One down...sorta

Today I finished the rough draft for one of my finals. I am actually pretty satisfied with it and don't think I will have much to revise when I look it over tomorrow. That leaves me with one reflective journal and my final for my research class. I am hoping to start working on that one (research) this week but know that I will be locked in seclusion next weekend to finish it. I should be able to whip out that reflective journal tonight or later this week. I have gotten that process down to a science but dread doing it. It isn't fun writing.

The worst part about finals is having to do the usual weekly assignments in addition to the final. I wish schools would eliminate some of the "busy work" during finals time. I do a pretty good job managing my time but I still always feel really pushed. I guess that is why some people do not survive college.

I received my grade for my blog but will continue to post for a while. I may change the topics but considering I have one last term to complete, it might be fun to document my trials and tribulations to online learning. Feel free to keep checking the site!

Update on message board debate

This was the topic/question for our message board this week in class:
Today's emphasis on math and reading instruction in U.S. schools has resulted in chronic funding problems for art and music programs. Review the many sample resources and activities (page 381, course text). After doing so, do you believe that integration of these types of tools could provide a more cost-effective (and thus acceptable) approach to music and art instruction programs in schools? Why or why not?

In general, most of the class addressed the fact that for music and art, there are certain things that really should be learned hands-on. Many of the sites listed in our text book would make great additional resources / references when teaching music or art lessons because they are cost effective and can aid learning for a diverse group of students. It was fun to see teachers become passionate about the importance of the arts and stress the desire and need to not lose them from our school curriculums.

As of today, I didn't see one single response that suggested we should cut those programs or change our focus. Now, if only we could get administrators to chime in and agree...

What are your opinions related to this topic?

Passionate debates on the message board

Some weeks our discussion threads on the message board are really boring and don't spike my interest. This weeks was on integrating technology with the arts (music, art, theatre, etc.). This is an area I feel very passionately about. My peers seemed to be in agreement (strong opinions) since most of the posts appeared to have more meat and feeling in them. I felt like my fingers were on fire as I feverishly typed hoping to get my thoughts out as clearly as possible. I am looking forward to reading their replies throughout the next few days.

If you aren't in my class, you will just have to wait but I will continue this thought over the next couple days. Samples and great debates are starting to surface...check back tomorrow.

Some things never change

I have decided one thing never changes regardless of if you are a traditional face-to-face student or an online distance learner-the "final countdown and panic." Last week I felt fairly confident in taking a little breather and going out of town for the weekend. I was caught up and feeling pretty good about my homework situation. Well, that was week 7/10 and now week 8 is about to begin. On top of my normal reading, message boards, and now blogging, I have final papers and journals due within the next week and a half. I knew when they were due. I know how much work they will be, and yet, I am still worried about getting them done on time.

I hear some of you grumbling about "heck, she has a week and a half to do them still, what is she worried about?" As I mentioned earlier, I started a new position within my company a week ago and like every new job comes the learning curve, fires to put out, and extra hours worked just to catch up. I no longer have the luxury of doing a couple MB posts at work and my new comment to the word lunch is "what lunch?" In fact, I am missing class tonight because I am just leaving work now.

I would love to know if anyone who normally panicked during the final countdown at a traditional school has figured out how to ease or erode it in distance learning. Any takers? I have one term left after this one and if I can learn one more thing in graduate school, that would be the best outcome!

A weekend away equals....

I took a trip up to my parent's house to visit my sister before she moves back to Minnesota. I never usually go or do anything on the weekend that would prevent me from spending at least a couple hours Saturday or Sunday working on homework. I felt really confident I had everything done for this week and would just have to buckle down next week to keep up. I am beat from a weekend of activities and partying like I was 21 again. I have the best intentions to log in and post a few comments to my peers on the discussion board tonight but I think I am going to say "not tonight."

