Activity+7--Reflection

=Discuss the role of reflection in student learning. Explain the rationale for e-Learning supporters encouraging regular reflection in an e-Learning course. Present your thoughts on the effectiveness of reflection in the e-Learning course you are designing. = = = =The assumption that reflection naturally occurs after participation is incorrect and often overlooked. To this end, many learning experiences are structured solely around the facts of the course. As a result, assignments and assessments far too often serve as a gauge for how well learners can remember facts rather than how well learners can synthesize course information and connect it with personal meaning and past experiences (Bye, Smith, & Rallis, 2009). By contrast, assignments and assessments that are designed around reflection and creating new connections move beyond rote memorization and recall and focus on developing insight, critical thinking, and personal transformations (Conrad & Donaldson, 2005). They also establish the role of reflection in the learning process by reinforcing the notion that “we do not learn from experience—we learn from reflecting on experience” (Dewey, (unknown) as cited in [], retrieved April, 14, 2011). = = = =The focus of online learning is **//learning//**. As such, online facilitators have to be just as concerned with designing for reflection as their counterparts who teach in face-to-face learning situations. In order to create opportunities for authentic reflection, instructional design thinking must acknowledge the importance of assessing the learners’ emotional response to the course and content, presenting opportunities to work on a project that has personal relevance, and reviewing the fit between assumptions and outcomes (Conrad & Donaldson, 2005). Moreover, I believe that facilitators can encourage reflective thinking by creating a learning environment in which mistakes are expected and considered to be catalysts for self reflection. = = = =References: = =Anonymous. [], retrieved April, 14, 2011 = = Bye, L., Smith, S. & Mongan-Rallis (2009). Reflection using an online discussion forum: Impact on student learning and satisfaction. //Social Work Education 28(8),// December2009, 841-855. = = Conrad, R. and Donaldson, J. (2004). //Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction.// San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. =