Since I am a "tech" person, you may think that I enjoy doing everything online. On the contrary, I detest doing online classes. I simply do not have the feel for doing the online work, because I feel disconnected somehow. I would rather have a person in front of me lecturing me even if they are boring. It is not difficult for me to navigate around most online systems, I’ve even created some myself for others to use, but I’d prefer not to do it.
The blogging that we do for example, these discussions are so much more interesting to me when I can see all the expressions that accompany the discussions. But online, I see a lot of words, but I have a hard time getting the right “feeling” from the words of others. Let’s not forget about navigating around this blog site, it is not simple!
But there are advantages, however. Since I really do not have the time during the week to make it to class, it does give me the flexibility that I need for my busy schedule. I’m not sure what is my learning style is anymore, because I overcame my inability to learn abstract materials (materials that are not hands on), but online learning is not a problem for me. I still prefer interaction with people face to face.
You bring up some very good points regarding some of the challenges with online classes. Initially the experience felt like a maze to me also. There is definitely a learning curve and we have come out on the other side with this semester almost over. I have learned quite a bit about how to navigate on ulearn. I know I clicked on those boxes at least 10 times when I first started. Your comments regarding the benefits I also agree with. The flexibility is wonderful given our busy schedules.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the online better. I'm so hands on and heavy discussion during the week, being on a computer seems relaxing to me. I'm no computer expert though, so if I lock it up I'm screwed. Ulearn was difficult to get right away, but I ended up understanding it. The blog was easy. I liked the freedom of starting the online homework on my schedule and having weekends to do it.
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