TOOL Participate Reflection for Capstone

              The Participation quest was the very first quest that I completed.  I will reflect here on the quest and link the highlighted quest required for the capstone submission.  This quest was not only important, but essential to being the first quest.  The quest introduced participants to the digital world and how to participate responsibly within the learning community. I learned what it means to be a responsible digital citizen, my role in facilitating students to be responsible digital citizens and how to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone.  I joined a digital learning community where I can go back and explore and reference different topics and areas of interest.  I also gained the skills to what make an ideal digital leaning community.  I learned that the text, images, power points, discussions,current events, interactive videos and quizzes make up an ideal learning community. 

               During one of the quest, I was responsible for collecting reputable digital resources.  This is vital to the learning community.  All of our references should come from a reliable source. Learning how to distinguish between reputable and non reputable resources is something everyone should be able to do in an online learning environment.  

            I learned the importance of being able to access the digital community and what barriers could prevent someone from accessing the digital community.  I also discussed solutions to the problem facing many of our students.  

            Digital resources and netiquette is also important because this sets up our learning environment for mutual respect.  This gives each online participant the comfort to speak freely but respectfully.  If everyone follows digital netiquette, than there is a sense of safety, comfort and respect that is fostered. From the language we choose to use to how we treat other learners within our community all reference netiquette.

            Digital Rights and Responsibilities are essential from the beginning of any cooperative learning.  Understanding your boundaries and responsibilities is important so you can act within those boundaries.  The consequences for members should be clearly stated so there is no question as to what should happen if the rights or responsibilities are broken among members.

             Digital safety and security is something we all think about, but often when we enter an online learning environment, safety my be the last thing on our mind.  This quest has highlighted the importance of having members sign AUP's and uphold them.  Having the AUP visible and referencing the AUP throughout the course can support a safe learning environment.

            Lastly, digital health was something that I explored.  I am not always good about taking breaks.  I often sit down at the computer and will not get up or look away from the screen until I am finished with my task.  I focus on the work in front of me and I only take breaks once all of my work is complete.  I found this quest to be helpful. I have now tried to set task limits on myself.  Once I complete the task, I will stand up take a short break and get back to work.  I have found this to be very refreshing and often improves my quality of work.

            Please explore all of my post within the Participate Quest.