Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Reflections: Challenges of being an online learner with possible solutions

Challenge of being an online learner

Possible solutions

Image source: http://maintenance.io/blog/maintenance-io/time-management/

Being disciplined  and motivated enough to commit to tasks within a specified time frame

Image source: http://www.makeadentleadership.com/time-management-tips.html
Time management and setting aside specific time periods to get assignments completed.

Image source: http://www.rmcad.edu/why-rmcad/online-learning

The absence of the traditional education; face to face contact, being physically present so that immediate feedback or assistance when necessary
Image source: http://www.visioncritical.com/blog/deciding-community-size
Be in frequent contact with the other learners in the group, developing a sense of community, through posting and responding to varying discussions. The instructor should also provide timely feedback. 

Individuals may not be physically present but their presence is felt... or seen :)

Image source: http://andthatswhyyouresingle.com/2013/04/14/why-testing-a-man-will-almost-always-backfire/frustrated-woman-at-computer-3/
Feeling of inadequacy, “always playing catch up”, not “in the know” with the updated technologies

Image source: http://www.fullcontactcampus.com/
Become knowledgeable with the use of new technologies, through workshops and courses (such as this one) and even through the use of videos such as YouTube. Understand that as a learner, you may have to practice and practice before you get it right. 
The race is not necessarily for the swift but for those who endure to the end.

12 comments:

  1. Hi Dyann

    I concur with what you stated but especially that third point. In the face to face classroom, you are not always aware of what others are doing and when they are submitting assignments so you do not feel like you have to "catch up" once you meet whatever deadlines are given. It is not so in the online environment but in a way, it is a good thing because if you are the sort of student who wants to excel, having other persons setting the pace pulls you in the right direction.

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  2. Very excellent point at the end, so the aim of our course is for all of us to pull each other in the right direction.... So I guess we should all be pace makers.....

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  3. Hi Dyann,
    the goal of this course is 'professional development", so it is my hope that participants will all pull each other along that they will be a resource for each other.

    I am hoping that much networking occurs and that after the course is completed, many of you will keep in contact and support each other as you become more used to working with the technology.


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  4. I am in total agreement, At the end we really should be a "family" of learners working together with the technology, and being a support and supportive not just during the duration of the programme but even afterwards.
    We all know where learning is concerned we could never run out of new experiences... So i totally endorse your comment and I am excited for my new networking community.....

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  5. Hi Dyann,
    I used to have a time management issue like you outline above and I sought out a solution.
    I use digital checklists,with deadlines and alerts, or even a written one. I prioritize things to complete in my personal, academic and professional life using the application or write it out and I put it somewhere visible. I cross it out as I achieve. I have it on my phone, and my iPad, so I always know what I have outstanding and its deadline. I don't know how to function without one!

    Also, the goal of this class I think, is "learning from peers" as they post in discussions, that is, fostering a learning community. I have indeed learnt from you all.

    As a young educator, I am happy to be a part of this forum of experience and expertise, and I do hope, as you suggested, the networking continues beyond September 3rd.

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  6. Hi Dyann,
    Congrats on your blogspot!
    With respect to the - Feeling of inadequacy- I think that this could become a mindset that promotes unnecessary stress and despair. I guess that on-line tutors would have to bear in mind the similarities that students share and the differences that may cause them to appear to be - weaker. However, I am sure that online tutors can recognize our efforts and progress as we go along and hopefully not measure us by other's apparent strengths. Like Jonesaphine, I myself am grateful to be on this programme.

    Let's enjoy this together!
    Alana

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  7. Hi Dyann,

    I must say, your blog name is Blogtastic...smiles. Also, your points are on target and stresses on relatable challenges. Great job, looking forward to collaborating with you.

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  8. Hi Dyann, certainly the point #3 reminds me that even if we are already comfortable with technology ,the social experience of electronic communication is not always duplicated in the world of education. Great post. Ivette :)

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  9. Being a very visual learner.... and getting inspiration from Kavita I decided to play around with my already existing post...... nothing new in content just worked a bit on my page........

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  10. Hi Dyann
    Love your presentation. I need to learn how to do this.So this is one of the benefits of online learning. By viewing other post motivates one to want to make improvements and maybe get assistance from the online community.

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  11. https://voicethread.com/share/5870823/

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  12. So I just attempted a voice thread, just on a quote that I like very much..... as some one mentioned previously it is certainly a work in progress, would keep working on it though

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