Learning in a Digital World
Learning is something that is based
on rituals and routines. I recognize
this because as I learn, I go back over previous lessons, materials, textbooks,
web sites and other information in order to complete my lessons. When something new is put into the mix, it
makes learning difficult because my natural order is put into disarray. This could be because I am a very kinetics
and visual learner.
Technology helps me with my learning because I also have
dyslexia. I learn better when I can
write out what I am learning and keep everything in one place. The material does not move or fall out of my hands;
it is right there for me to look at. Technology also provides a
certain ritual to my learning.
As an online learner, I do not feel
as self conscious, although I do imagine personalities as I read answers. I can
immediately read answers and provide an answer; it provides a constancy that
cannot be broken. Online learning also makes me more responsible for my
learning because I am the one who has to turn on the computer and do more than
if I am actually going to the school itself.
I compare what my daughter does on a daily basis. I think that she spends as much time
traveling as I do reading each day. In
addition, she is less likely to email her instructor than she is to go and
speak to her instructor.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteTaking online classes was initially a huge transition for me. It requires much more responsibility for your own learning. It's important to know how you learn best, so that you know how to best manage your assignments. For example, I know that if I do not take notes on what I read, I will lose focus and not retain the information. I find that I prefer not to use technology to complete many tasks for my courses, like reading and taking notes. At the same time, I rely on technology to complete writing assignments, contribute to discussion boards, and interact through blog posts. Do you think technology has a bigger role in your learning due to your participation in online learning?