Online learning this semester has been a great experience. The way this course is designed is significantly different than a traditional in class course. The major difference with online learning compared to in person learning is that nearly everything is virtual. If a student wants to ask a teacher a question or have the teacher check a paper, it is done via the internet rather than in person. For many students this can be particularly challenging. I happened to be fortunate enough to have done much of my high school learning through online classes, so this transition was not terribly difficult for me.
The disadvantages I think are that the students do not have the opportunity to learn in a "hands on" environment. This is a hard concept to grasp. Motivation and self-discipline play a large role in the online experience. On the flip-side, the benefits are that the course is for the most part self-paced and creative in style. I can honestly say, having taken 30 or so online course in the past couple of years, this particular course is one of the most creative. The blog system I feel is the catalyst behind this. The blog allows students to express themselves in a way different than most classes afford. This creativity aspect is a huge plus for this course.
The blog was the most beneficial and the most enjoyable part of this course. Having to write a paper just about every week seemed a lot less intense because of this blog. I love the fact that as a student we were able to express our own unique characteristics, not only through our writing, but also in the diversity of assignments. I don't think I've ever felt that I had this freedom before in a course, whether online or in person. I will more than likely use this new found skill in blogging in the near future. I think this a great platform to express ideas and opinions. Thank you Professor Cline for not just assigning assignments with due dates, but instead making this course a fun experience. It is greatly appreciated!
For more information on blogging in general, click here.
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