In spite of the fact that this course was different than a traditional in-class course, I believe that it has helped me tremendously in a substantial variety of ways. When I was introduced to the online course process for the first time, the idea appeared odd to me. However, I soon realized how many advantages there are in regards to saving time. As the days went by, this class helped me think critically and accept different points of view in ongoing conversations about certain issues my classmates and I were discussing. Additionally, this class also taught me about the importance of staying organized with all my homework and managing my available time wisely. Although we were not in a classroom setting, Professor Mills along with my peers …show more content…
Although English was taught in my school in Paraguay, I did not have any experience speaking it before coming to the United States. Through volunteering in community service events with this service-learning course I was able to expand my vocabulary and improve my social skills. I believe that writing has made me overcome my fear of speaking a new language as well as encouraged me to grow as an individual. I also developed a variety of ideas by practicing every week with the journals and discussion boards, through which I could see diverse perspectives from my classmates and think critically by reading their comments.
The journals helped me to enhance my writing skills by making me write about my personal life, strengths, and goals. Through these journals I was able to understand which are my strengths and weaknesses and found places where I could apply them. This class with its numerous topics encouraged me to write more freely and made me appreciate writing even more. Based on that we had to describe our personal life in detail as well as all of our goals and how we planned to achieve them. Throughout the course, I enjoyed writing the journals because we were able to express our ideas without any fear of being
Throughout this course, I was able to assess and evaluate my weaknesses and strengths in writing. This class has truly brought out my ability to write, a skill I did not believe I had. I now know what it takes to become a college-level writer. Also, at the beginning of the course I did not particularly enjoy writing. Now, however, I have a greater respect for
There was such a variety of topics covered in this course and I wish that I had taken it in a classroom instead of online. With this online course, I feel like the material went a little too quickly. If I were in a classroom setting, I feel that
When I first started this class, I did not expect to learn as much as I did. My sister took the online version of this class and she told me that she barely put an effort in the class to get a good grade. I feel like that is the opposite reaction in my own experience. I think I put lot of effort into this class, but at the same time I did learn a lot from it. I even use the material from this class to do a whole new research paper on the different class because I feel like this class content is very interesting.
This course was comprised of many learning activities; each was designed to help me achieve the course learning outcomes. I have taken two college English classes in the past; however, it has been several years since my last college class. I have some experience in writing and this class definitely helped me get back into writing. I often have trouble brainstorming and capturing the subject I need to write about. This class definitely helped me overcome the challenges I faced in writing and being able to effectively express my ideas in a clear and concise manner. Not to mention, it definitely helped build my writing foundation through a step by step approach to each assignment. Therefore, this class bolstered my writing and communication skills.
A question frequently heard among students, from elementary to college, is “when will I need to know this?”. No matter the class, there is always someone who believes the course does not pertain to them and is a waste of time and money. Myself, I remember thinking that very same thing of AP Calculus and later Statistics. As someone aspiring for a career in the health sciences, I assumed that a comprehensive education in the various math forms was superfluous. And though I love history, English, and art, I caught myself wondering if I would ever utilize such knowledge beyond that class. What I have realized, however, is that all knowledge gained by an individual can only work to their advantage. Furthermore, I believe that liberal arts courses
Back in high school, English had been a necessary evil for me. Writing persuasively and developing narratives
This course has affected me in my development as a student by helping ease into returning to school. I started this semester apprehensive because I have been out of school for 17 years. It is tough returning to school especially with technology having changed so much over the years; there was no such thing as online classes in 2000. This course has reacquainted me with my study habits and time management skills. Since the very first lesson in Unit 1, this class has showed me what is available on the Kaplan website for students to use. It also taught me to communicate online and general class information. This information is good for someone like me who is first-time online student. It also has helped me with my time management skills. It made me realize that I could make better use of my time. The adjustments I made in my time management has made me more productive, with balancing two classes, work and my home life.
