We have been discussing the time element quite a bit with our online course. Just to interject what has been happening with me - I have been trying to type into my blog for the past two days but must have suffered a brain cramp because for the life of me, I couldn't remember how to do it even though I have made several posts now. Talk about frustrating!
I think that is another side effect of the online learning and teaching situation. Technology is a wonderful tool - when it works (or when we are used to working with it). But I would like to discuss the communication issues that it raises. Even though online learning and teaching could be a time saver, it does take away from face to face conversation. With the younger generation, this is becoming almost epidemic. Younger people have their faces buried in their phones or other electronic devices, but are losing the ability to speak with each other. What does this mean? The younger generation may have difficulty managing relationships; including conflict. A friend of mine recently went through the end of a relationship - the other person broke up with him/her - via text message! While being able to speak virtually does have a lot of benefits, the downside is that we may lose touch with each other. On the other hand, having the voice threads really does help! It was good seeing several of my 'classmates,' even though I have not met most of you face to face (other than Aron and Rick, whom I see often!).
I can understand the frustration some may feel when trying to deal with the time factor (I thought this post would be a quick in and out, but it took two days!!!!), and even though we may have a good grasp on what we are trying to do, the equipment may not always cooperate!
It is good to appreciate both the in-classroom and virtual teaching methods. The latter may be much more far reaching and therefore have a greater effect. Considering that, maybe the time spent working on a virtual course is worth the time considering the number of lives it could touch.
Sandy, I just posted about this very issue. I am guilty of committing some of the technology sins of my generation (although I've never broken up with someone over text... that is a new low!), like checking my phone every hour or feeling phantom vibrations in the purse or pocket, but I try very hard to be present during in-person meetings, and be aware of when I send texts and e-mails, and with what tone. I think the VoiceThread and Google Hangout tools really enhance the experience so students and instructors can be more present together.
ReplyDeleteSandy, you are right that in-person communication is an important skill that every person should practice. For students who do whole programs online, like you for example, I would recommend that they also have other activities that involve being with other people physically.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, without all the digital communication tools we have available, I would not be nearly as up to date with my children and grandchildren as I am now. I love seeing the daily picture and video updates and the instant comments that my other family members leave. When my parents were my age, they used the phone once in a while to talk with me and my family since I moved out of state. And even then, they didn't call a lot because long distance was expensive.
Yikes! A breakup through text!
ReplyDeleteI agree that this generation is way to engrossed in their phones. Technology is here to stay and so we should learn to use it for good as best we can. While that does include making our classes more technologically friendly or even exclusively online, we do need to continue to work on our own interpersonal communication and help our students do the same.