FM4 – Feedback Map – by Josefina Howard

FM4: FEEDBACK MAP

 RESOURCES

1. What did you think of the Syllabus? Was it helpful?

The Syllabus is much different than what I was used to getting from other FHSU professors. Dr. Schwandt also provided an extended version online. It was, at first, overwhelming because new tools were introduced and Blackboard was not going to be utilized. However; the Syllabus is a handy tool to review and use as a checklist to stay on task.

2. What did you think of the Textbook? Recommended Reading/Books? Were they helpful?

This class is my first close look at the US Health Care System. The textbook provides both micro and macro perspectives on the system –  its organization design, behavior, and management. The recommended readings offer helpful information and practical ways to explore and learn health care and management principles.

3. What did you think of the How-To Videos? Were they helpful?

Since I am new to Dr. Schwandt’s teaching methodology (Swarm Learning) and his preferred online tools, the How-To-Videos are very helpful in understanding how to complete the assignments.

PROGRAMS

4. What do you think of Plectica?

I like Plectica for the variety of templates, presentation mode (Waypoint), and the ability to share projects online. I use Powerpoint often; but now, Plectica provides a fresh approach. I see myself using Plectica for my future academic, career, and ministry projects.

5. What are your expectations for Tableau?

I have yet to explore Tableau outside of our Grade Dashboard. I think the dashboard showing grades in graph bar format is an innovative way to show the class progress and to encourage action and competition among the participants.

6. What do you think of Rationaleonline.com?

I think RationaleOnline is a versatile tool! I like being able to create multi-level maps and have printable/editable outlines at the same time. The many features are worth the student discount rate of $39/year subscription. I see myself using this tool more for both personal and work purposes.

7. Did you use Thinkquiry? If so, was it helpful?

I only tried ThinkQuiry briefly and queried a few words. I like that DSRP is integrated into this online tool.

CONCEPTS

8. What do you think of ST v2.0 (DSRP)?

DSRP provides an alternative set of lenses through which I can examine concepts. I like that it asks me this essential question, “Am I seeing or not seeing distinctions, systems, relationships, and points of view?” When my husband was a seminary student, I audited some of his classes. Several professors like to ask “What do you see?” during lecture and they drill down to the most obvious detail to the least noticeable but important word, fact, or idea.

9. What do you think of the new concepts introduced?

I am absolutely new to all the concepts that Dr. Schwandt introduced to the class. Immediately, I realized that I had to open my mind and accept that I do not know everything; then my brain became open to the opportunity of learning new ideas!

10. What are your thoughts on Lean Six Sigma? Is it a career path you would be interested in pursuing?

I think Lean Six Sigma’s focus on waste elimination (defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra-processing) is useful in business and other fields. I wish I had known about it years ago when I was building an organization of insurance agents; I would have saved a lot of time and resources. While I do not plan on pursuing Lean Six Sigma as a career path; I think the principles apply to any career field or area of life.

11. What did you think of the Pyramid Principle?

I believe the Pyramid Principle is useful for anyone who wants to communicate thoughts, ideas, and facts in a logical, coherent, and understandable fashion. It helped me in creating my blog/essay outline.

12. What do you think of Knowledge Transfer?

“Knowledge Transfer” in management is what I believe to be the ability to transfer/pass/distribute useful/productive knowledge from the top to the bottom members of the organization in a clear, consistent, and accessible manner.

13. What are your initial thoughts on Swarm Learning?

I have not heard of Swarm Learning prior to this class. I thought, “What did I get myself into?” Then, I thought of the words “team” and “collaboration.”

14. What did you think of the Barriers to Learning?

I thought it was spot on! Learning begins with an open mind! After reading the Syllabus, I found out quickly that I am ignorant of many things! I am glad this class encouraged me to open my mind for new learning opportunities!

15. What did you think of the Stable Datum?

I am relieved that the examples aren’t all mathematical 😊 I can grasp How-To-Videos and Direction Sense Tests! I also can relate to the Air Traffic Controller example because my husband and son are aviators and our military family had been through many organized “chaos.” 

