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 🙁