550- Week 5 Reflection

• My experience with online communities has been …

• My experience through this particular program has been great. I have appreciated the many collaborative opportunities because they have helped to deepen my understand through the consideration of other perspectives. My previous experience was one of isolation. The discussion opportunities were not genuine and only seemed task oriented, rather than opportunities for valuable interactions.
  

• I believe the biggest benefit of collaborative groups is …

• I stated previously the biggest benefits of collaboration groups. The interactions with other participants makes a considerable difference in the quality of learning. For me, the interaction solidifies the learning and makes it more authentic and memorable.
  

• I believe the greatest challenge is/would be …

• The greatest challenge is the management of group dynamics. Although, my experiences with this cohort have been fantastic, I have been in groups where there are participants who don't hold their weight, are less motivated, and/or who dominate the group. It is important to maintain open communication; be honest and forthright; be dependable and prepared; and to be mindful of respectful and professional communications.
  
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• My thoughts regarding the social development and socialization issues are …
• Positive social development is an ever present problem in the community I live and teach in. The traditional teacher centered framework is not helping! I have truly enjoyed my online experience because of the vast opportunities it has provided me for worthwhile interactions with my classmates. Although, I am a fairly confident person, when it comes to sharing in an educational setting, I can only imagine how online education can be life-changing for those who are more reluctant to share.