Now that we're knee deep in the semester I'm sure we're all feeling much more in tune with the latest and greatest of Web 2.0 For many the thought of using Web 2.0 applications in education and even in higher education is still catching on. I'm the only one I know amongst my group of friends that have pursued higher education that actually has earned my degree online and pursuing my second one the same way. The responses I tend to get are some of the following:
"I just need the face-to-face classroom setting"
"I don't think I'm disciplined to do the work and assignments on time"
"How do you find time after working long weeks to force yourself to do school work?"
"The technologies and applications used in online programs are all foreign to me. I would probably be so lost."
These are just a few of the typical responses I have gotten when I share my education with others.
This article proved my point even more that it's very much possible to recieve and earn a higher education while completing all of the required course materials along and with the enhancesments of web technology Web 2.0 actually makes it even more interactive and creative. The Table 1 Models that integrate Web 2.0 technologies is easy to follow and very informative.
To use or not to use web 2.0 in higher education?
For anyone that replies, I'm curious to know what kind of feedback you get from friends or family that haven't participated in an online educational program.
I get the same responses. I would personally prefer to take a face-to-face class because I'm not very disciplined when I am lord and master of my schedule. Being forced to show up for class prepared makes life a little easier for me. With that said, I love this program, and with the nature of the type of work we will be doing someday or are already doing, I think it's appropriate that we learn using online tools AND that we learn to keep deadlines.
ReplyDeleteYou said it right there, "it's appropriate that we learn using online tools AND that we learn to keep deadlines."
DeleteWhether people want to admit it or not, we are continuing to head to the online world of interaction when business and education are concerned. So we either get on the train, or get left back at the station.
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI have gotten all those comments that you mentioned. I have deduced that the reason for those comments is because they probably never have taken an online course (or maybe just one).
I remember taking my first online course in community college. I was very nervous and had a hard time adjusting. By my second online course, I was much more adapted to the environment and could make my way through with no problem. After 35 online courses, I prefer this method of learning because I can choose the time to study/participate (like right now at 5:45 in the AM), I don't have to sit in a class for three hours at night while not being home. My wife really likes me at home even if I am in my office studying. Anyway, I am sure you know the advantages.
Thanks for sharing. :)
I said those comments, though my classes over the past year have been both F2F and online, I was surprised by what I was able to learn (not only course work wise, but comfort with the online environment) by being in online courses. For me, one of the things I like about online course is having the opportunity to speak up or write comments where in F2F sessions, often time runs short or there just isn't an opportunity for questions. Time management is always an issue, I think I am pretty good at it. However, there are always competing interest so a benefit to F2F is sometimes that set schedule.
ReplyDelete