Online learning is different from face-to-face learning in many ways. Primarily, I chose to take this online course because I can fit it into my schedule easier than a face-to-face class. I am not alone. According to Long (2004) lack of time is one of the two major obstacles in continuing to learn (p. 10). But after working in academia for a number of years and being in on discussions where faculty debate the legitimacy of online learning, I worry that my online coursework will not be taken seriously. Luckily, in Introduction to Online Learning: A Guide for Students, I learned this is a myth. Globokar (2010) explains that “the line between traditional and online education has blurred substantially,” and that “with the sheer growth of online education, more people are gathering an understanding of the rigors of online coursework through personal experience” (p. 14). Globokar (2010) goes on to say, “school administrators are beginning to recognize the power and versatility of the technological tools that support online learning, sometimes beyond what would be possible within a traditional classroom” (p. 14).
My online learning experience comes mostly from job training, where I simply had to view a power point presentation and complete a quiz afterward. I think my primary challenge by learning online will be staying focused. Even when reading the instructions for assignments, I find myself skimming, as if I were looking at my Facebook page instead of comprehending and remembering what I read. I find myself spending a lot of extra time re-reading things or printing them out so I can make notes or highlight key ideas.
I am amazed by all of the resources available at Ohio State. Even though I am an Ohio State employee, I never knew that some of the resources highlighted in Module 1 even existed. I am particularly interested in gaining access to Lynda.com tutorials. I am a self-taught InDesign user and I sometimes feel Lynda.com tutorials could teach me the “right way” to do things in InDesign. Now that I know I can access Lynda.com for free through the Columbus Public Library, I definitely will utilize this resource.
There are several elements that will determine my success in this program. Obviously, if I complete all of the assigned coursework and receive and “A,” one could say I have been successful. But beyond that, I think the true measure of my success will occur when I take what I have learned in this class and apply it to future online courses. If I can find sources easier, user present technology like a pro, and comfortably engage with instructors and peers, then I will feel like this program was a success. How will I ensure I am successful? There’s a saying that goes something like “you get out of it what you put into it.” I firmly believe that. I think hard work and a good attitude go a long way. I intend to get as much out of the class as I can.
Sources:
Globokar, J.L. (2010). Debunking the Myths of Online Education. In J.L. Globokar (Eds.), Introduction to online learning: A guide for students (pp. 1-14). Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Long, H.B. (2004). E-learning: An Introduction. In G.M. Piskurich (Ed.), Getting the most from online learning: A learner’s guide (pp. 7-23). San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons.