Posts

Before this class, I considered my knowledge about online tools, and technology to be average. However, I soon realized after I started learning from the class that my knowledge was way below average. After all, all I was used to practicing on the internet was searching on “Google”, surfing social networking sites, and reading the news. I have learned new ways that facilitate my learning experience online, and in general through this course. I now know many of the advantages of the internet that can make learning a much easier, smoother process. For instance, I know that I can expand my learning through videos, tutorials, pod casts, and much more. To be honest, I have never heard of, or even tried to listen to a pod cast before this class, now I have a list of interesting pod casts saved on my smart phone.

One important thing I learned about myself was that I am not afraid to take chances. Before this class, I used to think that if I get into all the technological advancements I would just get confused and give up. Through this class I learned that if I am persistent, I could understand the most important aspects of online technology, and online resources. For instance, now I know of many important databases that I could use for information about topics we are covering in class, or in papers due for class, especially research papers.

The most meaningful experience for me was finding out that I could learn a topic I did not understand in class through online videos and pod casts, and I am a much better note taker since now, I divide my note taking strategies. I especially liked the Cornell note taking strategy and hope to follow it in the future. I never thought of note taking as a before and after method. However, the after method of summarizing the notes when I study really helped me especially now during my finals. I have even tried mind map to summarize a topic I was having trouble with in my economics class.

Finally, I am very thankful and glad that I decided to take this class. Technology is becoming an unavoidable aspect of life. I am graduating this month and I know that I have the basic skills needed to apply for a job in the information technology sector. I am not afraid to tackle issues online, and no longer afraid of the word technology. I honestly thought I am falling behind, and I stopped understanding technology like my younger sister does, a generation that is far more integrated and dependent on technology. However, I find myself catching up and even introducing her to aspects she had never heard of. I know that there are many resources on the internet and not all to be trusted so I will be cautious especially in a business setting, and will use mind maps, video tutorials, pod casts, and much more to enhance my education whether I will be using them at a prospective job or furthering my education and pursuing graduate school.

This module in my opinion was the most informative. In the past, I used “Google” for all my searches and thought that after all these years of using that search engine I was pretty accustomed to it and knew the ins and outs. However, after watching the many videos on this module, I realized how much I have yet to learn about Google and searching and researching in general. First off, searching and researching were very simliar in my mind, however now I realize that searching is better in terms of quantity and researching in terms of quality. Furthermore, the module taught me about many ways of narrowing down my search. Receiving millions of results can be a bit confusing and time consuming. However methods such as advanced search, limits such as the minus feature, and scholar preferences really narrows down the results and increases quality of the results as well.

In addition, I only started using article express as much as I can this year, which is my senior year. Citing articles before was a very demanding job for me because I would stress out about the tiny details fo the citation. However, because the library catalogue includes bibliographic information about the articles, books, etc ciations have become much easier since the information is right infront of the searcher.

Note taking is a vital part of understanding the contents of lecture. Although my only method of note taking was on a small notebook during lecture, I really believe that printing out the slides is a much better alternative. That way, I do not have to write out the notes from the lecture slides all over again, but could only add on important ideas mentioned during lecture.Furthermore, I personally never divided my note taking, basically if we were to mention the Cornell method of note taking, I would only have the record part. One mistake that produces confusion while I’m studying after lecture, is no date available that correlates to the lecture notes. Putting the date next to the topic of lecture would help me keep track of separate chapters and lecture material.

Note taking from video or audio is a much easier process, since you have the privilege of controlling the pace of the information being previewed. Although audios like pod casts do not have a visual depiction of the lecturer’s body language, videos have all the benefits similar to being in lecture and controlling the environment. Online learning can also be a supportive method to learn more about a lecture that has not been understood the first time, or content that you as a student just need to brush up on and review. There is a need to keep an eye out for the authority of videos and pod casts since almost anyone has a chance to get online these days, but this can simply be done with a  simple research about the host or background of the podcast.

If you need help with Organic Chemistry

This video is from a series called “CrackOChem” which helps students understand the different key ideas of organic chemistry. This video in particular reviews some of the basic ideas of general chemistry that students need to move forward to organic chemistry. The video starts with the key concepts students need to know including the terms “compound”, “atom”, and “reaction”. After explaining the different key concepts needed, the video host goes into further detail and explains the bonds between different atoms and molecules. This information is projected to the viewer using a white board and colorful markers that make the studying process easier and very similar to being in an actual lecture.

The “CrackOChem” series were introduced to help students who are struggling with the subject of Organic Chemistry, or students who simply need a review. When watching the videos, the viewer not only feels like they are in lecture all over again, but can stop and rewind the video whenever they want to reinforce the subject matter. This makes it easier to take notes, since the viewer can just pause the video and jot down the important points during the lecture, search for further information about key concepts if not present or understood during the video. Organic chemistry is a hard topic and note taking is possible, but it is difficult to understand everything that is going on in class. Thus, review is vital for this course and these videos are great help for that.

Reading can be an easy, or tiring task, depending on the content involved. However, tools and cognitive skills such as the generation effect, which is the act of creating something to help in the learning process, can be very helpful. Moreover, if the reader divides the reading process into a before, during and after, the content and purpose of the reading becomes clear. For instance, it is helpful to realize what the purpose of reading a certain item before starting to read. This can help make the decision whether the reading should scammed as in speed reading, or does it require a more thorough detailed examination. If the reading does require detailed examination, or if the reading is difficult it would be helpful to highlight important texts in the reading, or take notes. Personally I used to open up a word document and type up important terms and ideas from lecture slides or readings. I had no idea I could summarize a whole lecture on websites such as “bubble.us” or through info graphics. These tools certainly make the learning process much smoother, and learning does not have to be reading a text over and over again to understand it. Creatively creating my own idea or map of the reading or lecture, and calling the strategy my own, helps increase the interest I have in the reading.

The process does not stop after the reading is finished however. Reviewing the notes, summarizing them or sharing them with someone can help further enforce the information about the material and better understanding of it. Reading online makes the process even easier since the text can be highlights and side notes can be put in, avoiding ruining a library book or an expensive one.

Successful online communication can be an easy task if done well. Unfortunately many students do not know of all the advantages that can be used on the net. In addition, many students do not know how to communicate correctly or use the correct “Netiquette”, or online etiquette. If students were to learn and practice proper usage of technology tools, they would form successful online relationships not only with classmates, but with professors and perhaps, future bosses.

Some students believe that blog creation is a long task, and that it is hard to keep up with. I myself used to believe the same about blogs, however now I know that blogs are a very easy, often free, and useful creation. Moreover, with the “RSS” or “Really Simple Syndication” bloggers can now keep up with blogs without moving a finger. Blogs and websites can update the students about new information and content posted to the blogs or websites of interest to the students.

Finally, one thing that is extremely beneficial to groups of students are helpful tools such as “Google Docs” and “Wikis”. Through these tools students can keep up with each other through the net, work on class lessons, and even work on projects together. This provides a free environment where intimidation is eliminated, and students can share their opinions or input with classmates.

Welcome to u.osu.edu. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!