ASSIGNMENTS

16. What did you think of the first assignment (CM1)?

I almost panicked being new to Plectica! However, I enjoyed the process of creating my first map. It was also a chance to tell my classmates about myself.

17. What did you think of CM2?

I used Powerpoint a lot when I was an entrepreneur. I wish I had known about Plectica! It was a fresh breath of air creating a map and presentation using Plectica. Also, the US Health Care Systems View is an eye-opener for me.

18. What did you think of EM3? And do you plan on writing a blog? Why or why not? What else can I do to convince you to write a blog?

The practical application of RationalOnline.com for my EM3 assignment was definitely worth the investment of $39! I will be writing a blog/essay on Cynefin Framework because it reflects my experiences in decision-making in many aspects of my life regarding family, military, ministry, education, career, and entrepreneurship. I have no excuses; I used to build websites as a business!

19. Does it help knowing that students from this class (and others) have published blogs?

Yes, viewing blogs of previous students is very informative and encouraging!

20. What do you think of this assignment (FM4)? What are your thoughts on students providing feedback that can change a class in progress? Have you ever been asked this from an instructor before (throughout the class, not just at the end)?

The How-To-Video and the two presentations were so helpful. I viewed the video twice and went over the presentations three times. Then when I saw the Feedback Map, I thought, “I have to answer thirty-one feedback questions now?”  Before this class, I have not had a professor who asked for feedback early; most courses ask for feedback/evaluation at the end of the term.

21. What are your thoughts on the extra credit opportunities (e.g. blog, Facebook, and first to post)?

I am very thankful for extra credit opportunities! It requires more work but I gain new knowledge and develop new skills during the process.

COLLABORATION

22. Are you a member of the Facebook group? If no, why not?

Yes, I am a member of the Swarm Learning Discussion Group on Facebook!

23. Do you think the Facebook group is useful? Why or why not?

Yes, the Facebook group is useful because I get feedback from my classmates, current and previous students, as well as experts! I benefit from the exchange of ideas and information! I also like the extra credit opportunity 😊

24. What do you think of the WordPress Learning Community? Is it better than Blackboard? Why or why not?

I think the WordPress Learning Community has given me and my classmates a unique, dynamic, think-outside-the-box, and safe platform to express our work and our thoughts. The colorful maps show creativity; feedbacks are well-thought of and edifying. Based on my experience having used Blackboard since 2011, I can say that Blackboard is convenient to use but it has become monotonous. Often, students respond to posts in discussion boards without substance; just checking off the box.

THOUGHTS

25. Take me through your thoughts and emotions as you started this course… where are you now?

I was, at first, uncomfortable and intimidated by the Syllabus, all the online tools, and new concepts. Today, I am more confident in using the online tools. I feel that I can complete future assignments more timely and with less stress 😊

26. What are your thoughts of the instructor using Tableau to grade and sharing the Student Dashboard?

I am used to grades posted privately. However, I think it is brilliant to show the class progress as a whole for the purpose of demonstrating “Swarm Learning.” We work as a team and each member spurs the other members into action and to do well. When I was in the insurance business, our organization displayed performance/production charts to encourage productivity and friendly competition.

EXPECTATIONS

27. What are your expectations moving forward?

I expect that future assignments will get me to dive deeper into the textbook.

28. What would you like to see change?

Since this is my first class from Dr. Schwandt, I do not have any suggestions for changes yet. I would like to complete this course first before making proposing anything.

29. What is one thing you love?

I love the online tools (Plectica and RationalOnline); they are like new toys!

30. What is one thing you hate?

I dislike the fact that I do not have a lot of time to work on assignments, explore the online tools and concepts deeper, and to interact more with my classmates. I work full-time as a Special Education Instructional Assistant which is very rewarding but stressful; I end up crashing when I come home. This, too, shall come to pass 😊

31. What can the instructor do immediately to make the class better?

Maybe shorter assignments and more credit opportunities 😊

Josefina Howard’s Plectica Feedback Map:

 https://www.plectica.com/maps/XE00ZPL70