Journal+Module+Seven

Journal Module Seven

//Reflection Prompt:// Reflect on how you perceive yourself as an online learner? Are you well-prepare to be an online leaner? Tell us about what you need to improve in order to be a successful online learner.

Description: This week we were asked to look at our own experiences as an online learner and how this will relate to our online teaching.

Impact: I feel like I am well prepared to be an online learner. I feel very comfortable in the online environment and learning through online documents and materials. The comfort level is great, yet the constant access to materials is difficult for me. With access to all of the materials for the entire semester, I never feel done. Even though I may finish with a module or unit, I know that there is still content to access and I feel like I should, if time is available, begin working.

This is just the type of person I am. I am not sure if this is a blessing or a curse. I have a very hard time relaxing if there is something that could be done. Even if I really want to watch a particular sporting event, I will have a hard time stopping to watch the event if there is homework to do, content to study, or things to take care of around the house. This means a few things. I tend to finish my assignments early and I have to teach myself to relax.

This is the area where I need to improve on the most, relaxation. In the typical classroom setting I had taught myself to take things week by week and therefore could finish the weekly tasks and feel done. With the content available all the time online, I have had to reteach myself how to be a learner. I am sure I will continue to improve with experience.

Intent: The lessons that I have learned and continue to learn as an online learner will help me become a better online educator if the opportunity presents itself. The Quality Matters reviews that I am already conducting of online courses have allowed me to glimpse a huge amount of courses, good and bad. These experiences continue to give me a better understanding of what works and what does not in the online arena. The first thing that is needed is clear directions, students need to know where to start. An instructor presence is needed; the material cannot be put online and left alone. Organization is key. Like a paper, there needs to be well defined sections as most people can not follow someone else’s thought process. The more experience I gain, the better learner I will become. These experiences will continue to prepare me for a future in the online world.