Running smooth…

This article illustrates what most educators who lack training feel like. I have to disagree with the author and this article is only made up of common misperceptions. I enjoy people and interaction and I’m not trying to separate myself from people by taking online courses. I still have a lot interaction with my peers maybe even more because I can read their blog. Of course it can be a disastrous option for most educators because they haven’t been trained how to teach distance education.  The author mentions time management and self-discipline, but aren’t those required regardless of whatever you’re learning? The article also mentions professors not being considerate in situations like a power outage; well I think she needs to give them more credit than that.

All of these issues could also be considered when discussing the cons of a physical class. I have to agree with one point; I also get nervous when taking online classes because I’m afraid that I may miss something. These are her issues and not everyone learns like she does.

I’m already using DE and I prefer it. When I teach my students our environment is strictly online and I typically use GotoMeeting. Early adopters are always the people who aren’t afraid of new technologies. When I think I innovations transportation always comes to mind and education not so much. DE is also innovative, but much slower than other things like transportation. People should take these innovations in education more serious and try to practice them. We have to charter into unfamiliar water before we can ever advance and have a significant impact on society. If you start with the familiar and take slow steps into the process you’ll be more confident.  

(This has been the most difficult thing for me to wrap my head around)

Those statistics are staggering since anyone can get some sort of education if they try. I don’t know much about GED programs, but financial aid helps so many people go to school. If so little people have bachelors why aren’t corporations offering huge salaries to employee us? What does a “bachelors degree” even mean anymore? It seems like everyone has a degree, so this makes the job market so competitive.  

If more educators knew how to teach online I think it would defiantly change a lot of minds. If it can be taught the right way and help people receive their GED that would be wonderful.  

I’m glad this isn’t your ”traditional course.” I’m getting use to this setup that involves checking several blogs each day. Sometimes I get frustrated because I don’t have much to write about on other blogs. This isn’t like any online class I’ve taken before, but I’ll manage. In the past I would typically devote only one day for class work.  I always thought online classes were created for the non-traditional student who can’t attend class each day. 

If you tried that here you would fail.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The internet can expose you to whatever you have interest in, good or bad.  Parents should monitor whatever happens in their home like internet usage. Your kids are going to learn inappropriate things and that’s out of your control. Let’s face it the internet does more good than bad; you just have to monitor what goes on. The internet just makes things more accessible, but that is the beauty of being online.

Myth# 2

I think being able to visualize makes you more comfortable, but it doesn’t make you necessarily “learn it.” I used to say that I was a visual learn, but I’m more hands-on.

Myth# 3

I’m not really sure about this one. When I was in grade school the boys always understood math easier than girls. The girls would always grasp literature and grammar better.

Myth# 4

People are never too old to learn something new. Although, they don’t have the patience they used to have.

Myth# 5

Being self-directed has nothing to do with online courses. Prior to this semester I would try to avoid online classes because the lack of clarification with the syllabus. My previous professors had no training and typically had no desire to teach online. If you’re driven you’ll exceed no matter what environment learning occurs in.

http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-books26-2008aug26,0,6565128.story

This story raises the issue is e-textbooks really worth the price. Our class deals with technology and I thought it would be nice story to share. A study was done which examined the price difference between buying the hardcopy and downloading online. I wasn’t aware of the fact once you buy the electronic version of the book it will eventually expire and typically in 180 days. If you buy the hardcopy of course you can keep that forever and possibly reference it again. Electronic books are roughly half the price but you can’t sell it back to the bookstore and hopefully get 50% back.  Once you print the book you’ve almost paid the price for the amount of money you saved buying the book electronically, so you should go ahead and buy the hardcopy. Unless, we see a change and prices lower I would buy the hardcopy but it would depend on your situation.

Hey guys,

Sorry, I didn’t get to post anything yesterday and I barely made it tonight but I’ve just been exhausted this week.

My idea and definition of “Distance Education” has changed significantly. Just last week I had  simple definition and really basic thought on this issue. Although, I’m starting to learn at a distance just like I learned at a distance on campus. The only difference I can really see is the tool we are using which is all foreign technology and that is fine with me.

 I think so many of us worry about our grade and asked so many questions because we aren’t used to this type of classroom. We are programmed to worry about our grades from day 1 and we have to change that way of thinking. We just have to step back and stop worrying. I think if we keep worrying we may just miss the point of this entire course.

 More will come tomorrow…..

Just after one week I already feel much more comfortable in this class. I’m not thrilled with my grades from the first week but now I know that I must work harder. The chat session has inspired me to look at this class slightly different and understand the tools we use in education. I enjoyed the reading from Week 1 it made me realize Online Education or whatever you like to call has a lot of depth. It isn’t just about checking your Blackboard account once a week, but you really have to stay on top of this stuff and accept more responsibility for your learning.

Time for bed:) I spend way too much time on my pc. 

Tapped In is a great place for connecting teachers and students. My favorite thing about the site is the transcripts from the chat sessions so you don’t have to take notes. At first I was having trouble loading Tapped In but after the training it seems to be running much better. (User error I assume.. LOL) I have to say one thing I feel much more comfortable surfing around BlackBoard. But hopefully after this semester I will feel the same with Tapped In. Nice community!!

When learning is taking place electronically and teaching is not being done on site.