I feel extremely guilty for taking a weekend off during the term. Many of you are probably wondering "why feel guilty if you have everything done?" Well, I am just crazy enough and worry about everything that this is going to throw me for a loop this week. I moved to a new department and have a new boss as of last week and already, I have been working later hours and have lost the free time during my day to log in and get a few things done at work. Oh well...at least I know I am in for a busy week of homework at home.

Trouble in paradise

Many of my peers and other distance learners boast about the added benefit of being online. You can access class anytime from anywhere that has internet access. That is true if the system hosting your platform doesn't hiccup!

I was contacted via AIM (another technology that has its pro's and con's to be discussed in future posts) by a peer today. He said he wasn't able to log into his class for almost 36 hours and counting. I quickly thought "Oh crap, I have tons to do today online" and checked my course. I was able to login without any problems. I stupidly asked, "Did you contact tech support?" In which he replied, "Yes and they don't know what is wrong. They are working on it."

To those of you that don't attend an online school, those are the dreaded politically correct words for "You are *hit out of luck, dude. Try back later and hopefully it will work for you. I have no idea what is going on." I can say that with confidence because I used to be a level one tech support person for an online school. There is nothing worse than not being able to tell a student what is wrong. At least when there is an estimated time for a resolution, you feel like you have helped them and they feel like they have something to wait for. The ambiguity of not knowing and continually "trying again later" is so frustrating. Luckily our teachers are very understanding and didn't harass my peer too much. They told him to turn in his work via email and/or submit it when he gets back online and to stay in touch.

I hear the thunder a rumbling so before my computer gets fried, I am signing off. Good luck to all of you that are online distance learners and pray that your content management system and hosting platform are always stable.

Inconsistencies Poll

Just a quick poll to everyone out there attending a traditional school or distance school:

How many inconsistencies do you find on average in your course (material, syllabus, calendar, rubric, etc.)? (please indicate whether you are a traditional student or distance learner)

Does this annoy the living daylights out of you?

The reason I ask is I am a "planner" and list maker (see previous post about list making if you need clarification of my weird organization skills). Unfortunately, this term I have found a lot of inconsistencies in my courses related to due dates, assignment requirements, grading rubrics, and even course reading material. It really frustrates me because when I find these errors, I have to "plan" based on multiple things until they are clarified by the instructor. I know, many of you are thinking this girl is wound up rather tightly, but honestly, do I just notice the inconsistencies more because they are in writing or am I really that crazy?

Live person please

Don't get me wrong, I love this distance education thing...but sometimes I just want to speak to a person. I currently have two projects I am working on for two different classes and sometimes if I could just walk into an office and show the teacher what I am talking about with real time references things would be so much easier. I know that "office hours" and the live chat hours are for this type of interaction but I am missing the satisfaction of being able to walk by their office and see that they have a free moment to clarify one tiny little question.

For those of you that know me, you can tell the stress is mounting. I have taken on new responsibilities at work and basically a new job (yes, again) and have a new boss. I am currently reporting to both my new and old boss. Which, makes for a very packed day! Change is good but it always happens when I am in the middle of a term or near the end when papers are due. Life is cruel sometimes. Oh well...it just makes me who I am. I wonder what I will do with my spare time once I graduate?

Writing and distance learning

My brother inlaw is currently attending Pacifica (out in California). He lives in northern Minnesota. His school is semi-distance in the fact that he writes his papers, sends some in ahead of time, and then has class every so many weeks where he has to fly out there. He mentioned today in his blog how is at the point where he feels like his creativity is gone and he is on auto-pilot with his papers.

I think I have reached that point too. My questions to you are these:

1) Is it because all we do is write? We write blogs, we write discussion threads, we email, we chat, and we write our papers...maybe speaking once in a while would help ease the pain in our fingers!

2) Or is it because I am in a research class and near the end of my program? I used to hit a groove in my paper writing that I actually enjoyed. I had a rough time getting started but once I was a couple paragraphs into the paper it would flow.

