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!!