Blog Post #13

Use of Technology, Author: Schutz & Rettung Zürich

Technology

1. How is online learning different than in person learning?

This semester is my first experience with online college classes – of which I have 6.  If I was having to drive in to classes, I honestly do not know how I would have found the time to actually do the work (I live 50 miles away).  The classes with the lack of the classroom environment have surprisingly allowed us to be connected with our fellow students through the fantastic technology available to us all.

2. What are the particular challenges or benefits to taking an English class (in particular) in an online environment?

The last time I took a college class was Eng 101 in the Fall of 1995.  The changes in technology since then have been tremendous as well as MLA formatting (which was not taught to me ever before – this is the first I knew anything about MLA anything).  The basics – spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc. – these remain the same throughout time and space.  Although I overall prefer online classes, I think that I miss the immediate interaction involving classroom discussions on the written word.

3. Which of the technologies that we used this semester was most beneficial to you?

As much of a pain in my side as it has been – I would have to say the blog posts along with the comments have given me a better understanding of the written word – which is what this class is all about. 

4. Which did you like the most?

Seems kind of strange – but I liked the blog posts the best.  I never knew how to do a link and a visual before – not saying that I have it down really well yet – but I am making progress.

5. Which will you use in the future and how will you use them?

I think that in my work I will use the link stuff in my reports.