PARTICIPATION IN DISCUSSION/REFLECTION
VALUABLE FORMS OF COMMUNICATION IN A VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (VLE)
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The course content and process were more demanding than many of the other MET courses I’ve taken, largely due to the level of engagement required in the course design. However, given the course’s focus, it helped me appreciate how communication in a virtual learning environment can be both engaging and meaningful, with ongoing exchanges of information and insights through discussion posts.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the seminars, especially since I usually feel nervous about public speaking and presenting. The small group discussions were very satisfying, as there was a supportive, professional atmosphere that made the experience more comfortable and prompted engaging and meaningful conversations. This environment created a sense of safety and openness that helped ease my anxiety, making this form of communication most enjoyable.
Beyond the seminars, I also valued other forms of communication in the course, particularly the discussion posts. The assignment structure, which required us to post before responding to others, ensured everyone’s input was presented fairly. This approach made the collaboration feel democratic, with each person’s voice being respected and valued. Overall, I found all aspects of communication in this virtual learning environment enriching.
CULTURAL PREFERENCES & COMMUNICATION COMFORT IN VIRTUAL LEARNING
As someone who is naturally introverted, I found the small group seminars to be beneficial. The second seminar, in particular, felt more comfortable because of the familimar faces, and we had already engaged in discussions during the first session. This familiarity, combined with the professional and respectful atmosphere, created a safe space where I felt open to sharing of ideas and opinions.
I also noticed that being in an all-female group contributed to my comfort level. I believe this may be tied to cultural and religious expectations around gender segregation in social settings, which I have practiced since birth. These values have been instilled in me and continue to influence how I navigate group dynamics. In virtual settings, I tend to feel more at ease in all-female groups, as I don’t have the same level of familiarity or ability to read nonverbal cues compared to in-person interactions. In face-to-face environments, I’m a bit more comfortable in gender-diverse groups, but virtually, the absence of that extra layer of consideration allows me to focus more on the content of the discussion.
CHALLENGES OF COMMUNICATION MODES & EXPECTATIONS FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS
Through this course, as well as my experiences in other MET courses, I’ve gained insights into how different modes of communication can pose challenges for diverse learners. Virtual communication offers various levels of interaction, which can cater to different preferences and needs. For example, in this course, we engaged in text-only communication where we introduced ourselves, exchanged ideas, and responded to discussion posts. This type of communication went beyond simple, linear exchanges, allowing for deeper engagement. Additionally, the group seminars added another dimension to virtual communication by facilitating more dynamic, real-time interactions.
These varied communication format(s) provide diverse learners with the opportunity to explore different methods of engagement and find the ones that work best for them. Some learners may prefer the written exchanges of discussion posts, while others may thrive in the more interactive, face-to-face group settings. The flexibility of these options helps accommodate a range of learning styles, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and engaged in the virtual learning environment.
EVALUATING MY PARTICIPATION: REFLECTIVE & COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES IN THE COURSE
Overall, I would evaluate my participation and reflective practices in this course as highly engaged and meaningful. I thoroughly enjoyed the content, as it resonated deeply with my real-life experiences. Much of the course material helped validate many of the concerns and questions I’ve had about communication, regarding the dynamics within the school boards I’m professionally involved with, my community connections on a spiritual level, and my family life. This course helped me explore how to balance the professional and spiritual aspects of my life while navigating communication challenges in these different areas.
Through critical thinking and ongoing reflection, I’ve gained clarity on why there are often gaps in learning and information delivery, particularly when trying to strike a balance between inclusivity and equity. Engaging with the course content and reading other participants’ discussion posts has pushed me to consider different perspectives and broaden my understanding of communication. This process has reinforced the idea that effective communication is key and that cultural and professional contexts along with the subcultures within them require open communication to encourage comfort and mutual understanding.
One key insight I gained from the course is the importance of considering the nuances of cross-cultural and intercultural communication. It's essential to respect and understand the rationale behind different cultural practices, whether they are ethnic or professional. While this is not an easy task, it is a necessary, ongoing, and evolving process that demands effort, honesty, and openness.
Reflecting on my participation, I feel confident in saying that my level of engagement towards this course, combined with how I’ve applied the learnings to my daily professional and personal life, shows that the course has had a profound impact. My involvement in the discussions and assignments has not only deepened my understanding of communication but also enriched my ability to apply this knowledge in real-world settings.