Week #4

This week we discussed distance and online learning. We had speakers Donald Girouard and Shannon Horne who spoke about the online courses offered here in Manitoba. I was pretty surprised to learn that Manitoba offers 43 courses available online. I also found it interesting that they have found them to work for students of almost all ages (down to grade 5). I noticed how these courses had the curriculum outcomes laid out, basically as the table of contents making these courses very outcome based, there is no guessing what your trying to learn or what you may be tested on. I never took an online course in high school or university but I think I would have liked the set up. I would have enjoyed having all the outcomes laid out so I know where the course is going, and where I am within it, at all times. I like the idea of fitting in the learning when you want to and are feeling the most motivated. Then you can mold your studies around your work schedule, and not the other way around. I also really find that the environment I am in when learning something matters. I would rather be in the comfort of my own home, warm, then in a cold classroom with those hard bench-like seats that never failed to make my butt cramp up. I also benefit from taking my own notes during a lecture or presentation, being able to pause something and go at my own pace would help exponentially.

 

I think it is beneficial to try things out and struggle for a bit yourself before going to the teacher for the answers. When doing a web based course I feel that more students would try questions and do their own research first, or collaborate with other students, before sending an email or text to the instructor.