After the discussion we had last week, or the week prior about distance learning, it occured to me that I have a very different perspective about distance learning simply because of the exposure I've had with a variety of distance learning experiences. So to me, using technology in smart and directed ways is a great idea. I now see that I may be in the minority with some of my thoughts or sentiments.
It was a great experience, to be able to read the thoughts of those who have a very different view points from me, though. The best way to educate people is to understand where they're coming from. It's also made me think about Jing's idea of technology natives. I would consider myself at technology native- I've been using technology and the internet since I was young and it's always been a part of my life. It was never something that I was shielded from. If we can teach our youth to use the internet in a responsible way, it becomes a great resource and source of information (of course, as long as you're using reputible resources!)
This then led me to think about how uncomfortable people who don't use the internet on a regular basis would be trying to navigate any sort of discussion board, or forum. It would seem overwhelming initially. As with any sort of new environment, we try to navigate it and learn about the culture as quickly as possible so we can integrate ourselves and follow the cultural norms. This is the same in using an internet forum.
Regardless of the environment that we're in, a new class (going into a graduate class was an entirely new experience for me this semester, but I feel that now I have a grasp on how Tiffany's classes run, and I've integrated myself into the classroom experience. However, I'm sure it'll be different in a face to face class taught by Jing, Nick, etc).
The best way to get involved in forum activities is to join one. The nice thing about forums is that there is something for everyone. Not only are they great for educational uses (such as our 611 forum) but they're social, they're informative, and they provide for a variety of perspectives. I would recommend doing a google search for a hobby you have, or an interest and search '_____ discussion forum'. Even if you just browse around them exposure is the best way to familiarize yourself with the resource and opportunity that internet forums provide.
Week One: Spending Time with John Keller
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Hello fellow IDE 736 Classmates!
This week’s required readings got us off to a roaring start by plunging us
headfirst into the work of John M. Keller, a no...
13 years ago
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Amber -
I've been exploring my apparent anxiety about participating in online education and have been trying to dissect how my degree of Digital Nativity has or has not been a factor in it. Although I did not have a computer in my home growing up (1982 HS graduate), I was an "original" arcade kid whose competitive status pivoted on deducing computer-based interfaces.
My career also introduced Internet usage early on as well. So I am not 100% on-board with the correlation between Nativity and positive sentiment towards online classes. I may be the freak of the bunch, but it's worth exploring further.
I think the best example I could muster about non-natives' involvement in forums would be how my 75 yr old mother somehow projects the concept of radio/TV broadcasting to the idea of publishing anything online, be it an opinion, video or image. She seems to think that everything you put "up" is seen by billions of people, and that anything controversial will cause protestors to assemble outside her house. Really!
For those of us who know better (my whole website gets 10 hits a week, maybe!), this seems absurd, but it is a plausible sentiment given her background. Is it worth telling non-native/non-participants to join "since no one's really watching anyway"?
I feel that the internet forum truely provides a good opportunity for gethering different kinds of perspectives. It plays an important role both in educational use and other on-line activities. From the last week discussion, gradually, I see more and more benefits and value of distance learning. I expect to learn more about the protential value and use of internet forum.
Amber, the discussions on distance learning also led me to reflect on online teaching and learning, and to rethink about many things that I've been taken for granted. Online learning requires a whole new set of learning strategies and skills. Just like we need to gradually learn and build learning strategies in traditional face-to-face settings, people also need to gradually develop online learning skills.
wow...you and I have had many conversations on distance learning and on-line classes so to read your comments was interesting because you have had a lot of experience, especially in on-line classes. I must say that I am excited for the next on-line class I take which is shows that I am more comfortable with the whole distance learning thing.
As a graduate assistant coach for the Syracuse Football program one of our many duties is to try and gather as much research on opponnets as we can. One of the ways that we do this is to go to the opposing teams' websites and read the fan forums that they have. Often times fans will get too involved and divulge information about injuries or position changes that we can then use to help us prepare for our game against that team. Due to my experience with these forums I do participate in any but there are definitely some forum topics that have grabbed my attention.
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