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My Takeaways

Throughout this course, I have been able to learn and gather lots of information about education, online learning, and technology. One of the main takeaways I had from this course was that receiving an education online does not mean you are learning alone. There are many, many ways that students are able to connect virtually in order to learn together. Other than sending an email and requesting to meet in person, students can use technology to communicate with each other. Some forms of communication over the internet could be Zoom or Google Hangouts. These methods would allow students to conference each other virtually, as well as share their screens and see what the other is working on. These services definitely help bridge the gap between students who receive educations online and allow for more personal connections. There are always ways to access support for students who are receiving an online education. Learning online does not mean you are learning alone.

 

Another main takeaway I had from this course was learning that each student is a unique learner. There are many different ways that students are best able to learn and digest material effectively. Many students learn that they are visual learners, audio learners, kinesthetic learners, or a mix of a few. Each student must understand and begin to learn how they are able to best receive their education. While not all students can be specifically catered to for their education, an online platform allows students to customize and modify their learning method and style.

 

Although it may seem like online learners are left on their own, there are many, many pieces of technology that are out there for students to utilize that make learning much more efficient. One such technology would be One Note, the online note-taking service that is provided by Microsoft. This platform allows users to access their typed or handwritten customized notes anywhere they have access to the internet. Another tool that is very useful during the online learning process is Screencast – the free screen recorder. This tool allows students to record what is on their screen, as well as use their webcam, to create virtual lectures and info-sessions. This tool allows students to basically be face-to-face and show others what is happening on screen as well as give an explanation during this process.

https://screencast-o-matic.com/screen-recorder

 

This course taught me that learning online does not need to be done alone. There are multiple tools out there which allow students to connect with each other and communicate and collaborate efficiently. Additionally, online learning allows students to customize their education type and method of receiving information. With this, online students are better able to tend to their preferred learning style and optimize their educations. With the technologies in place, online education is more accessible and customizable for all students.

Tools and Technology for Successful Online Learning

Through this course, I have learned of many, many tools provided to students to help them successful achieve an online education. Many tools I have learned of that support online students are online tools for organization. One such organization tool is Trello, an online task system for documenting to-do lists and other such lists. This service helps to add, eliminate, and cross off tasks that you need to complete. In addition to this, it helps users, customize and utilize their lists. This helps to create optimal organization. This tool personally helped me to organize my school work, as well as things I need to set up and complete for my business fraternity, and allows me to organize them by category, as well as deadlines.

https://trello.com/b/xO8LMsMi/pgn-events

Another tool that was presented to us to optimize our online learning experience was One-Note. One-Note is a product provided by Microsoft which allows users to take custom notes and wirelessly sync them between their connected devices. Users can log into their Microsoft account and access the notes taken anywhere, at any time. Furthermore, users who have a tablet are able to handwrite notes in addition to typing. This further offers users a custom note taking experience. With this ability to customize, students are able to best utilize their preferred learning style. With access anywhere internet is available, students will be able to take notes anywhere and work on assignments easily.

https://www.onenote.com

How to Learn Effectively Online

During the course, I have learned many tips, tricks, and techniques that are used by many for successful learning online. Some of those things I have learned are to create a comfortable and suiting study environment. Another element of successful online learning is organization. Students must keep their physical materials organized, as well as their digital materials. It is crucial for students to use an online calendar, or Trello, in order to keep track of tasks and assignments. These elements, as well as hard work and dedication, will lead students to a successful online education.

Below is a link to the Trello account I created to help organize my activities, assignments, and other events I have taking place in my life. It is a quick and easy way to see what all is going on, as well as mark when I complete things and what still needs to be done. It is very simplistic and helps keep myself organized with such a busy schedule.

https://trello.com/b/xO8LMsMi/pgn-events

What I Never Knew

Coming into this course, I felt I had already known a lot about digital learning, as I have taken many online classes semesters prior. However, there are many things I had never known about E-Learning. One thing I was unaware of was all the tools provided to students to enable them to connect with one another. Also, I never knew that Ohio State had entire degree programs that were offered exclusively online, so that working professionals were able to complete their degrees on their own terms. One benefit to online learning that I was aware of prior to this class was the benefit of the flexibility offered via online learning.

What I Have Learned

Over the course of this class, I have been able to learn a great deal about online learning. Some things I have learned about are all of the resources Ohio State provides to students who are enrolled in digital learning programs. Some of the things they provide are websites such as this, a writing center, as well as Zoom to help connect digital students.