This week we have been summarizing our learning in the course and I think we are all a bit emotional about the course “ending” but one of the concepts remains at the forefront – personal learning network. I now have a new group of colleagues from different countries and with different areas of expertise that I can continue to remain in touch with and more importantly continue to learn from.

In my mind one of the main benefits of online learning is the autonomy for the learner. I was like my students in the fact that I anticipated a lot of independent work and perhaps a bit of working with others. However this course showed me that online learning is about active learning through collaboration. To facilitate this learning, the course was designed with activities that enhanced opportunities to collaborate together – and that is what sticks with me! For example this blog (although important for individual reflection) was something I tended to forget about because working together was more exciting! So I really have shifted my perspectives on the overall concept of online learning from a student viewpoint. The challenge comes with how I can use this learning in my own practice. Make it routine! First and foremost I can use this experience to show that online learning does work! Now that I have experienced it myself, I am aware of the challenges, but also the opportunities that exist! When something becomes routine (for example our synchronous Zoom meetings), the technical challenges seem to fade away. Most often we were all in the meeting and ready to work, whereas in prior efforts sometimes the technology itself presented a challenge and hindered the work together. Be a champion! Sharing this experience with colleagues (and encouraging them to sign up next semester!) is a great first step. The more we share great resources with others, the more the conversations will start and hopefully lead to changes, even if small. Let the fear go out the window! One of the great things about our small group was the support we had from each other. Each person was a problem solver and available to help. We also supported in other in terms of ideas and trying out new things (digital tools). There was no “wrong way” to do anything and that was the spirit! As we wind down, I am very happy that I took the time to learn with this group. This professional development opportunity is one I have found to be a great investment with connections that will go into the future and learning that will most definitely have an impact on my practice.