Beginnings

This first week has been jam packed with learning! First, I realized that during the day on Thursday I had no idea of how to access the class that night. Because I have had experience with online meetings, I thought to email Dr. Park and ask about access to the class. The only reason I knew how to "get to class" was because she sent me the link. Imagine my surprise when I realized that this was in a "course information" site on Huskynet! Then, imagine my surprise when, after many minutes of trying to correct and get my username and password straight, there wasn't any information about the course in my Huskynet site! Already, I felt behind and at a disadvantage. I wondered how I was supposed to know how to access this site. Should there have been an email with information sent to me after I registered? Should someone have flagged that I was enrolled in an online course and sent me some information? What systems are in place to ensure that students who are starting out know what to do? I had an inkling because I had been in online learning situations previously. What about someone who simply wouldn't know what to expect? I expect that this responsibility would rest with the registration department since it is a systems component, not so much an education one. I would not expect teachers to have to deal with information about the system-- I would rather teachers be able to concentrate on the teaching.

I bring this up because it relates to the aspect of distance learning that I believe is paramount to its success-- the efficacy of the learner to overcome barriers to the learning. Not only does the student need to learn the content of the class but s/he must learn how to navigate the systems for operating in the class. One cannot be afraid to ask what may seem the silly question if one has it. Asking the questions helps to reduce the "transactional distance" and increase learning and "dialogue".  Of course, this would imply that a patient teacher is a valuable asset-- especially in learning that is nontraditional-- someone who is willing to work in the technological framework to minimize the "distance" and increase the dialogue will help to create a more meaningful environment.

My email signature at my current job is this:

"He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever."

- Chinese Proverb

"A single question can be more influential than a thousand statements."
  - Bo Bennett

  

 As a media specialist, I am constantly answering questions. And, I am constantly asking them. John Dewey's assertion that the learner must transact with the environment in order to learn rings true. I have never learned as much as when I am asking questions. My motto (that I share with teachers and others with whom I engage in teaching and learning) is, "If you're curious, I'm curious." 

I am excited to continue learning about education and the different methods we can use to engage learners.