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In just seven weeks, ESLTECH 2011 has provided me with a newfound love for online learning and the tools I need to succeed. I would highly recommend this course to other students as online learning becomes increasingly available. From this course, I learned a variety of topics and practically applied my knowledge with assignments and projects. To break down my experience in this class, I categorized this course into three takeaways that I will keep with me for the duration of my education and life.
1. Online Learning is a valuable education medium
While I have taken online classes before, I never assessed the value that this education medium has to offer and how it truly compares to traditional, in-person learning. After taking ESLTECH 2011, I have gained a new understanding and appreciation for the online learning environment. It provides numerous benefits that help a diverse group of people. It offers flexibility to those also working a full-time job to simultaneously receive an education. It also offers accessible education to people with disabilities where in-person learning presents far too many challenges. From my personal perspective, I find value in scheduling online learning around my current schedule and learning at times that I thrive at the most.
2. Being an e-Learner requires self-motivation and accountability
Another key takeaway from ESLTECH 2011 is that being an e-Learner requires self-motivation and accountability. It can require self-discipline to complete work on your own and not have in-person interactions that hold you accountable. However, once you find your rhythm in an online environment you can reach your full potential as a student who is organized and manages their time effectively.
3. The Internet provides ample tools to enhance our learning experience – we just have to seek those tools out!
Throughout my time in this course, I was introduced to a number of tools that can help in my everyday life whether that is school, work, or special interests. Trello was a personal favorite for me at managing my daily tasks. It was extremely user-friendly and makes managing tasks easy. My second favorite was Lynda. After this class, I explored all the videos and supplements it had to offer that could educate me on topics I’m going over in class or topics that I want to learn more on my own. Overall, ESLTECH 2011 taught me how many useful tools are available to us in the online world. It’s our job as e-Learners to discover these tools and utilize them to their full advantage.