1st Wave Reflections
Group Grid
- Wave 1 (Link)
What was my initial definition of DE (the one posted in the
classroom)?
DE is a teaching and learning experience and instruction between people who are separated geographically.
DE is for people who are aspiring to acquire a formal educational qualification. In the past communication channels such as mail and telephones were used, whereas in the present times, the evolution of information communication technology (ICT) has made the experience instant and more effective, for example, feedback is instant and happens on real-time irrespective of how far the teachers and students are from each other.
I have added some few key words to my initial definition of Distance Education.
What was my initial definition of DE (the one posted in the
classroom)?
DE is a teaching and learning experience and instruction between people who are separated geographically.
DE is for people who are aspiring to acquire a formal educational qualification. In the past communication channels such as mail and telephones were used, whereas in the present times, the evolution of information communication technology (ICT) has made the experience instant and more effective, for example, feedback is instant and happens on real-time irrespective of how far the teachers and students are from each other.
I have added some few key words to my initial definition of Distance Education.
How has my understanding of DE changed after the first two weeks of class?
These past few weeks has brought me to a completely different view of DE. I had just known DE to simply being a correspondence education, but now I have discovered that DE is actually more than that. I have discovered theories and theorists, trends and waves, many different definitions of DE, from highly respected thought leaders in the field.
With regard to theories, I have not yet formulated my personal linkage to any theory so far, honestly, I’m still a bit confused, and this is new to me. I initially somehow didn’t necessarily subscribe to Otto Peter’s view of DE, but as I read through the materials, and especially the video shared by Robert Jones (Animation of Sir Ken Robinson's speech at a RSA event on changing education paradigms in October 21, 2010 and available online at: http://dotsub.com/view/58707cf2-f861-46dd-95c3-62020b4ec8c8 a video of Sugata Mitra’s presentation titled "We Need Schools... not factories", available on line at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sugata-mitra/2013-ted-prize_b_2767598.html), my view is gradually changing, I can say I am beginning to see the light!
I must say, my understanding of DE is still under serious and vigorous grilling right now, and I believe I will indeed be a real graduate after the end of this program, for I am learning all new things.
What is my view of myself as a learner?
I believe I am a fast learner; I usually grasp things quickly, especially when the topic is as intriguing and interesting as DE!
As an online learner?
Online environment does not intimidate me, I am comfortable with many ICTs and platforms, and often try things out and figure them out for myself! It can be challenging in terms of time!
How prepared are you for online learning?
This is honestly my first time learning online formally! I don’t think I was prepared for the amount of time spent online, I didn’t anticipate the speed at which this program is run, the weekly submissions, the collaborations with other
students, the time zones effect, and so on! But I am doing it, and now I have started enjoying myself, and it helps to have the kind of support we have at UMUC! A serious learning curve for me!
Take the preparedness test and let us know how you did: http://www.adprima.com/dears.htm
MY SCORE IS 62! Yippee!! This means according to Dr. Bob Kizlik I am ready for online learning!
How has my view of the MDE changed?
I joined MDE program with no view at all, except that it was a great opportunity for me to learn and advance myself academically! I was also told it was a difficult program, the few that are doing it at UNISA gave a scary view of the program!
Right now, I believe joining this program was the best decision ever, it’s hands-on approach can be too much but it is necessary, the practical learning (skill builders) are so many yet so relevant in today’s DE environment!
I am in the process of equipping myself to become an educator at tertiary level (lecturer), and I am confident that all the skills I am learning in this program indeed have life-long dividends!
DE is here to stay!!
Back Next wave
These past few weeks has brought me to a completely different view of DE. I had just known DE to simply being a correspondence education, but now I have discovered that DE is actually more than that. I have discovered theories and theorists, trends and waves, many different definitions of DE, from highly respected thought leaders in the field.
With regard to theories, I have not yet formulated my personal linkage to any theory so far, honestly, I’m still a bit confused, and this is new to me. I initially somehow didn’t necessarily subscribe to Otto Peter’s view of DE, but as I read through the materials, and especially the video shared by Robert Jones (Animation of Sir Ken Robinson's speech at a RSA event on changing education paradigms in October 21, 2010 and available online at: http://dotsub.com/view/58707cf2-f861-46dd-95c3-62020b4ec8c8 a video of Sugata Mitra’s presentation titled "We Need Schools... not factories", available on line at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sugata-mitra/2013-ted-prize_b_2767598.html), my view is gradually changing, I can say I am beginning to see the light!
I must say, my understanding of DE is still under serious and vigorous grilling right now, and I believe I will indeed be a real graduate after the end of this program, for I am learning all new things.
What is my view of myself as a learner?
I believe I am a fast learner; I usually grasp things quickly, especially when the topic is as intriguing and interesting as DE!
As an online learner?
Online environment does not intimidate me, I am comfortable with many ICTs and platforms, and often try things out and figure them out for myself! It can be challenging in terms of time!
How prepared are you for online learning?
This is honestly my first time learning online formally! I don’t think I was prepared for the amount of time spent online, I didn’t anticipate the speed at which this program is run, the weekly submissions, the collaborations with other
students, the time zones effect, and so on! But I am doing it, and now I have started enjoying myself, and it helps to have the kind of support we have at UMUC! A serious learning curve for me!
Take the preparedness test and let us know how you did: http://www.adprima.com/dears.htm
MY SCORE IS 62! Yippee!! This means according to Dr. Bob Kizlik I am ready for online learning!
How has my view of the MDE changed?
I joined MDE program with no view at all, except that it was a great opportunity for me to learn and advance myself academically! I was also told it was a difficult program, the few that are doing it at UNISA gave a scary view of the program!
Right now, I believe joining this program was the best decision ever, it’s hands-on approach can be too much but it is necessary, the practical learning (skill builders) are so many yet so relevant in today’s DE environment!
I am in the process of equipping myself to become an educator at tertiary level (lecturer), and I am confident that all the skills I am learning in this program indeed have life-long dividends!
DE is here to stay!!
Back Next wave