Reflection #1

Think back over the last three weeks of the course and the subjects and our related discussions. We have explored the “History of Online Learning”, the “Strengths, Weaknesses, and Benefits”, and analyzed the various application that deliver online courses. In your mind, try to synthesize these concepts and the related discussions and activities. Reflect back on what they have meant to you. How have these affected you and which ones are the most important to you? How do these concepts and discussions connect to your professional career?
Distance education began before the Internet, via correspondence.  Taking classes or obtaining a degree this way was tedious, as it involved the mailing of assignments, tests and projects between the learner and the teacher.  With the advent and subsequent growth of the Internet, 'distance' learning has taken a back seat to e-learning at a distance or online learning.

Online learning became most widespread because of for-profit institutions.  Through a variety of unethical practices, these for-profit institutions gave online learning a bad reputation.  These negative assumptions persist today, though the quality and prevalence of online learning continues to improve at many high caliber institutions (such at Johns Hopkins).

A wide variety of learning tools exist today.  I think that the most difficult aspect of working with technology is how quickly it changes.  (This is also the most exciting aspect of working with technology!)  I find I am often overwhelmed by the many different tools and techniques that everyone else seems to be fluent in.  It is difficult to keep all of them straight because: 1.) there are so many possibilities and 2.) they are constantly changing, so as soon as you learn one new tool or technique, you already should have moved on the next, new-and-improved tool or technique that is out there.  I often sit bak and think, "Where do I even start?"

This past year, I've taken it upon myself to become more well-versed in technology.  I realized that there are two groups of people when it comes to technology:
1.  The group who says, "Oh, I'm not good at technology, so I don't know this stuff and I need someone (younger) to help me."
2.  The group who says, "I have no idea what this new thing is, so I'm going to learn about it."

I have transitioned from the first group to the second group with alacrity, though there are times when I still feel overwhelmed.  The last time I felt overwhelmed?  Our synchronous presentation where 15 different tools were explained, and I had never heard of most of them.  I assume that the purpose of the assignment was to introduce us to all of these new tools, so I will fight my tendency to feel intimidated, and instead appreciate how much I learned, and how much more I know now that I participated in that event.

Sincerely,
Briggs