Do campus students feel the same way even though they only write papers or assignments? I wonder if they realize the glory of being able to speak, even if it is only one hour a week.

A Sense of Accomplishment

How many of you are list people? You know what I am talking about; the need to write a list of to do's so you can check them off and feel a sense of accomplishment.

I am a big list writer and I have found that school work has always been on my list. I have one large research paper I am procrastinating on, so what do I do....I add more little things to my list so I can check them off and say to myself how I had to get all of these little things done so I can concentrate on my one big thing. For instance, yesterday I added everyone's blogs to my link list. Then I posted to everyone's blogs. Since that left me with some spare time, instead of starting on my paper, I did my research analysis paper (which isn't due for 2 more weeks) because it was easier to do than start that blasted research paper.

When I used to teach private ice skating lessons, I used a calendar and lists to keep myself organized. I bought an electronic calendar (prior to PDA's coming out) and decided that the ol' paper and pencil method worked much better for me.

In our discussion boards and on some other blogs, we have all stated that organization is a key to successful online learning. How many of you are list organizers? If you aren't, what do you do to keep yourself on track?

Cutting Class

How appropriate after yesterday's post...Yesterday I sang the praises of looking forward to going to class. Tonight, I was late leaving work, drove home in a rain storm that followed me the whole way home, had no groceries for supper, and somehow decided to skip class. Do I feel guilty, yes, sort of. I may not have gone to class but I did read the required reading for this week and worked on my message board posts. I even went back and read the transcript for tonight's class. Usually, I make a point of going to this class because I really enjoy the way the instructor runs the seminar. It is focused for an entire hour and very interactive. Tonight, I just didn't have it in me.

Does anyone else have these moments? I can count on one hand the number of classes I skipped in undergrad. I was a nerd who thought going to class was the only way to learn. Knowing what I know now, I could have had a lot more free time back then!

Time for class

Many people say online learning is "safer" because the learner is anonymous. They are more free to express themselves without fear of ridicule. I tend to agree to an extent except if it is so "fearless and free," why do I get butterflies in my stomach before class each week? It is the same sick feeling that is a combination of excitement and anxiety. I love to learn and usually feel fairly prepared for class but I am always wondering if I will make a fool out of myself in class.

I notice that I am a "quick" typer and like to jump in right away. I hate silence and waiting for my peers to type (some must use the hunt and peck method still or else they are on dial up because man, oh man they are slow). I use AIM most of the day and have usually spent a good 10-12 hours on the computer by the time class rolls around. My brain and fingers don't always function at the same time. I reread what I type and think my goodness I sound stupid.

I guess you could also say I am impatient. I want to attend class but I have a list a mile long of things I would either rather be doing or need to be doing before bedtime. Speaking of....it is almost time for class and I still have a paper to submit tonight.

Pajama research

One "pro" that many people list about online education is the ability to sit at home in your pj's and be productive. I find this an interesting thought. Some days it works to my advantage and others it is a hindrance.

Take for example my typical Saturday. I work Monday through Friday and look forward to spending most of my weekend working on homework. I can afford to spend large chunks of time virtually uninterrupted (the hubby always has chores to do and keeps the pets away). I roll out of bed and log on to the computer to check my email, post to a few discussion threads, and then start on my papers. I usually do not take a shower or get dressed until I have accomplished at least one monumental paper, project, or milestone. Then the great debate starts...do I skip showering and getting dressed altogether and keep plugging away at homework or will that shower and real clothes re-motivate me to keep up the pace?

I have found that some days staying in my pj's is the way to go. I feel like I am on a mission and my reward to accomplishing homework is the shower. Other days I know that if I don't get my shower in, I will feel icky and sluggish all day long. The homework will seem like a project I just can't quite finish and so why put forth the effort?

Today I discovered a new alternative to the pj dilemma. Start in my pj's, eat lunch, exercise (a new found interest since all I do is sit in front of the computer day in and day out), then shower, but put new pj's on and continue with the homework.

