Prof. Jessica Penner | OL12 | Fall 2021

Discussion: Online Learning

Add a comment to this post. Write a paragraph (approx. 100 words). Discuss any questions or concerns you have about taking an online writing class. Mention anything that confuses or worries you. You may also discuss positive aspects (either that you’ve experienced or that you foresee) about online learning. At the end of your response, share one or two tips from your own online experience (either in school, at work, or in other day-to-day use of technology) that you think other students might find useful.

By next class (Wednesday, September 1), comment on one other student’s online learning experience. If something helped you–let them know! If you have advice for someone–let them know! If you feel you have the exact same problem–let them know!

23 Comments

  1. umme habiba

    Online classes isn’t that bad. The thing is that sometimes it gets very complicated to find out what the professor actually wants. Also, I feel like sometimes online class gets little boring…. I think it can be more like in person classes when beside studying we actually have discussion about some other topics which really helps to focus in class. One tip that I would like to share is that put reminder of all dues because you will forget because sometimes we forget to check emails.

  2. Raefeal Luke

    I personally don’t have any concerns or questions regarding taking this course. The last semester that I had attended for university was in the Fall 2020 which was, like this semester fully online. I like many students was new to the idea of online courses, and unfortunately all of my courses were asynchronous. That was unfortunately the semester that I realized I had no real sense of organization when it came to time allocation without being forced to (with synchronous/in-person classes.) That resulted in me failing most of my courses, as such I took off the semester of Spring 2021 and am now (hopefully) more prepared for classes this semester, with all of my classes being synchronous.

    • umme habiba

      I agree with you. Last semester I also had trouble with my classes because half was in campus half was online. It gave me hard time managing my time and to priories the work. But hopefully this semester everything being online will help me get good grades in all the classes

  3. Said_U

    Online classes is not that difficult, I actually prefer online classes more than in-person classes In online classes ones the class is over I can start doing any assignment that are giving by the professor but in person I have to go home for half and hour, its more convenient

    • Nayeli Gomez

      I agree with you! I like to get my assignments done right away so I don’t have to worry about them later.

      • Alvin Vasquez

        I agree as well because it let us students have access to the further needed assignments down the road and try to see if we can finish them early.

  4. Deyby Ramirez

    This is going to be my first semester taking online classes. One of the advantages is not having to commute to/from college campus. Also, we have the possibility of traveling and attending classes at the same time. Despite these advantages, I personally prefer doing in-person classes. I feel there’s a better connection with what’s being taught, and it might be easier to discuss the different topics. I’m still optimistic and willing to participate as much as I can.

    • Kamil Narel

      Hi, Deyby. Since it’s your first semester with online classes, I have one piece of advice save all the important dates like: exams, papers due dates, etc, in a calendar because you can easily forget about them.

  5. Alvin Vasquez

    Online learning isn’t bad but it has some flaws. For example, last semester was very new to me due to the fact that I was new to the idea of online learning in general and during that experience, I was having trouble with organization and time consumption and it gave me a hard time. As for now, I can now be more prepared and ready for the classes being online and synchronous for this semester.

  6. Aimen Souchane

    Online courses aren’t bad for me. It saves me energy and time spent in commuting to and from college for their regular classes. However, I face a problem in two courses, because it has to be done in the lab for me to learn about it. I have to see it, and touch it. One tip that I would like to recommend is that don’t leave your assignments until the last moment because you will have too many assignments in less time.

    • Deyby Ramirez

      Thank you for the advice. I tend to leave assignments for the last second. It is a stressful way of doing things. I’ve been working on correcting this issue.

  7. Shemika Semple

    Just a little disclaimer I am a naturally shy and to myself kind of person. For me online classes are a good way for me to stay to myself. if the time comes where I have to show my fave or let my voice be heard I am willing to but I will just be a nervous wreck. Online Classes have helped me to be more outgoing and upfront when it comes to communication with new people. Whereas, in-person I would’ve been in the back of the class in my own bubble. As for a tip if you are also shy try to be one of the first people to present your work so you can get the weight off your chest. Then you can concentrate more on other’s work without your mind being jumbled.

    • Olena Halytska

      Just chiming in to say you are not alone, fellow introvert. Believe it or not, but my presentation “strategy” is the opposite – I wait to go last because, chances are, my body will have completely run out of cold sweat by then, so that’s 1 less thing to be self-conscious about. Jokes aside, thanks for the tip, I’ll definitely try it next time.

