fortunate to be at an institution that encourages and values continuous learning. As someone who has taught graduate courses for well known universities for 15 years, I feel I have a solid grasp of online pedagogical practices. Still, part of staying relevant is continuing to grow yourself and reflect on your learning. Having recently completed the workshops, this blog contains my thoughts about the process and content overall. In no specific order, here are my takeaways and tips for anyone considering working toward this credential. Build in space between each workshop. Not knowing an...
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