So now that you have had a peak into my weird world of doing research in my pj's, I want to know if anyone else struggles with this strange and completely unpublished dilemma related to online learning?

Personalities

Today I had a discussion with a fellow teacher (traditional school) who was lamenting about how she has a student in her class that is so "off the wall" that his peers give her "the look" when he speaks. She said it was reassuring to know that she wasn't the only one that thought every word out of his mouth was dribble. We then proceeded to speak about how it would be hard to "view" this type of reaction via an online forum.

I told her I agree that it is difficult because most people will not post to a discussion or comment in a chat to the person that is out of line, annoying, or completely "stupid." *I know, how scholarly of me to call a student stupid. I usually catch myself thinking, "Is it me or is this person an idiot?" or "Oh no, here he/she goes again." Then I started to think about the bonds and opinions I share with my peers.

In the online world, the same reactions are there, we just express ourselves in a slightly different manner. It is the email behind the scenes to a trusted peer or group of peers. It could be the slight comment to a post with a hint of sarcasm that could be taken at face value or not. It sometimes is the lack of response from "everyone" to that student.

I know, now I have you analyzing every reaction you have ever received online. Don't worry. Most of the time there is only one class idiot and if you already have identified that person, it isn't you...or is it? ;)

Cons for today

After a grueling week of travel for work, I am feeling completely beat down and ready to list some negatives or "cons" related to distance learning.

1) Convenience-yes, I listed this as a pro but sometimes convenience turns into a con. While traveling, I thought how great it was that I could log in to my class and keep up with my school work. Well, the rigors of online learning do not lend to less amounts of homework during the week. I was able to get online, check my email and post to a few discussion threads but I was unable to focus and spend the time I wanted on my homework. The course schedule is very packed and leaves little wiggle room for a few days off task.
2) Text Books-I love my text book and reading "printed" items versus online materials. The bummer is when you travel, lugging along 2-4 books is not always an option. It would be nice if my school provided both versions-online with the option to print or a custom textbook with only the readings we need.
3) Ambiguity-working in a virtual company has taught me many lessons related to virtual communication. Online learning is difficult because sometimes the simplest questions take several rounds of emails to finally clarify themselves....and then you still wonder if you were understood or understood the other person correctly. Face to face has certain values that are hard to replace no matter how tech savvy the platform or the users are.

A few comments were made to my initial post about the lack of technology my school uses. I agree that audio and more visual stimulation would be nice. I will travel down this road in the near future!

Until then...Miss Negative needs some caffeine to get some homework done!

In the beginning...

In the beginning of my educational journey, I thought about starting a BLOG to document my process of learning. Then I quickly found out that it is requirement to keep a reflective journal. So, like all lazy graduate students (which it isn't really laziness, it is lack of time) I decided to stick with only the required reflective journal. Well, here I am at the end of my program and I was asked to start a BLOG for my final elective class. So, without further ado, is my BLOG!

Being an online distance learner, I would like to start discussing the pro's and con's of online distance learning and then branch into the different types of technology I am learning about, for use within the classroom (virtual or traditional). Every day I stumble across a new idea or method for teaching (or learning) that I find very interesting. Some days I am a true technology advocate and on others, I am nothing but a nay sayer.

Today I am going to sing a few praises about online distance learning:
1) Convenience-the ability to work on my course work whenever I want and where ever I want is priceless. Not having to drive to a campus or deal with parking is a godsend.
2) Focus-the course work and time spent interacting with my peers is always focused. The sidebar conversations and distractions during lectures are minimal, if any.
3) Variation-the course work is varied to keep my attention and touch on my different learning styles. There are reading assignments, web field trips, synchronous seminars, and asynchronous message boards, plus written assignments/projects.

Being new to the BLOG world, please bare with me as I experiment with the look and feel of my BLOG. I hope you visit often!