Online Learning: SUMMARY–PART EIGHT Paragraph Online Learning: SUMMARY–PART EIGHT

Online Learning: SUMMARY–PART EIGHT
My first adventure into online learning was a complete success. I was thrilled, motivated and inspired. I looked forward with great anticipation to the next class. I had learned so much. I had learned it was essential for me to take charge of my own learning. I learned this was truly the only way one learned anything worthwhile or meaningful. I learned that once I took charge of my own learning I could direct my own research, ideas, philosophy and principles. I also learned I could learn a lot from other students and that other students could be trusted to give me constructive feedback. I also learned that others had strengths that I model and learn to imitate. I could practice these new skills and compare the results with my new found role model. However, the most important lesson I had learned is that I had a voice. I learned I had something important to say and that others would listen. I learned that as long as I posed real questions and authentically researched the answers I could really learn effectively. Once more, the learning stayed with me. I did not have to memorize it. What I learned became a part of me and had transformed me. This was truly emancipating. Why did it take me so long to get it? Was this kind of learning always available to me in face to face classes? Or, is this what makes eLearning so powerful and transformative? Is it because of the nature of eLearning students are challenged to take on more responsibility because of the way eLearning is organized and presented? These are questions I continue to ponder and I invite you to provide your answers. Please continue to take the journey with me. Stay Tuned for my next Blob entry on eLearning cafe′.

Online Learning: The Story Continues–PART SEVEN

Online Learning: The Story Continues–PART SEVEN
As I responded to the questions and interacted with other students, I suddenly realized this was my time to learn and I was going to be the master of my ability to learn authentically. I felt empowered and there was a dynamic learning community unfolding before my eyes that could help me take this journey. What a terrific resource and opportunity.

There were numerous questions that the teacher posed. But I started asking and answering my own questions, as well as, sharing my answers with others. I was amazed when others would respond with equal conviction and passion. During this time, I changed the way I worked. I asked the questions and then genuinely tried to find the answers. I had stopped my usual old, tried and true way of conducting research: identifying my answer first and then finding data to support it later. Perhaps for the first time in my life, I truly began posing real questions and trying to find the answers in my readings, within myself and any resource I could find, particularly the other students in the online class. Stay tuned for part eight:  The summary!

Online Learning: The Story Continues–PART SIX

Online Learning: The Story Continues–PART SIX
So getting back to my story….Maybe I was able to do this because I had just taken the first most courageous and bold step of my life. I had quit my job and I was taking charge of my life. Now I was taking charge of my own learning. Looking back on it now I see the connection between the step I took about quitting my job and the new way I was approaching learning. I ask myself now, how can we, as educators, help all students get to this point. Tell me it is not true that someone must go for years wandering in the desert to finally figure this out. Surely we can lead students to this place much sooner or can we? I suddenly realized that perhaps with online learning and a new paradigm for learning we could help our students get to this place of personal learning empowerment much sooner than I and many others of my generation had been able. Suddenly, I had a glimmer of hope and I then I remembered the idealism I had when I started my teacher training at the University of Missouri-Columbia way back in 1970. My idealism was returning. I had hope for a better tomorrow. But, I am getting ahead of myself. What about today? See PART SEVEN!