A new era in school. Another way to say it is; Boy have things changed since I was a kid!
I'm a fulltime student as of last Wednesday, I have 5 online courses. The picture is of my current “classroom” while on vacation in Vermont.
Old way: Show up for the first day of class, get there early because you have no idea of where the actual room is at, find a seat and wait for the teacher to cure me of my clueless state. The teacher tells us what we need, when we need it, and where to get it.
New way: Have laptop, just need internet. “Show up” at anytime, anywhere. 2 of my textbooks are downloaded to my computer, 1 in online in the online class. The other books I’ve ordered through Amazon. The traditional first day activity of standing up and introducing yourself has been replaced by a discussion group in each of the virtual classrooms where you type up your information. Teachers give assignments either by email, discussion postings, or just place it in the syllabus. Lectures so far are in the way of PowerPoint’s, and posted documents.
While intriguing at first it does have some tough points. The lack of structure makes it easy to get distracted, (not to mention the great view outside my “classroom” window). I have to come up with my own schedule, which for the most part means early mornings and late at night.
More to come on this topic, I’m sure.
I'm a fulltime student as of last Wednesday, I have 5 online courses. The picture is of my current “classroom” while on vacation in Vermont.
Old way: Show up for the first day of class, get there early because you have no idea of where the actual room is at, find a seat and wait for the teacher to cure me of my clueless state. The teacher tells us what we need, when we need it, and where to get it.
New way: Have laptop, just need internet. “Show up” at anytime, anywhere. 2 of my textbooks are downloaded to my computer, 1 in online in the online class. The other books I’ve ordered through Amazon. The traditional first day activity of standing up and introducing yourself has been replaced by a discussion group in each of the virtual classrooms where you type up your information. Teachers give assignments either by email, discussion postings, or just place it in the syllabus. Lectures so far are in the way of PowerPoint’s, and posted documents.
While intriguing at first it does have some tough points. The lack of structure makes it easy to get distracted, (not to mention the great view outside my “classroom” window). I have to come up with my own schedule, which for the most part means early mornings and late at night.
More to come on this topic, I’m sure.
I am jealous of your view.
ReplyDeleteI'm going back to school! This seals the deal for me! I'm thinking my classroom looks remotely like Holden Beach!
ReplyDelete