Jan
23
Reflection on Online Courses
Posted by: Laurie Trepanier | January 23, 2010 | 2 Comments
During the last week, I was on a business trip to CFB Bagotville, near Chicoutimi, Quebec. During this trip, I worked long days and was limited in my evening movements. Unfortunately, the base does not offer any Internet access during the evenings, so my academic work was essential put to a stop. This had the effect of limiting my participation in group work and discussion forums, as well as a lingering feeling of “lost”.
I often complain to course developers who provide online training of their lack of flexibility and for not offering more consideration to the students’ situations. CF members – and many private and public sector employees – are called upon travelling, often for week-on-end. This often results in the student been penalized as a result of limited Internet connectivity. I would assume that the MET program has student who also travel. (In my experience there have been a few.)
For many students, the choice between in-house courses and online courses boils down to flexibility; flexibility of access, assessment, participation and content. My last week has reinforced that the students’ situations must be given careful consideration when developing online materials.
Laurie 🙁
Comments
2 Comments so far
It’s cold comfort, but in general I don’t integrate forced group work into my own courses. But in this instance, for this activity, I am convinced it’s the best way to reflect an approximation to real-world practice AND maximize the scope to learn.
But it’s the only one in the course…promise.
Laurie, you’re right, this can be a major frustration at times. I’ve found ETEC565A to be the least group-focused course in MET so far, which has been a great relief. I have the added challenge of being in a far-removed time zone, which can further complicate group work. I’ve often had to travel while taking a course, and I’ve always found my group members to be sympathetic and flexible, so I’ve been able to make it work. It does take a very conscious effort to plan and work ahead though, so this can be a bigger issue when you have to travel on short notice.
I can so far say that I’ve worked on MET assignments in Japan, Canada, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Australia!