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One of the most important things I learned in this class about technology was how valuable of an online resource that Google can be. First, Google can easily be used to narrow down topics for a paper or assignment. Through its advanced search options, a student can look up keywords and even a time frame for when the material was published. Not only can a student work through its advanced search tools, but a student can also use Google Scholar to look up peer-reviewed, very credible sources to cite in such papers. Thus, making the student’s own paper much more credible. In case a person doesn’t favor Google, I’ve also learned that school’s library website have the similar resources as well, such as OSU. Another very important item I learned about technology from this course was “Netiquette.” Yes, I’ve heard teacher preach on it plenty of times before. However, now that I’ve experienced it myself as a student who is nearing the end of college, it’s surprising how many people fail to practice basic netiquette. By following its simple rules that were laid out in this course, I have been able to follow its guidelines and send clearer messages.

One thing I learned about myself from this course was how much I truly rely on videos in lectures. I’ve never had a problem listening to a lecture in class or even just reading off of a powerpoint. Yet, as I went through the lessons in the modules through this class, I would find myself skimming through the reading and really focusing on the videos. The thing is, I wouldn’t even realize I was skimming through the readings until I hit the videos, and then my mind would “snap” back into gear and pay much closer attention.

My most meaningful experience in the course was the Time Management with Google Docs assignment. Although I found it tedious, the assignment ended up helping me out a lot with my week. I didn’t keep up with it too much on Google Docs, but it made me realize the importance of my calendar. I always wrote down and planned events in my calendar, but I wouldn’t always abide by it. Once I started doing so, I felt I had more control and organization over work and school altogether. It also forced me to realize how much time I spend driving between places. Although it was difficult, by cutting out driving time by staying in one place, I ended up with a little extra study time. A little goes a long way!

Out of everything I learned in this class, I will definitely apply several things I learned. First and foremost, I will definitely apply what I learned in through “Netiquette.” Being in this age of technology, it’s very common to not communicate in person, and is therefore, the utmost importance to learn how to communicate via technology properly. Another thing I will apply is cutting out my driving time. As stated above, it gives me extra time in places where I really need them and can focus on tasks longer. Lastly, I will be using videos more as study tools. With the online resources given throughout different modules, I’ve learned I really take away a lot from the videos. Not only does it force me to repeat the information I learned, but it also give a visual study aid compared to just words.

At some point in time, one of your classes is going to ask you to write a paper, and for that paper, you’re going to have to do your own online searching. However, it is very important to be careful that you are using credible sources. To do so, think: reliability, quality, and utility. First, check the author and his or her reliability. Can you contact them? Where did they get the information for the website? Was the website peer reviewed? Next, check quality. Is the information you’re reading biased? When was the website last updated? Finally, consider the website’s utility. Is it relevant to your topic and can you use it for your paper?

In order to find a relevant website for your topic, you need to know how to search for a good source. Some common, useful search engines include Google (Google Scholar), Yahoo, and Metasearch. When using search engines, be sure to use Boolean logic to give you more precise results. For example, use quotation marks around phrases that you definitely want to include in your search. When you’ve completed your search and successfully found a useful website, be sure to cite it correctly to avoid plagiarism and so that you can access it at a later time if needed.

It is important for all students, whether they are in a classroom or working online, to learn and become skilled at note-taking strategies. Always check to see if the instructor posts notes prior to the class. If so, print them out, review them, and take notes on them during class. Or, you can take notes on the powerpoint on the computer at the bottom of each slide. If you don’t have the powerpoint, split your notes up into sections based on the slides and focus on writing down the main topic points rather than copying the entire slide.

It’s also very helpful to take notes using a specific method you like, such as the Cornell Method or mind maps. There are some online resources to help with note-taking as well. It is possible your class may offer some of these online resources, or you can search for yourself in Google. Two helpful types of resources for learning more information on your academic topic are podcasts and videos, which can also be found using Google or iTunes. Podcasts and video not only give you more information on the topic, but they can also give you another perspective and engage you while you study. Plus, podcasts appeal to your audio and/or visual senses and are always available to you, making the most of your study time.

Video:

The video gives an overview on how to properly hold your horse while a veterinarian or a farrier cares for your horse. One of the first ideas the video mentions is that the horse has a chance of being uncomfortable with the situation, meaning it could be scared and that you need to be wary of this. There must be communication between the vet or farrier and you and it is important that people stand on the sides of the horse so that no one gets run over if the horse takes off. The owner can also help the vet or farrier shift the weight of the horse so that they have a better view while giving the horse freedom in its head/neck. The biggest thing we want to stay away from is to signal the fight or flight response in the horse.

The video enhanced my knowledge of the topic, for it made the message and the positioning very clear. The actual message she was communicating was clear for she kept her message short and to the point. Plus, by having the horse actually in the video with two people working around it, it was very obvious to see what she was trying to convey with her message. It was especially helpful when she was talking about rotating around the horse’s head in order to keep the horse aware of its surroundings.

A very large part of online learning is reading. Reading materials, reading resources, reading instructions, etc are all part of the online learning process. However, sometime the readings can get overwhelming for students since students generally take more than one class at a time, which means even more reading. Therefore, a student should break it down. The first step should be looking at exactly how much reading needs to be done. Read the syllabus and the assignments to figure out everything the work entails. It may even be wise to schedule out the readings day by day to help yourself. Once you actually start the reading, be sure to read proactively. Ask yourself questions as you go along, highlight important topics, or take notes. Doing so will help you remember and may even come in handy for later studying.

After the reading has been completed, it is wise to keep tract of the materials you used to read proactively. It is also important for you to be able to summarize what you’ve read, for it ensures you truly understand the material. To help summarize or remember what you’ve read, there are numerous online resources you can use for study materials, such as timelines or mind maps. If your online class doesn’t provide specific websites, it’s very easy to look through Google.

It’s important to grasps these concepts in order to further your online study skills, for it differs from standard reading. Online reading causes a student to read alone and usually requires them to follow more hyperlinks. By following the above steps, students should find it helpful for future online assignments.

One of the most important “rules” of communicating online that students tend to forget is Netiquette, or etiquette on the web. I hear professors complaining all of the time that students have horrible manners when emailing them–some emails I even read myself. It may seem basic, but be sure to use proper capitalization and puncheon, plus be sure to be very clear. Therefore, sarcasm and jokes are generally a bad idea. It is a good idea to include your full name, a heading and closing, and a subject title. This is just for emails, however, this also applies to any other communication online to club members, other students, etc. By having proper Netiquette, you can earn respect from your professors and other students.

Communicating online to peers and professors may not always be the best option. Keep in mind that not everyone is always online, which may delay some responses or scheduling opportunities. For example, you can communicate via email for a group project, but you may end up waiting much longer than necessary for a group member to respond. Simply remember when it is appropriate to pick up the phone or meet in person.

To continue on the subject of group projects, the internet has plenty of helpful sites to help you coordinate with group members. Blogs and Doodle were most beneficial to me throughout my college career. By using a blogging site such as u.osu.edu, a group member can post an idea where other members can see it and respond. Plus, if you’re worried about prompt responses, you can suggest to other members to subscribe to the blog for better management purposes. Also, doodle.com comes in handy for scheduling and for polls. If you need to schedule a meeting date or settle on a debate/option, members can collaborate through Doodle and check on updates periodically.

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