Online learning is much different than
in person learning because there is less one-on-one interaction. Even when utilizing blogs or discussion
boards, there are less students reading or hearing your work than if it were
presented in class. One suggestion that
I would have is for the work to be due two or so days prior to the comment due
dates, that way everyone has a chance to submit the work prior to the
comments. I’ve been in classes that
functioned both ways – with work being due before comments are due, and with
work & comments due at the same time – and the comments seemed more
complete and spread out when the dates are staggered.
The main benefit with online learning is
that there is less wasted time, mainly in class, but also in driving to class,
prepping for class, etc. I take mainly
online classes, but have found when I take in person classes there is a lot of talking
prior to class beginning, interruptions, questions that could be answered
elsewhere and just a lot of wasted time.
I have a fairly tight schedule right now, so for me online classes are
much more efficient.
The technology that was the most
beneficial for me this semester was the blog.
I certainly didn’t love using it; in fact the majority of the time I had
to close my office door when I was trying to upload something so my high
schooler didn’t pick up any new inventive swear word combinations that she may
not hear at school J.
This from someone who, prior to this point, considered myself to be familiar
and comfortable with computers and technology.
I will use it beginning this summer as lead up to the completion of my
book. Oh, that crash you hear? That’s my laptop, sailing through the
window.
And here are the directions for how to get your blog photo to show up on search engines if you're using WordPress.