Learning that writing, although creative, is actual very structured really helped me become a better writer. I was able to understand article betters, and better understand what I was writing about. My essay themes for this semester was “Gender” and the “American Dream”. These topics held very close places in my
I chose to attend his lecture because it was about public school education and what is wrong with it. Going in to the lecture I thought it was going to be a speaker discussing every aspect of what is wrong with our education system. The lecture turned out to be better than I expected because he did not just talk about what was wrong. He provided statistics to show that public schools scores are not as good as private schools because private schools keep out the students they do not want from their schools. These are people who do not have money and no disabilities. Their test scores are better because they have an unfair advantage. I would definitely go to another lecture because they give you new ways of looking at topics you know about, yet
This is the most important course in the masters program for students, especially for me. It marks great achievements and growth in the subject and signals a beginning to practice in the field. This has also been the most challenging course, as it does not incorporate much of Wedemeyer's empathy theory. During my research, Mills, R. (2004) put this in perspective, stating (paraphrased), learning doesn't have to be difficult because one is at the graduate level. It is not necessary to have to jump hurdles to be successful or to reach the finish line. This was one such course—very stressful—for this learner, and why my focus in learning will always be to incorporate the concepts from OMDE 608, learner supports in distance education and training. From the beginning of my online learning journey, my concern with this mode of delivery was how to meet students where they are when learning takes place in different spaces and time. Holmberg, (2009) also put this in perspective stating, "helping students to learn is any educator's most important task... that must be considered at the planning stage" (p. 46).
I’ve learned a lot of useful tips from this semester in ENG 201. English has never been my strong suit nor has it been my favorite class. However this college course has changed my point of view of the subject. Prior coming into college I viewed English as a useless class because I’ve already knew the basics: how to talk, read and write essays. Today I view English as an important class. It helped me in other courses that involved writing, such as World Civilization and Communications, because it allowed me to practice my skills. In my world civilization exams I had to write essays. This course helped me write an impactful essay. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that almost all of my exam scores were in the 90s, usually I do poorly in the
Technology is changing every aspect in our lives, even the way we learn. Online classes are a rapidly growing trend it today’s society. Online classes are a cost-effective substitute for traditional courses and more convenient for many, so more schools and universities are offering this option. Due to the increase in online course enrollment, people are questioning if students truly learn something from online classes because it’s not a traditional learning environment. Online classes are just, if not more, effective as traditional classes because grades have increased and online discussions provide students with the chance to interact through networking while earning a degree for less than what it would cost to enroll at the same university.
This is my first time taking online classes, also the first time I have been back to school in six years. When I was in high school I did have the option to take online classes, but declined to do so. I enjoyed being in a classroom with my teachers and peers. I didn’t have the responsibilities that I have today. Now that I am older and have my own family, so I am typically busy all the time. Even though I am only in the second week of my online classes, I have found that I enjoy them much more than sitting in a classroom. The classes are convenient for me to take mostly because I can go at my own pace. I get to spend more time on topics that I have a hard time comprehending, rather than topics I already know about. I am always on the go, it’s
I can remember seeing that I had to take an English class my first semester of college. I was already overwhelmed with starting college, and having to write college essays made me get even more nervous. I sat down with my mom and decided to look at the English classes available, and I finally decided that I had to take an evening class to make it work in my schedule. The first day of English came and now looking back it was not as bad as I thought. It made me a better writer and be where I am today. It may have taken me some time to get where I am today, but at least I am on the right track. English Composition helped me realize that I am my own author and have strengths that I did not realize I had.
Andrew Simoncelli once said, “Students who take online classes must be motivated, independent learners.” This is relevant because independence and motivation is what it takes to succeed in an online course. Online learning will not only expand what students learn, but will also bring a number of positive changes in the way students are taught. Courses online have changed everyone’s look at learning all over the world. It allows more opportunities for observers to learn online rather than learning in class. Another affirmative of taking an online course is flexibility and convenience. Students who would like to experience some of these ideas should look into an online class!