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Module – 7 Final Reflection Blog

First off, I want to say that I enjoyed this class.  I was not looking forward to this class when I saw the syllabus.  I am not very computer savvy and am easily intimidated by all the different things it can do!  But, after each assignment I felt more confident.  Initially I had a girl from work watch over me when I did some of the assignments to make sure I did the computer portion of it right.  I actually have no problem doing the work…it’s the computer I have trouble with.  Being an older student can be difficult at times.  I did not grow up on computers like most of the students that are actually “college age.”  I took typing on a typewriter in high school!!

One of the most helpful online tools I learned about was in Module 2, the Google calendar & tasks assignment.  I didn’t even know that stuff existed.  It will now be very helpful with my school and at work.  That is something I’m sure I will use for a long time.  I have already taken a research class for my nursing degree, so I knew about Owl Perdue, but it was a good refresher to go over the Boolean Logic and some other search strategies.  I have used the university library site but had never used Google Scholar.  I also did not know about some of the other bibliographic managers like citeulike.org and easybib.com.  I’m sure those will be helpful in my last semester of nursing.

Writing a blog is new to me as well.  I’m glad I got to try it and see what it’s all about.  The web-enhanced listening and viewing module (module 5) was helpful as well.  My nursing classes are all online so I have a lot of lectures and videos to watch.  With tips to help take notes and listen more effectively I should do a better job in those classes.

I have learned that I am a fairly organized and competent student.  I think I use my time wisely without procrastinating too much.  I try to keep things efficient and timely so I can move on to the next assignment.  I learned that in the questionnaires we filled out and the time management assignment.

I hate to say it, but one of my most meaningful experiences was learning all the things Google does.  That is just something that I can use in the future, and I think it will be really helpful.  I loved all of the comments Joni made on my assignments.  Her comments were helpful and much appreciated.  I can’t imagine making meaningful comments for every student, it must have taken a lot of time.

I will definitely be using things I’ve learned in this class for my future nursing classes.  I have three classes left and I would bet money we will work our butts off in those classes.  Nursing classes are brutal!  The notetaking, citations, and research skills will all be used.  I will also continue to use the Google tasks.  That is something I can use daily or weekly, so I should not lose my knowledge of it.

I enjoyed this class, as well as the instructor!!

Module 6 – Online Searching/Research/Technology Tips

This week we learned about different online searching strategies to make a search more successful for what you are looking for.  There is a difference between search and research.  If it is a scholarly search you may want to use Google Scholar or a university website such as http://library.osu.edu.  Advanced searches will bring you closer to what you are looking for.  Ways to narrow a search include using the Boolean logic where you can add “and” or “or” to refine a search.

We learned three important criteria for evaluating your resources which include reliability, quality and usefulness.  Reliability may include the credentials of the author or contact person or if it is peer reviewed.  Quality includes how current it is, if it is consistent, well written and unbiased.  Utility (usefulness) involved if it is related to your topic of interest, how much detail is in it and if it is for the appropriate audience.

Bibliographies are another important topic addressed.  Usually done in APA or MLA style, there are resources to help.  Some of the sites are citeulike.org, easybib.com and mendeley.com.  My favorite site that I use a lot when writing papers for nursing is the Owl Purdue website at http://owl.english.purdue.edu.

Other important tips to keep in mind are avoiding plagiarism.  A website to help with that is http://www.scanmyessay.com.  Always use a citation if it is not your idea.  When in doubt, don’t use it.  Plagiarism can be using someone else’s idea, not just their words.

Always protect your passwords by changing them frequently.  There are an abundance of sites to help with email, Microsoft Word, using your web browser, using e-books and tablets, and searching the world wide web.  The resources are all out there…your searching abilities will get you to them.

Module 5 – Reflection Post

With so many different outlets for instructors to communicate educational material, it is essential to have effective listening, viewing and note taking skills.  Staying engaged in a lecture, podcast, video, or whatever is being used is key.  If we lose our focus the material is pointless.  That was probably one of the biggest issues I had when I started college (the first time around 26 years ago!).

For people who really need help staying organized, the technology for note taking can really help…such as One Note.  I have always been very organized with my notes and have used the Keyword Method, without realizing it.  I think mind mapping is another good method for people who need their notes to be more visual.

