Overall, I really enjoyed this online English 103 course. I had never taken an online class before, and I was not sure what to expect or exactly how this was going to be conducted. The college grapevine says that “online classes are easy,” so I came into this online class with some of these expectations. I mean, not entirely “easy”. I don’t expect anything that requires some work to be easy, but I was under the impression that the course overall would be slightly more relaxed as compared to a face to face course. Well, I have to say that the grapevine was completely misleading, at least about this course. I have never been assigned so much work in my life! Many long nights with late hours were the scenario throughout this semester, and I missed a lot of sleep over the work load that this class required. However, even though I hate missing sleep, I am sure that this course will prove to be beneficial to me when I am able to graduate and transfer from AVC to a four year university where the work load will be heavy like this, maybe even heavier. I will benefit from not only just the intense work load, but also the depth of each assignment that was extremely challenging and educational. The reading material that was required for each assignment was very interesting, educational, and informational. I actually enjoyed and looked forward to the reading for each writing assignment, and I think that this is what kept me tuned in.
I got off to a good start, but the first group assignments were a little confusing to me at first. Peer Draft Review? Are you telling me that I have to read other students work, and critique it? I had never done this before, not in this way. I have helped teachers correct fellow student’s homework or tests in the past, but this was for assignments that used either multiple choice, true or false, or single answers that were either right or wrong with no room for discussion or comments. But the Peer Draft Reviews were different because you get to objectively offer your opinion, and this experience will help me a lot when I become a teacher. As a matter of fact, I will incorporate this type of work for my own students when I am teaching a class of my own.
This initial confusion with the group assignments, as well as a few personal life situations, forced me to miss a couple of assignments, and this threw me off track temporarily. However, my one on one meetings with Jennifer really helped me get back on track, and without being able to meet with her in person, I may not have been able to hang in there. Thank you Jennifer, for the assistance as well as the overall positive experience that this course has given me. Good luck to everyone in this class, especially to those in the Pardis group that gave me all the good advice.
I kind of had an idea of what this class would be like when I entered it, although the workload was not what I normally ran into. The communicational aspects and learning process was what I knew well, but I had never encountered anything like this in terms of work, even in my brick-and-mortar classes. Also, you brought up a great point! Our college is probably not nearly as difficult as a university, and since I am also transferring, this will also be beneficial to me in that way. I have friends on university level already, and they tell me of the difficulty in comparison to college. I was also confused with the Peer Draft Review. Since our class is online I did not really expect any due dates within the beginning of the new week because every online class I have taken the work is usually due by the end of the week. Thus, I did not expect some of the assignments to be due so early, although it was only a matter of getting used to it, just like you, in order to succeed. I too visited Jennifer, and found my sessions with her improved my writing greatly. Thank you Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteYou know, Michael, your writing has grown exponentially this semester. I just love going into something knowing one thing and then being completely transformed by the end of it. I actually think I’ve been with you throughout the entirety of the semester; doing PDRs and reading over your blogs, not to mention doing group activities. Your opinions were eye-openers and, I’ll be honest to admit, sometimes I didn’t agree with them. However, you put them forth in a way that forced me to think and I love when someone challenges me to think. You did and it’s been such an honor having been in your group this semester.
ReplyDeleteI’ll admit that I knew Jenn before going into the course. I actually live just blocks away from her, but what I didn’t expect was her workload. I’ve taken Women’s Lit with her, but it was just lots and lots of reading, but hardly any writing (save the ten-paged paper at the end of the semester). You were right in the “grapevine” being misleading. If the vine itself has taught me anything, it’s not to listen to it. Michael, good luck in your future endeavors. Whatever you want to do, I’m sure you’ll be great at it!
I had taken a few on-line classes at Cal State Bakersfield since returning to college in 2009, but I must say none of them seemed as intense as this 103 course. As always, managing one's time is probably the most important aspect of successfully completing an on-line course. I think that is the number one reason for the attrition we experienced this past semester.
ReplyDeleteI, too, had some issues with the group projects. The main one was my members not posting until the last minute. Then suddenly I was assigned to another group. Even though I didn't see my group members face to face somehow I felt as though I had formed a bond with them (which seems kind of weird to me). So it was sort of scary to read what my new members had to say about my research draft.
My plan is to become a teacher as well. I receive my BA on June 11th in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies with a minor in Elementary Education. With that I can resume subbing while I finish my credentialing. I think the peer review is a great tool and I plan on utilizing it as well. Don't forget a rubric! Best wishes as you move on in the educational process!