Educational Experiences

Educational Experiences

My educational experiences have involved face to face learning environments as well as online.  No matter what format a student participates, the communication between the student and the educator is key.  In a face to face learning environment the educator is more readily available to the student to answer questions.  In an online class the communication with the educator is a little more difficult, and the student has to use critical thinking to complete assignments.  I say this because following instructions are not the easiest thing to do.  When I say this, I mean that a person could get several meanings out of assignment instructions that might confuse them.  Without the professor there to answer questions, you have to exercise your critical thinking skills.

Online classes are more convenient for adult learners because they can take classes from home.  Being able to take classes at home is a big deal when you work a fulltime job, and have a family.  Sometimes life doesn’t provide enough time to travel to a face to face learning environment.  For this reason, I think that technology is heaven sent.  Without online classes I probably wouldn’t be able to pursue a doctorate degree.  Communication with the professors could be time consuming based on having to wait for a response, but at this level it is assumed that one should know how to follow the course rubrics.  Discipline is the key with both face to face learning as well as online, but online classes takes discipline to the next level.  The educator is not there to hold your hand, and ask if you completed your homework assignment.  For this reason, online education might be better for the mature.