I looked at the first module in the extendMOOC, the one about Teaching and Learning. Generally, I was impressed with the outline of the module. It’s clear and diverse, which keeps you engaged. The way they mix reading with looking/listening experiences promotes accessibility to the content.
The module is based on a book called How Learning Works by Jossey-Bass and gives you a great introduction to the book, which triggers an interest to read and learn more. Throughout the module there are a lot of additional reading, like links that you can klick on to learn more. That I think was a great idea that I’m taking with me.
A critique that I have is about the interview with the designer of the module. I don’t really understand why they put in there. For me, it wasn’t obvious how it added to the course.
Many of the tricks and tips for enhancing learning I recognize and have previously used. For example, finishing a session with giving the students a few minutes of reflection about what they learned. The insight that this has proven to be effective is encouraging, that means I should continue to go with my guts and do things like that.
Even if some of the things were quite basic, the module was inspiring. I started thinking of thing to ad and change in my own teaching to improve learning.