Instructional+Unit+in+a+Virtual+Classroom+Environment

// For this assignment we were required to design and develop a virtual online classroom. Some of the components that we needed to add to our classrooms were: a name for the course, a personalized banner, content area, discussion area, and a customized menu bar. In order to create a more dynamic online learning environment we needed to integrate some Web 2.0 technology tools into our curriculum. I wanted to design an online learning atmosphere that would engage and stimulate my students. In addition, I had to develop assignments and activities that would provide students with opportunities to communicate with their fellow peers as well as opportunities to work together as a group in order to promote collaboration. In addition, I had to create an aesthetically pleasing physical environment that had resources, support, general information, and information about the instructor. Most importantly, because I would be providing instruction for a diverse student population with various learning styles my course needed to be user friendly. // || // In order to determine the topic for my virtual classroom, I first looked through the various courses I was already teaching. Then I asked myself the question, which course and students would benefit the most? I teach sewing courses for high school students and adults. The biggest problem I have with sewing courses is when someone misses a class and then I have to try to teach two lessons at the same time. Scheduling make up classes for students seems to never work out. There is always some sort of scheduling conflict. Therefore, I choose to design a virtual online sewing course. Then I gathered all of the information and books I used when teaching sewing classes. I decided to divide my course into four weeks. I had a lot of tradition resources but because this was an online class, I started perusing the web searching for online resources, videos, and websites. // ||
 * //Instructional Unit in a Virtual Classroom Environment //**
 * **//Description //**
 * **//Process //**
 * [[image:virtual_app.jpg width="154" height="56" align="left"]]

Link || // Developing and designing a virtual online classroom was a time consuming task. It required more than just converting a traditional course. As an educator in the 21st century, I have a great responsibility to continue to learn how to develop alternate learning environments. We are providing instruction for a diverse student population with various learning styles. We are also preparing our students to be productive citizens in a global world. Therefore, we should be using technology to communicate and assemble information based on the demands of a changing society; not all learning takes place in a traditional setting. Online classrooms can be beneficial and provide our students with genuine learning experiences. Our online classrooms are a reflection of the technology environments that students immerse themselves in on a daily basis. However, because the majority of students that are enrolled in online classes are working by themselves, virtual classrooms must be designed to promote communication and not isolation. We must provide them with genuine opportunities to socialize collaboratively with their peers. Interaction among students helps builds a positive and dynamic online learning community. // ||
 * [[file:Fundamentals of Sewing Syllabus.doc]] ||
 * **//Reflection //**