  8. Adekunle David Daodu

    An online class is convenient for me. As a matter of fact, if I am giving an option to choose from either a continuous online class session and an in-person class session, I will choose an online class all because of its flexibility, stress-free, and less time consuming due to the advantage of taking this class in the comfort of my bedroom. However, there are challenges that I encounter while taking an online class. Such as complete isolation from peers and fellow students, not being able to ask questions the way I will ask a question in an in-person class session, and most importantly, miss interpretations of one’s true intention by the professor. I say this because online classes come with technological challenges. For example, I almost missed out on submitting my due assignment because my laptop was broken. I will encourage my peers to have a backup device while taking an online class session to avoid getting into my personal experience.

  9. Nayeli Gomez

    I am really looking forward to online learning. With lectures being over videocall on my laptop or phone I can be anywhere and still make it to class. This allows me to do more things during the day by saving two hours of commute to and from City Tech. The only thing concerning me is getting distracted because we won’t be in a confined neutralized space. To overcome this obstacle, I plan to put my phone down and have all tabs besides lecture closed. I’m excited to receive feedback on my writing assignments and learn ways to improve through this course.

  10. Nayeli Gomez

    I am really looking forward to online learning. With lectures being over videocall on my laptop or phone I can be anywhere and still make it to class. This allows me to do more things during the day by saving two hours of commute to and from City Tech. The only thing concerning me is getting distracted because we won’t be in a confined neutralized space. To overcome this obstacle, I plan to put my phone down and have all tabs besides lecture closed. I’m excited to receive feedback on my writing assignments and learn ways to improve through this course.

  11. Kamil Narel

    I think that online classes are great, at least for me. I work full-time as a construction worker, so online classes allow me to save a lot of time on commuting. Although they are great only with Flexcore classes, in which you can read something and later discus, basically all classes that allow study material at home. I don’t recommend taking lab classes or classes that one of the requirements to pass is to submit big projects. In this type of class meeting professors face to face is much more beneficial.

    • Joshua Christopher

      I could not agree more the flexibility that the online classes allow is great especially for those who work.

  12. Anlys Maldonado

    So far, I haven’t had any issues with online learning. My first English writing course was an asynchronous online class. However, regardless of how much online learning is praised and innovated, computers will never fully replace human instructors and other modes of educational delivery. What matters is that you understand the benefits of online learning and when they outweigh the medium’s limitations.

    An intelligent teacher who has to teach online would blend asynchronous and synchronous instruction, utilizing each where it works, assuming the necessary resources (which is not a given during a pandemic or at any time in budget-constrained situations). Students learn knowledge asynchronously, then use synchronous social interaction to offer context and comprehension before returning to asynchronous to improve retention.

  13. Olena Halytska

    Like many other part-time students with full-time jobs, I was very relieved to find out that online learning will continue in the Fall semester. Instead of wasting what little free time I have on the commute, I can spend it reading or catching up on assignments. Although there are drawbacks, they are mostly limited to faulty technology and are, therefore, easy to fix.
    Furthermore, due to my constant use of the computer for work and school, I have become noticeably more computer literate. For example, it turns out you can click any icon in your tool bar and “shake” it to minimize all other windows. Instead of pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE, then choosing “Task Manager”, you can just press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC. And did you know that instead of deleting text 1 letter at a time, you can press CTRL+BACKSPACE to delete an entire word?

  14. Joshua Christopher

    So far in my opinion online classes have been going pretty well. I also don’t have a lot of worries about it I just hope that I am able to access my assignments and that I will complete my assignments when due. I also hope that the online learning may not interfere with my job or that my job will take up to much of my time. Although I feel like online learning is more of a benefit for me and has more plus sides than down sides.

  15. Jahmeel

    Online classes have there pros and cons but overall i think it’s pretty good if you can just find a space to focus. They take away time wasted traveling which is a plus while also taking our social opportunities with fellow students and professors . So far i have had my focus shift when i’m in class but it’s also really convenient to be able to have access to classes anywhere i go. In traditional classes, moral values are taught whereas in online classes, the importance is given only to curriculum. In traditional class, every doubt of a child can be cleared whereas it is not possible in online classes. It’s truly debatable whether online class is good or bad, so i’d say i’m neutral.

  16. Noor Shamanta Jahan

    Personally, I am not a fan of online classes because I believe that there is much more to learn in person. My house is not the right environment for me to learn anything. I have my parents yelling at my siblings, they’re cooking or watching TV. It’s very distracting and demotivating. I also believe that there is no sense of community through online classes. Students need to work with their peers, solve problems, and learn how to socialize. These are essential skills needed in the real world.

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