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I learned several things in this class that I plan on continuing to use in my future. Each chapter in the e-learning companion taught me different things. Before getting into that, I want to say that I found the way the class was structured made it extremely helpful to follow along with the variety of topics addressed. Each week we learned a different chapter. For example: week 1 we went over chapter 1. The 8 chapters discussed: getting engaged in learning, selecting the right opportunities for success online, creating a plan for success, technology tips for students, time management strategies, developing positive relationships, e-learning vocabulary, and maintaining motivation.

While everything I learned in this course was helpful, I found chapter 5 and chapter 8 most beneficial. Chapter 5 discussed time management strategies. “Managing time, instead of letting time manage you.” (116)  This really spoke to me because it is so true. There is also a part in the chapter that talks about how much difference even 10 or 15 minutes makes. I know I usually show up to class a little early and instead of texting and being on my phone, I could use that time to study. The time track assignment we did on google docs was eye-opening and made me see how effectively (or not) I am using my time. I think that is a very good idea and students can learn a lot about themselves through that assignment. Chapter 8 discussed motivation. I think it is important for every student to make goals for themselves; both short and long term. In order for students to achieve their goals they need a support system and healthy habits.

The Quick Reference Guide at the end of the e-learning companion was also very helpful. The Quick Reference Guide provided tips, suggestions, guides, and recommendations for preparing to be successful.

I am not that tech savvy, so chapter 4 helped me in many areas. There were several tips provided in this chapter such as; tips for before online coursework begins, tips for evaluating online resources, tips for online security and privacy, tips for accessibility, tips for managing your files, tips for using apps, tips for using the world wide web, tips for downloading, tips for choosing a search engine, tips for using email, and more.

Overall, I enjoyed this course and learned a number of things that I can take on to further classes. Even though this was an online class, I felt very connected to the students and our teacher. I greatly appreciated the individual feedback I received. I know that many of my friends have been in online classes and the biggest problem they have with online classes are that they simply forget deadlines. This is the only online where I have ever been given weekly reminders. Again, I really appreciate Professor Tornwall taking the time out of her day to do that. It is ultimately our responsibility, but she was willing to put forth that extra effort for us. So I am sure I am speaking for the majority, if not all, of the class when I say thank you.

Thank you everyone for a great summer! I know I will continue to use information that I learned in this class in my future.

How does search and research differ? Marc Prensky provides this explanation and puts it quite simply. Search is more ‘quantity’ while research is more ‘quality.’ There are three major ways search engines search: keyword search (google), category search (yahoo), and metasearch (search.com). Boolean logic  will help you find more precise results. The e-Learning Quick Reference Guide on pages 195-197 provides information for students searching for sources online. First, before doing online research: identify objectives, determine what will be of value, select resources of value, contact the library, get training, review guidelines, and don’t plan to use online resources exclusively. Secondly, while doing online research: evaluate all resources, expand your search, use general searches along with database searches, open links in new browser windows, print sparingly, verify that you have accurate reference information, don’t forget outside resources, contact the author if all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and take careful notes. Finally, after doing online research: review the resources, double-check reference information, and improve your performance. The textbook and module 6 lesson points out the three main aspects that are essential to source credibility: reliability, quality, and utility. On page 72 in the e-Learning Companion, there is a table that lists the different characteristics for each of the three aspects.

I have found that the most effective way to take notes as a college student is to print my notes before class. When I print my notes, I make sure to have several slides per page, leaving space to elaborate on what my teacher says. My sister is the one who gave me this tip and I found it very helpful. That is why I am hoping to pass this tip along to other students. If you print your notes, you will not have to worry and get frustrated about trying to write down every single word your professor says. By having your notes already in front of you, this allows you to really listen and think about what your professor is saying, and adding any additional information to the notes that seem helpful.

There are many strategies for listening and note-taking. First of all, be an active listener. Write notes in your own words, use shorthand, and focus/think about what your professor is saying. Secondly, identify parts of the presentation. Listen for transition signals. Transition signal examples: “I’m going to talk about, to begin with, moving on to, another important, to sum up, etc.” Listening for transition signals will make the important parts easier to recognize.

This video looks at the nature vs. nurture debate. The first half of the video is about the nurture side of the debate. First, children are studied and observed by their preference in male or female gendered toys. Then,  the second half of the video is about the nature side of the debate. The video ends with young monkeys that are given toys to play with.

I watched this video in a previous class I have taken. It enhanced my learning because it shows both the nature and the nurture side of the debate. It begins by showing nurture. Adults are playing with children who they think are boys, when in reality they are girls. And vice versa. When the adults were playing with the “boys” they gave them trucks and blocks. When they played with the “girls” they gave them barbies and girly toys. Clearly, they did not want to play with the toys, but the adults were persistent in giving them their gender specific toy. This showed the nurture part. The video then ends with the nature part of the debate. Observers put a bunch of girl toys and a bunch of boy toys in the field around the monkeys. They found that the female monkeys in fact went for the girly toys and the male monkeys went for the boy toys. The video concludes by saying that both nature and nurture have an equal role.

Chapter 1 in the e-Learning companion gives tips for managing your learning. The first tip is to manage your time, or it will manage you. “Managing time sounds easy, and for the first week of class, it often is comparatively easy. But as you get more chapters to read, more assignments to complete, and more exams to study for, time management becomes an enormous challenge for almost everyone.” (16) Another tip is to change manage your multitasking. Finally, stay organized. Keep folders and subfolders for each class. For the discussion post we discussed some online web tools that are helpful for studying. There are an infinite number of study tools college students can use online. To name a few: Sparknotes, study blue, bib me, quizlet, and many more. What I think is most helpful about these study tools is that not only are they available online, some are even apps. This is very convenient because most every college student has a smart phone. “Technology has to become a ubiquitous part of your learning if you are going to keep pace with the changes happening around you.” (19) My last bit of advice for students would be to develop useful study strategies in college (such as taking notes, writing succinctly, listening attentively, reading for application) and use them in all aspects of life. Become a life long learner. Finally, learning can and should be exciting (:

There are many tips for developing positive online relationships. I am writing to a student audience and I am going to give tips on how to effectively communicate online. First, make sure to spell check everything. Secondly, stay organized. From past experience, I have heard many of my peers talk about how they always lose points for assignments that are online because they forget the due date. That is why this is so important, especially for online coursework. I find it beneficial to print out the course calendar and write out when my assignments are due in my planner. This way I am reminded and do not forget. Finally, professionalism is expected in online courses just as it is in a regular classroom. There is a professional behavior checklist on the bottom of page 127 and the top of page 128 in the e-Learning Companion. Creating a supportive online learning community is key in a college course. The e-Learning Companion lists five primary functions for an online community. They are: 1) Motivation. 2) Peer Feedback. 3) Technical Support. 4) Study Groups. 5) Enjoyment.

Coming from personal experience, I would give students two tips. First of all, it’s so easy to forget about assignments that are due for online classes. Write them down so you do not forget. Secondly, do not wait until the day your assignments are due to work on them. Oftentimes, the coursework load for an online class is more than a regular class and you need more time to work.

Hopefully these tips help students that are communicating and collaborating online.

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