After looking through the class syllabus I immediately noticed that we wont be using blackboard for this class. I was disappointed because I have been using blackboard for almost every class I have taken for the last two years. It was very easy to navigate and post assignments as well as take exams on blackboard. I have had a rough couple of days using OpenLab trying to navigate it and see how to view or post assignments. The website is very complex and I have had trouble getting to the page where our weekly assignments are posted. Another flaw to OpenLab is how I get an email for every time someone posts something. In my opinion I dont think an email notification about every students comments/posts is necessary. However, I am really excited how I can grow as a writer by having our assignments peer reviewed and having multiple chances to edit our writing pieces.
I dont have many concerns taking online classes as I have done so prior to the pandemic. I have always been a fan of online classes as it is easier not commuting to school and you have more free time. However, if you do not stay on top of your classes you can fall back behind really fast. It is all about time management, knowing when an assignment is due and making sure all your work is done on time. The only concern I would have taking this class online would be OpenLab because I am so unfamiliar with it. I personally prefer blackboard, it is not as complicated and for me was much easier to learn how to use. I am always willing to learn new things, hopefully I will learn how to use OpenLab with no problems and take what I learned in English Composition 1 to this class and further expand my reading and writing skills.
Hey Rex. I know I was also disappointed when I’ve found out that we will be using Open Lab instead of Blackboard because the rest of my classes this semester uses Blackboard which is easier since everything is on one site. It’s hard trying to navigate where the professor posts assignments and also where you post your assignments but trust me, you’ll get use to it and it will be easy for you to use just like Blackboard. It just takes some time and patience to getting use to and everything will be alright. I am also a big fan of online classes rather than taking the bus and train to school everyday because it requires more work when traveling and everything is easier when you’re doing your work at home. It is more quiet and safer and it’s less work for both the professor and student.
Hey Rex,
just like Eriq and you and I’m pretty sure some other students as well, I was also disappointed that we are using OpenLab instead of Blacoboard, BB would have made this class much easier like the other 5 classes I’m taking which are in one single place. I had such a hard time doing the first micro-activity though I graduated last semester this is actually the first time I’ve used OpenLab, it is much more complicated compare to BB, over here you actually have to check boxes to make sure you posted your work where it is supposed to be and so on while in BB you post only in the assignment section or discussion of the week. but i guess we will have to get use to it LOL
Hey Rex,
I agree you said the OpenLab is much more complex than blackboard. They are some website for students such as google classroom and blackboard since we are taking online classes. There are so many new things to learn and remember. It is kind of overwhelming. It is reminding me of my grandma, who was struggling about using app on phones. Now she can even post selfies on social media.