I am regular informal online learner, and a newbie to formal online learning.
I am constantly learning new information informally online! My daily routine web searches, or brain breaks from work has me going to my frequently visited websites and social media outlets. Through my online exploration I come across articles, videos, and images all sharing information from major political issues occurring around the world, to the latest fashion trends. I switch back and forth between reading and watching videos, many times depending on the content covered and my attention span. Various forms of delivery allow me to select an appropriate method to gain information. I consider myself a diverse learner, who learns in various manners. Reflecting on my today's technology use alone, I am surprised as to how much I have learned online! Technology and online learning, because it occurs informally and effortless, many times results in learning when you don't even realize it.
I genuinely enjoy learning, however; to help organize my thoughts I have picked two major categories, I like to learn about: education, and current events. As a former classroom teacher and current Math Coach, I am constantly opening my internet browser to learn effective teaching strategies, sample activities, and the latest educational trends. I am firm believe in not reinventing the wheel, and if there relevant resources online already created or solved why not take advantage of it. That in my opinion, is smart learning! I also enjoy learning about current events. It is amazing how engrossed in our lives we sometimes get, forgetting that there is an entire world outside of our little bubble. Being able to sit in the Library of TC but learn about events across the world makes me a more informed and intelligent individual.
Overall, my experience with online learning is positive! However, and I am a little ashamed to say this, I do not know if I always take full advantage of online learning resources to achieve my potential and reach my own capacities. I definitely have had my moments where I watched tutorials on how to utilize tools such as Google Forms and Pear Deck effectively in my classroom, however, reflecting on that statement right now I realize that the internet has so much more to offer me and for me to take advantage of. It is my personal goal to expand my learning using what is available to me online.
In regards to formal online learning, I am still a newbie. My experience with formal online learning really began upon accepting admission into TC. My strong desire to be part of the TC community, but also my personal restrictions on becoming a full-time student, to an extent forced me to explore formal online learning. I was actually very hesitant at first, as I was originally a strong believer that connections between peers and faculty, which is important for success, can only really be developed in a face-to-face environment. However, TC and specifically this current course has proved my assumptions wrong. Through advances in tools and softwares, online learning can be comparable to face-to-face. Google+, hangouts, Google Drive all allow for fluid and constant communication and collaboration.
In regards to formal online learning, I am still a newbie. My experience with formal online learning really began upon accepting admission into TC. My strong desire to be part of the TC community, but also my personal restrictions on becoming a full-time student, to an extent forced me to explore formal online learning. I was actually very hesitant at first, as I was originally a strong believer that connections between peers and faculty, which is important for success, can only really be developed in a face-to-face environment. However, TC and specifically this current course has proved my assumptions wrong. Through advances in tools and softwares, online learning can be comparable to face-to-face. Google+, hangouts, Google Drive all allow for fluid and constant communication and collaboration.
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