What did I learn about my own learning process during this module?
I went home sick yesterday from work and I still feel horrible today. UGH! Teaching seven classes this semester and taking this graduate course have already begun to take a toll on my health. On a more positive note, I think I am finally getting the hang of this course! I am feeling better about my online class today! Too bad my body does not feel the same way!
I am really enjoying the discussion on introverts and extroverts. I am fascinated by the analysis of others and I feel like I am starting to find my way. I am very excited that I have that graduate school ‘itch’ to learn back in my blood and that the discussions have gotten deeper.
In the article, Building Learning Communities in Cyberspace, I just learned on pg. 22 why it is I struggle with the reflection or discussion part of online learning. I am an extrovert therefore; it feels more difficult to communicate in an online discussion. For me, online discussion feels like a lot of unnecessary extra effort, whereas, I am sure for an introvert CMM must feel freeing. For me, CMM feels constraining. As an extrovert, I want to be a part of all of the course conversations in an online environment, participating in all discussions is not feasible.
In the Paloff and Pratt article, pg. 27, the authors’ state that people are more likely to be “freer” to enter into conflict in an online environment because of the lack of nonverbal communication with others, yet, I disagree. For me, I feel I am less likely to be free about my feelings as I realize that the information I am writing could be come public information at any time. Written e-mails or electronic discussions postings could easily be forwarded to anyone. Then the potential “hurtful” communication is set in stone and can be distributed to others for interpretation. In an online environment, which lacks non-verbal communication, my written thoughts, ideas or comments have the strong potential be taken out of context. The intention of the message could easily be misconstrued.
Personally, I am much more likely to be engaging in conflict in a face-to-face environment. I am much less likely to confront someone using an online medium because of the ability to save, reproduce or disseminate my words. Thus, I would argue that some online community members might be more apt to avoid conflict versus engage in conflict. I have no doubt that
Did I see myself as an active member of the group?
I feel like I am missing out on several valuable conversations by not reading all of the postings. Yet, I know I do not have time to read all of them. I wish I had more time to read more of the postings and be a more of an active member of the group. How do I know which postings to read or not read? How do I regulate my time in this learning environment to get the most out of the course?
WEB 2.0?? Said What?
Wow! Where have I been!!! I had no clue there were so many great resources out there for instructors. I can’t wait to explore these programs during the summer to see which programs I can incorporate into my courses.
I have a few concerns and questions about Web 2.0 online tools though. How ‘safe’ are the Web 2.0 free resources from viruses? How secure and safe is my personal information? How safe and secure is my content? Have there been any concerns about intellectual property rights with any Web 2.0 software companies? What happens if the Web 2.0 software company decides to close up shop, then what happens to all of the content that I built into their program?
I found some great Web 2.0 tools on my Google Chrome account. The only bad thing is that many of the programs that do look useful, also cost money. Bummer!
P.S. LOVIN’ Diigo! This cloud sharing web tool will be great to share with other instructors. I have a Drop box account where other communication colleagues and I share syllabi, assignments, and activities. From time to time, we share web links. I think this would be a much easier way to share web links with other colleagues! I could also incorporate Diigo into my online courses. Students could share resources as they do research on their speech topics or research papers with other students. Thanks for sharing Dennis!
P.P.S. A short question about online communities.....
Dennis is there a different sense of community for each online class like there is in a traditional classroom? Does each class have its own personality or culture?
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