The learning strategies workshop gave some great examples to help make notes more meaningful, such as pulling the main idea, writing key points, useful quotes, always date and time the notes, and making note of things you don’t understand.

The podcast exercise was really good.  Although there are no visual cues, body language, or it may be difficult to hear, the nice thing about podcasts is that it can be stopped and replayed.  I did that several times to make sure what I thought I heard was true.  Any medium where you can stop and go back is great.  There is no real reason for missing information.

 

Module 5 – Cornell Notes

http://youtu.be/8t_Vzeq5L3g

The Cornell Notes Video reviews the process of taking notes using the Cornell Note taking method.  The main idea of this method involves 5 R’s of note taking.  These 5 R’s include Record, Reduce, Recite, Reflect, and Review.  Your piece of paper is divided into three sections.  One is a note taking area, one is a cue column, and the other is a summary area.  Record and Recite go in the note taking area.  Recording involved writing the main lesson and as many meaningful facts, ideas and concepts as possible.  Reducing goes in the cue column.  This involves summarizing the facts, ideas and concepts.  Reciting (from the note taking area) is where you take the reducing and say it over in your own words.  Verify what has been said from the jottings of the cue column.  Reflect is in the summary column.  This is where you decide how the material relates to the course, unit, or subject being discussed.  Lastly, Review is where you take about 10 minutes every week to quickly review your notes.  It makes it easier to retain what you’ve learned when reviewed weekly.

This note taking video is helpful because it gives an example of how the method works and where everything goes.  It gives pictures which makes it easier to understand the method.  If it was just explained on paper it would be hard to picture how this method would work.  The video is a great way to show how to properly use the Cornell Note Taking Method.

Module 4 – Active Learning

This module was particularly interesting to me because I went to college for the first time in 1988.  Since I am an “older” student, I found it interesting and quite true how studying and learning has changed over the years.  It is amazing the amount of resources students have today to get information on whatever it may be they are learning.

The E-Learning Companion talks about how it used to be just an instructor who lectured, a book, some notes and a test.  Today students must become an active learner, it is almost impossible not to be one.  Classes now require students to look at online videos, use discussion boards, email, podcasts, use websites, and the list goes on and on.  Without using these resources the student will not get all of the information intended by the instructor.

The importance of collaborating with others and developing working relationships also becomes evident when using all of the resources.  Other important learning strategies for success include thinking critically and finding time to reflect on what you’ve learned.

Manage your learning by managing your multitasking and staying organized are extremely important.  Time will get away from you if you don’t plan for the unexpected things that may pop up and deter you from studying.  Stay focused by planning for study time, turning off your cell phone, avoid listening to music or talking to other people, and studying for one task at a time.

Staying motivated is extremely important with online classes.  Online classes require a self-motivated learner that can work independently and stay on top of the workload.  Incorporating learning and technology will increase your success as a student and keep you up to pace with the constant changes happening around you.

Communicating Effectively with the Use of Technology

Module three focusses on the importance of effective online communication.  The idea is to get your point across, but also build online relationships to have productive communication and outcomes for the work being done.  Online relationships are unique and necessary in today’s world of online education and work.  Good communication skills are essential to your success.

Some tips to consider when collaborating on projects with someone online, include making a good first impression.  This is so important because the other person immediately forms an opinion of you, so make it good from the start.  This could set the tone for the whole project.  Communication tips include using spell check and grammar check on your work, avoid miscommunications and compensate for not having nonverbal cues.  When we are sarcastic or joking in person it is more obvious with nonverbal cues, so online you must realize the other person isn’t seeing any of those so make sure that is taken into consideration.  Avoid writing in all capital letters as this gives the impression you are yelling or angry.  Avoid replying to everyone on the listserve.  If you want to respond to someone, do it separately.  It is rude to send the message to everyone.  Staying organized with online coursework is more about helping yourself, but in the end helps you to communicate better as well.  Be professional throughout all of your communications with fellow students and the instructor.  Finally, get to know your instructor.  Feel free to ask questions throughout the semester as waiting until the end of the class is not the appropriate time to make initial contact.

Creating a supportive online community provides motivation, peer feedback, technical support, study groups, and a more enjoyable experience.  Having other students to bounce ideas and problems off of gives you a feeling of security in that most of the students have the same issues and problems and you will all get through it together.