Blog #4 - Online classroom experiences

I can honestly say I have not had any online class experiences / activities that I thought were useless. I felt that each activity provided me with some learning. One online class I had did use BlackBoard and I was not fond of their discussion format. I feel that the conversations on mybb seem to go much better and have more flow for me. Not to mention, I enjoy having each persons picture and signature. I have had a little difficulty with the podcasts for this class loading / playing but I think that is a result of my computer more than anything. It does not stay connected to the internet consistently. Between the podcast outlines / notes as well as listening to the podcast (even if it takes more than 2 attempts) I feel that I get the information that is needed. I do appreciate having that outline as a guide because it helps me when I want to write down a point from the podcast to already have a little info typed out to look at.

The only other negative experience that I had with an online class was that I did not feel the instructor answered my questions thoroughly through emails. I felt this did impact my grade a little bit when writing papers. THe first paper I wrote was a 13/15 for APA formatting errors. I emailed the professor for more details and he gave me various websites to visit for more information but never actually told me specifically what errors I made. After that paper, I spent a LOT of time reading various websites (suggested by the professor) and having my colleagues proofread my next paper. I even had one of my friends with a masters in some sort of writing something (I should probably know what her actual "title" is) do a final proof read and check simply for APA formatting. She was convinced that everything was 100% as it should be. However, I received the same 13/15 for this paper due to APA formatting errors. I was very frustrated that I had literally spent an additional 3 - 4 hours preparing myself to write the paper as well as having at least 5 others read it, to be told I had the same problems. Again, when I emailed for clarification, the response directed me to the same websites. I still ended up with a great grade in the course so I did not push the issue further.

I actually just told my husband last night "I am beginning to love online classes"! My son has had every bug in the last 12 weeks, and I have had numerous unexpected doctor appointments for my pregnancy. WIthout having this class online, I would probably not be doing well as I would have missed several F2F sessions. Quite honestly I wouldn't be in the class because I would be having a baby at some point during the class!

As I said before, I feel that each activity I have completed for an online class has taught me something. I have never walked away feeling as though something I did was useless.