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| Made by me. |
For this week, we were given time to reflect on our use of technology for this class. I don't know if I mentioned this during my involvement in class, but I've been working as a computer and gadget repair tech for approximately ten years. Needless to say, I've seen everything we've used here and then some, and I deal with it daily. So while I can't speak on the topic of challenges from the technical standpoint, I will offer my views on the online experience.
There are certain elements of working in an online environment that simply make sense for this type of class. If we had been in person, we would have spent just as much time analyzing and learning much of what we learned. Most of the content would have been similar, I'm sure, and many assignments would have been identical. The difference, however, would have been evidenced in my writing quality. If I were required to write a couple paragraphs in class, it would likely have been mediocre at best. The reason being, when I write I take a lot of time considering and revising even the most simple of statements. I look at what I've written and will typically trash it about five times, in interest of conveying what I want to say effectively. This primarily stems from my thought process being a little, "different," in terms of communication and expression. If I were required to write a timed assignment, it would probably wind up being pure madness -as evidenced by my high school English class grades-. So while I may seem fairly articulate, I owe it to having the ability and freedom to edit my work as many times as I see fit.
There are certain elements of working in an online environment that simply make sense for this type of class. If we had been in person, we would have spent just as much time analyzing and learning much of what we learned. Most of the content would have been similar, I'm sure, and many assignments would have been identical. The difference, however, would have been evidenced in my writing quality. If I were required to write a couple paragraphs in class, it would likely have been mediocre at best. The reason being, when I write I take a lot of time considering and revising even the most simple of statements. I look at what I've written and will typically trash it about five times, in interest of conveying what I want to say effectively. This primarily stems from my thought process being a little, "different," in terms of communication and expression. If I were required to write a timed assignment, it would probably wind up being pure madness -as evidenced by my high school English class grades-. So while I may seem fairly articulate, I owe it to having the ability and freedom to edit my work as many times as I see fit.
I don't see much difference in online versus in person classes for an English course in terms of content. I think that like everything else I've dealt with in school, it really comes down to your Professor. If you are lucky enough to be under the academic guidance of someone who really loves their subject, you will always take more away from it. Had this class been taught by someone that wasn't interested in English, it would have probably been nothing more than several quizzes to make sure we know the content, and a couple essays; and that is not hinged on rather the class is in person or not. The involvement required to have us set up blogs and make videos, is certainly not the norm; and someone who loves their class is always going to make a more rewarding experience for the student, rather it's online or in person.
I think that is enough rambling for now, so I will take leave of my keyboard. In closing I offer this: rather you have to learn new outlets, attend classes online, or in person; rather your Professors are involved, or treat you with all the concern one gives a stray cat: It will always boil down to us. In the end it's the student that decides what they are going to take from a class. Sometimes we learn things we will remember the rest of our lives, and sometimes the information is totally ephemeral, but it's always up to the student to decide what they are going to truly learn.
I can't really think of a relevant link, so if you'd like to make your own silly comics, the site I used to make the above picture can be found here.
I quite agree with you that the professor makes the difference. I have had multiple professors in online classes and some get away with busy work, while others actually teach and require interactive learning.
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