The Joy of Online Learning

For the last course in my Master's program at GSE, I am actually taking an online class on Digital Literacies.  Let me say that it's exciting to take a fully-online course for credit.  The course is very cool, discussing a topic that I'm passionate about.  

The Wonder that is Online Learning

What's interesting is that I have been doing research on online learning and xMOOCs for my Master's Paper.  I recently presented at the Eastern Sociological Society meetings and will be talking about the subject a bit more in the weeks to come.  One of the big things I drew from the literature on these topics is the TIME factor.  How do you make sure to set aside enough time to successfully participate in online courses?

Right now, I'm trying to figure out the best balance between life and participating in the online course. This is a new and interesting challenge for me.  The thing I realize I need to do is not approach this class in the exact same way I've approached face-to-face classes.  Online courses are their own entities and require a slightly different kind of attention.  So instead, I'll spend some time reflecting on what this course will need from me for successful participation, and then structure my life so that I can make it happen.

So for those of you future Penn GSE students, if more online courses are offered and you take them, I recommend that you spend the beginning of the course really considering what the course will need from you, and then manage your time, organize, and prioritize accordingly.  

So that's my lesson for today.  I have an online course I have to get back to!


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