http://www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/online-offcampus-studies/
I think the the fact that Deakin university gives students a choice of how they study is a good thing. As many people find different ways of learning better for them. We all have certain preferences that are best suited to us so it gives you that choice. I no many people working they would prefer going to the campus and recieve face to face teaching, whilst others would prefer just to sit at home and learn themselves through the internet etc. Some maybe dont mind and would prefer to experience both ways i think i would be one of these people as i wouldn't like to be constantly looking at a computer screen and learning through the internet sat at home all the time as i like getting out and interacting with people. Plus i find it easier raising any questions or queries with somebody face to face rather than online.
I think in the long run the fact that from 2004 they made everybody do one online unit is probably a good thing as it does give people that bit more experience with online technology and interaction. In our society today its probably most needed later on in life due to the constant change and development in new media and it will become most useful if you have some kind of experience as a lot of jobs etc today include some kind of online and computer interaction.
Although online interaction is good i think attending some on campus learning is also an important way of learning and develops your social and talking skills for later on in life. As you get practice in face to face converstaion and debates with people. I sometimes enjoy seminars rather than been sat at a computer blogging as i feel i get more feedback state away whereas with computer blogging you dont people dont always answer your questions. I think that seeing peolpes facial expressions or the tone you say something is important as it can help people understand something you are trying to say. You would not see this if you were having a conversation online.
Now i have some experience in online learning from this unit i can understand it more and can see how learning online is done before i may have found it hard as i was just so used to having face to face teaching as i was just used to attending lectures and seminars and sitting infront of a tutor.
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I think online learning can work very well for people who are maybe very easily distracted, very disciplined or like to work in silence in complete solitude. For me personally I prefer having people around me when I work as it usually sparks a debate (intentional or not) and questions are asked which develops our knowledge of a subject/text and improves my understanding of it.
I know though I am not disciplined enough to make myself work all the time to make online learning work in my favour all the time.
And yes I agree, although this unit has been great for letting us experience online learning, I still prefer face to face. And because of this experience it has been easier to understand both arguments/aspects of this article about Deakin University.
Iv got to admit that I very unsure when I started to this unit. I was wondering whether I would be able to get the most out of it and whether id actually learn anything at all!
But now that we know what we're doing I believe we've all settled into the process of blogging and can now complete the unit to the best of our ability. This is why I think Deakin University are moving in the right direction when it comes to New Media. Dont get me wrong, I agree with you aly that I dont think we should move completely over to this way of learning. We need to build up relationships with our lecturers in order to make communication easier and I believe the only way of doing so is completeing units on a face to face basis.
Yeh, I agree that relationships built up with tutors and peers definitely helps your progress at University as it becomes easier to ask questions and even question others opinions.
Helen,
I was interested to read your thougts on Deakin University here. I like your point about 'choice.'
Do you not think that students are taught enough about computers via school? Also, if Prensky is indeed right and modern day students are 'digital natives' ....do we really need an on-line course to enhance life-skills, as surely all students would be used to this way of working anyhow?
Some useful discussion has taken place as a result of your initial post - Good!
All the best
Emma
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