When I did find a a suitable program, there were a few blended classes. My experiences with them were so different that I seriously began to consider distance learning for my doctorate program. There were still some issues, but not having to traipse to campus multiple times a week was worth the minor annoying issues. In fact, I can recall the smile on my face as I took my first online test while in my PJs propped up in my bed. Ironically, now I am always dressed and sitting at my desk when I do school related activities. It helps me focus on the task at hand.
Its easy to say that being able to study from essentially anywhere is a huge benefit of distance education. The flexibility of fitting in schoolwork around my personal life is another plus. However, the steepest learning curve for me has been learning the technical nuances and knowhow required for online classwork. Even as I am working through the construction of this blog, I have experienced some panic moments when an entire post disappeared into a mysterious void (twice). The BlackBoard Platform has become easier with each class, but I wonder how much of that is the upgrades made to the platform versus my growing familiarity with it. In their article, "Situational interest, computer self-efficacy and self-regulation: Their impact on student engagement in distance education", Sun and Rueda (2012) suggest that virgin or novice online students should be identified by faculty and provided additional technical support to help increase their online engagement. I know I would have loved a little extra support in the beginning. Two years into it, I know where to look and who to ask when I need extra assistance. In my first couple of classes, I was clueless and didn't quite know where to go for help. In some instances, my technical problems were based on a Mac operating system (my preferred system). To overcome some of those difficulties, I purchased a cheap PC desktop.
One would have to be zombie to miss all the technological advances that are occurring in the world of academia. Well, perhaps even zombies are aware, as I recall a mobile phone commercial with a zombie requesting a phone upgrade. As technological advances continue to proliferate, online learning platforms will become increasingly user friendly and some of the barriers to this type of education will be reduced (Berge, 2013).
How have your computer skills changed during your experience with distance education?
Have you noticed differences in the Blackboard platform as new versions have been rolled out? If so, have the changes improved your experience?
Looking back, was there particular assistance that you wish you had?
Berge, Z. L. (2013). Barriers to Communication in Distance Education. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 14(1), 374-388
Sun, J. C. Y., &
Rueda, R. (2012). Situational interest, computer self‐efficacy and
self‐regulation: Their impact on student engagement in distance
education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(2), 191-204.
I have experienced Blackboard from both a student and instructor perspective. It has advanced and become quite user friendly over the years. Much more so than even two years ago. I don't teach any 100% online classes, but I use blended learning for every class I teach. I can't ever see going back to just a traditional lecture format for any class.
ReplyDeleteI have never used Blackboard as an instructor. Last year, my partner decided to return to school. I encouraged her to take an online class. When I found out the platform was Blackboard, I was able to quickly explain the platform. She loved it. She was initially intimidated (aren't we all), but she quickly adapted.
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