On-line classes: Technology in Learning Blog 4 of 5

More and more classes are being offered on-line.  Currently it is possible to complete an entire degree on line.  While this is very convenient, I think more demands are placed on the learner in these types of classes.  Here is what you need to know about how to be successful in an on-line class:

• The professor may build in time limits to help you avoid procrastination, but it is still up to you, the learner, to plan so that you have time to complete the work and learn the information.
• There will probably be discussion boards that require your participation.  You might want to consider contributing early as opposed to waiting and having to follow everyone else’s thoughts.  More than likely these are monitored and graded.
• How learning happens does not change.  You will have to do everything that you would do in a face-to-face class and possible more because you cannot as easily interact with the professor.
• A positive is that you maybe able to replay lectures and listen to them again.  You can also go back and review the class discussions.
• Exams will have a time limit and possibly be monitored through the camera on your computer.  Don’t assume you will have time, or be allowed, to look things up in your notes.
• Distractions are a very large problem.   Do not be tempted to take a break and look at Twitter, Facebook, email, etc.

I, personally, would not recommend an on-line course for a first-semester freshman.   It takes awhile to get used to being more independent and self-sufficient in your learning and at the same time adjust to college in general.

Many institutions are encouraging on-line classes, particularly between semesters or in the summer.   For the student it is a good way to take liberal studies or prerequisite classes and lighten the semester load or graduate early.  Knowing what to expect and having a plan is crucial to your success!

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation  for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click  on the  upper right  link.

Power Point Lectures: Technology in Learning 3 of 5

Many professors now use power point slides to help students follow along with the information presented in class.  (In fact, I know of at least one instance where the professor was so dependent on the power point slides that class was cancelled when there was a problem with the room’s computer system!)   As in everything, there are multiple ways this tool is used in the classroom.

If the power point slides are available on-line before class:

·       I think the best strategy is to print them out before class with the slides down the left side of the page and lines for notes on the right side.  (This  takes more paper than having two columns of slides, but the note-taking and learning is easier.)

·       Read them before class.

·       In class take your notes directly on those pages.

·       The down side of this is the printing costs.  Many students run out of money and printer ink toward the end of the semester.  Be sure to budget accordingly!

·       Another option is to download the slides to your computer, take your laptop to class and take notes on the power point document.  I do not think this is as effective because you cannot as easily take notes on the slides and your interaction is different with the material.

If the slides are available after class:

·       Take regular lecture notes during class.

·       Print out the slides after class as above and, as one of your study strategies, transfer your notes on to the slides as above.

If the slides are not available at all:

·       In some cases, the professor uses the slides as a way to help the students see the organization of the lecture and does not make them available.   If time, copy the slide down at the beginning of class.   Take notes as usual.  After class rewrite your notes using the professor’s basic outline as a guide.

Again, keep in mind that the use of technology in the classroom is constantly changing.  You, the learner, needs to understand how to learn so you can successfully adapt!

Next blog will deal with 100% on-line classes.

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.

Lecture Formats Beyond the Traditional – technology blog 2 of 5

The traditional lecture where the professor talks and students take notes is still going strong, but many professors are doing different things to help students learn and to appeal to the technology-driven world.  Keep in mind that things will always be changing and that your job, as the student, is to remember how learning happens and use new developments to your advantage.  Here are some current varieties:

Flipped classrooms – students watch the lecture on their devices outside of class and then discuss and work with the material in class.  Students are expected to learn the material, so it is important to take notes as you would in a classroom.

Skeleton outlines – These are the main points the professor will cover in class with a lot of empty space.  Students are expected to take notes and fill in the blanks.  One positive of this format is that you can easily see the organization and main points of the material.  For the best learning, review the outline before class.  Students get these skeleton outlines in a variety of ways:

• Purchase a bound book of the entire semester’s lectures.
• The outline is provided on-line before the class.  Either print out or bring device to class and add your notes in the document.

Complete printed lecture provided to students on-line - The temptation is to not go to class because you have all of the material.  This, of course, is wrong!   Remember that learning needs a variety of interactions with the material, so it is important to hear the professor explain the information.  Plus, you can pick up clues to what the professor feels is important and thus might be on the exam.   With this format it is important to still take notes in class so that you are actively involved with the material.  Either take separate notes or print out the lecture with wider margins or spaces and add notes directly on the professor’s notes.

Smart classrooms – In some new classrooms everyone can connect to the computer and projector in the room and download documents, comment on the work being presented, share group work documents, etc.   Again, I would still suggest you take notes and also be sure to save all documents presented.

Power Point – there are so many varieties this requires a separate blog.  Check back next week!

*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.