I would describe my background knowledge and skills to be at a lower level than they are now. When registering for this class I didn’t realize I would learn more information to enhance my skills and confidence in using online tools. Through all the discussions, assignments, readings, lessons, and tutorials I have definitely improved my skills and knowledge about online learning strategies and skills. I believe I developed self-management and leaned new strategies. I learned ho to use a Web browser, ability to download files, ability to create files, and learned about the basic knowledge of search engines. I would say my skill level is higher than it was at the beginning.
Throughout this course I learned about many topics to improve my confidence on technology skills. One of the most useful topic I learned about in module four was about reading online. There are some tips to use for reading before, during, and after. When reading before you should review the overall course and remove distractions from study environment. During reading online you should identify the main points and before moving from a section summarize it. After you read summarize, reflect upon, and apply. You should also stay organized and maintain records of key points. To get the most out of online reading I learn to use the reading strategies given in module four. Another interesting topic that was discussed throughout this course was in module three “How to Write an Academic Email.” There are important components when writing an email: subject line, greeting, a contest for you message, closing and signature, use spell check, and write in complete sentences. This topic explaining how to properly write an email is really interesting to me because it’s a great tip for students heading to college. In high school I never learned how to write an email to my teacher or professor.
While taking this course over summer semester allowed me to realize that time management is extremely important. I mention that this class is over the summer because most students don’t apply time and effort to summer classes. I learned I need to work on my time management especially over the summer. Throughout this course I would always find myself waiting to the last second to finish my assignments. I would tell myself “I’ll do it later” which ended up being overwhelming when I had to turn my assignment in. I learned not to wait, I should plan ahead and make a list to finish my work a few days before the work is due. If I keep motivating myself to improve on my time management skills I will end up being successful in college. In my future I want to apply all the knowledge and skills I learned in this course. I believe using those skills will help me become successful in the future.
My most meaningful experience in this course would have to be the blog creation and posting my own blogs. I believe creating my own page allowed me to speak freely and tell others my point of view. I enjoyed posting blogs each week to show others my opinion and reading my peers blogs as well. My advice to other students in college is to get out of your comfort zone. Getting out of your comfort zone will give you the opportunity to explore the college life and make the college experience the best it can be.
I had a great time blogging it up for this summer. Hope you enjoyed my blogs! Thank you,
Camry Halm