Well the holidays are coming upon fast. The tinsel, the shopping, the wrapping, and all those 'great' little things that come along with Santa and Christmas. School takes a short two-week break over the holidays, so I can hold back a bit on assignments. I will still continue (of course!) to research for my paper, but the logging in everyday and checking on discussions, etc. will not be needed! I am glad for one, because I think I am becoming slightly obsessed with the login button on the university's homepage. For instance, as students we are required to complete two posts per week (discussions) and then must respond to at least two other students in each discussion (just to clarify that's four people per week to response to), I have gone from responding to three or so to many more (up of 5 or 6 per discussion). I have my reasons though. One, I want to talk with different people all the time in the discussions and opening myself up by responding to them will hopefully open a communication between us and two, I like reading the posts and responding (when I something to respond to), sometimes I struggle at what to say if the post is rather short and brief, but it is interesting to hear all these different perspective on the same topic. Sometimes, it's all the same information over and over again told, but sometimes, you come across a 'gem'. Something that makes me think or laugh or just nod my head in understanding.
College is so much more today than simply being in a classroom and listening to a teacher. We can communicate with each other, or more accurately, that's all we do. Opening up our lines of communication with thought, opinion, and interest. Sure, everyone can have a discussion in class, but not everyone participates. Online, in the virtual classroom, we all participate and talk about our thoughts. What a concept! That's my kind of school. I have to say I am enjoying the way online learning works. I have been in traditional classrooms recently (my friend, the psychologist is a teacher and I help out from time to time), and although I am not there every time for class, participation is weaning at best. I think the online experience opens up the communication on a different level. It might not work with all people, but some of us, like me, enjoy the idea of it very much and do try to ask probing, thought provoking questions of my classmates.
To everyone out there who has been kind enough to stop by this blog, read it, and/or comment on it ~ thanks! I appreciate every word you type. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Until the New Year!!! 2011...
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