While sitting here I begin to reflect on this course and past assignments in this online class. When I began the class I had thought it will be a lot of work... which not to my surprise it was. It was enough work to keep me on my toes. But in reality it takes the instructor to make the class a little less dreary and more exciting and innovative. In this online class, when I did not understand, I always had the support of Jan and the support of my online peers. This was very important in helping ease the online class.
Ultimately as I look back I must say I have learned a lot to date. I also hope to learn just as much in the months to come.
Starting this class was difficult, in a sense, because I have never taken an online course previous. I have used blackboard but never Web Ct. Web Ct was truly a new experience for me but an enjoyable one. I really appreciate learning something new. I feel as thow I get a jump start on something new in techonlogy and on online education.
At first, I was definitely uncomfortable and worried about becoming overwhelmed. Although, I new I was willing to put in the work that was needed to keep me afloat. After the initial tries with the online course, I was definitely able to keep up and understand the do's and the don'ts. At this point in the class I am very comfortable and look forward to future online classes.
When looking at the face to face experience juxtapose to online, I would have to say that as an online learner I enjoy it much more!! I wish more classes could be offered online. I am a hard worker, just as many are. I feel that driving to get to a location can really wear you down, cost too much in gas, and pull you away from your family or other important obligations. At least that's how I feel. I love to learn, and can never get enough, but traveling definitely gets in the way and if not for online I would not go back to school. I need to be at home because of my newborn child, she needs me, but during my down time I like to study, read, might as well get credit for it or a degree!
Online education is so important, you can do it anytime of day, whatever time is appropriate. That's what I enjoy with the online learning. I also feel that learning threw online is a good educational experience if not better than on campus. There are ways to stay connected with people from your online class that does not necessarily need face to face experience. There is email, chat, wimba, I guess you can even use video chat.
I feel online is a more effective in time management, and I love that!I feel I have gained so much from this online course thus far. I have become aware of many things that I did not think of before. For example my assignments really set up good questions, and gave me a lot to think about.
When I took the DVC survey it stated that I was a visual/nonverbal learner. This type of survey was new to me, although a good experience in what type of learner I really am. The survey was good information into who we are as learners and helps us to understand all other types of learners.
The VARK learning styles should be understood and provided to all students to comprehend and explore whether in a face to face setting or online. Some links that would help facilitate students are:The most important point that I had never considered before was the disabled. I am embarrassed to say that I have overlooked this matter because it has never really struck me, or brought up to what y attention.
I feel that of course it is crucial in understanding the need of all your students. And this is something that really opened my eyes and really caught my interest in how to make face to face class as well as online class more accessible and functional for the disabled. I also plan on letting my fellow coworkers, and associates catch on to the need of creating better methods for the disabled.
As I look at the closer in the first chapter of this online class, I can say that I definitely have learned many things that will help in my future online teaching experiences. Thus far, I feel much has been learned and experienced. I cannot wait to use these methods and techniques with my students but whats more is how my students will learn and prosper from they're online experiences.
