One of the most confusing aspects of this course has been trying to associate the Lesson in the syllabus to the Chapter(s) in the book. For example: The lesson associated to Frames is Lesson 11 yet the chapter in the book is Chapter 5. This online course might be easier to navigate through if each lesson in the syllabus had a drop down menu indicating the chapters addressing said topics as well a website link that would be a good demonstration of the topic.
Although the textbook is very detailed and often times difficult to read a chapter from beginning to end without feeling quite anxious; the exercises are a real asset in getting hands on experience with the techniques being disucssed.This component of the course as well as being able to use a real life need for a website brings more value to the course.
The online discussion of last week helped to build a sense of community among the students. The exchange of questions and answers provided each of us the opportunity to share our experience and reassure fellow colleagues who struggled with the online format. Our input was recognized and valued. Opportunities need to exist for group cohesiveness in an online course. The students need to feel a part of the group as a whole. Otherwise students won't feel comfortable helping each other to work together for a mutual cause. Most of our working environments promote team building but this concept has become more difficult to embrace as our jobs become more computer independent projects and less team collaboration. The online course where the instructor is actively involved and encouraging provides a model of collaboration that can be taken back to the workplace and implemented.