Journal+Reflection+Module+7

// Reflection Prompt: //** Reflect on how you perceive yourself as an online learner? Are you well-prepare to be an online leaner? Tell us about what you need to improve in order to be a successful online learner. **

//**__ Description: __**//
The focus of module 7 was online learning and all parties involved, such as teachers and students. Like all learning environments, online learning consists of its own rules, guidelines, tricks, and tips. For many students, it will take time to get adjusted and acclimated with the online learning system. However, the time spent adjusting is a minor sacrifice because of the many benefits online learning has to offer to its students and teachers.

__//** Impact: **//__
I attended an informational meeting about The University of Akron's Graduate Programs. When listening to the speaker, I have to admit, the words "Completely Online" were definitely one of the deciding factors in my mind when I made my decision to begin my Master's degree. With everything I am responsible for doing, teaching, grading, coaching, planning, wedding planning, house hunting, etc., online classes sounded great! I could mold the classes and class time around my life. Flexibility is key in my life. So this is my first semester of online courses. How's it going? So far, so good. I find that because of my overly compulsive need to stay organized and make lists (and my intense fear of failing), I am able to complete assignments on time and put forth my best effort. The learning environment is both collaborative and full of new knowledge. I have learned so many new tools that I can't wait to implement into my classroom, once I've figured out how to work each one. I enjoy reading the commentary of my peers and value what they have to offer to a discussion.

As a teacher, I feel that the biggest aspect of online learning is the responsibility factor. Students truly are responsible for their own learning. Online teachers are simply sitting back, making some comments, but mostly observing the learning that is going on. And who is there to remind the students of upcoming deadlines? That's right...they are responsible for keeping themselves on a schedule and up to date on assignments. Therefore, it is important that motivation and responsibility are two character traits that online learners possess and continue to develop or else they risk the chance of failure.

**//__ Intent: __//**
I would like to say that my intent during these online learning courses is to work on my procrastination problem. However, I'll probably just end up procrastinating on that (Ha ha, wink, wink). So instead, I think I will continue to develop systems for myself and eventually my own students that will help them keep organized and make them responsible for their learning.

Furthermore, I would like to focus more on what I will take away from these online classes. So far, the advice and tips from my classmates have shed light on the numerous technologies available and this is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. My intent through online learning is to embrace technology and make myself a life-long learner in a technology-friendly classroom.