Thursday, February 3, 2011
technology in the classroom
I have been at Marylhurst on a part-time basis for almost 4 years and have avoided online classes for several reasons. One is that I work on computers for much of my day at work and did not return to school to have to sit in front of a computer. I enjoy the face-to-face interactions, the directness, the spontaneity, the little bits of information about books, etc. that are bandied about in a classroom, as well as ideas. In a classroom, it is more straightforward; one usually gets an answer or idea within the climate of a dialogue where each person takes their turn. It is, to me, a richer learning experience. I carefully chose Marylhurst because I thought it was a small, private university (which to me meant a higher quality of learning that involves more of the academic than merely keeping up with trends). I know, I know, that this is the wave of the future, and for long distance students it is wonderful, I am glad that I know my way around a computer and am gaining new skills. My question for Marylhurst is "are we becoming a vocational school"?
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Hi Lora, My favorite learning atmosphere is also the classroom, but I have had good experiences with hybrid classes, especially when we get to know our classmates face to face and then continue the class discussions online. So much of communication depends on voice inflection and body language, and when I am acquainted with my classmates it is easier for me to understand the intent behind words that otherwise might be misread, and it is easier for me to be open with my thoughts and opinions.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to learning skills with computers, I would offer the opinion that it is imperative for all students, both those pursuing intellectual degrees and those pursuing vocational degrees to have a high level of competency with computers. Because they are a "tool" one could perhaps argue that computers are on the vocational side of learning, but they are in my opinion the tool of the future.
Those folks without the skills to use the tool will be left behind, isolated from the next generation and muttering to themselves about the 'good ole days.' I have a fear of becoming one of those folks and that is a major reason I am continuing my education. I have been attending Marylhurst part-time for three years, and it slowly became apparent to me that my lack of technical skills with the computer was an impedance to my intellectual goals.
Because of your skill with computers at work, you were ahead of the game, but for me, getting past the mystic of this magical machine has been a steep learning curve. I really appreciate dialogue with my fellow students, both those who have mastered the skills and those who are experiencing similar challenges to mine. See you in class next week! ~Nadine