Great expectations
HE 5050 - I've learned more than I expected - about myself and adult learning experiences.
Initially, I decided to take a course so that I could relate better to the adults who come to my office for assistance. Many of them have been out of the classroom for a number of years. I suspect that some of them were marginally successful in high school or college so they are hesitant to take the leap and try again. I considered a class from the community college (free tuition) or one of the classes offered by ASU at HMHEC. First, I had to find a class that would not conflict with my work schedule and my "other time commitments" like church, parents, Rotary, sleep, etc. This is the same for almost everyone who comes to my office. I have access to the names of the courses offered by ASU early in the year and when I saw HE 5050 I thought it might be interesting. I called Sandy and asked about the process and before I knew it, I was registered. The process was easy - especially with a little help from my friends.
The first night of class I felt like the new kid who just moved to town. I recognized several of the students. They are continuing with classes in their cohort. They thought I was there to welcome them back for another semester --- what a surprise to find out I wasn't leaving! It was exciting and it also made me nervous to actually be back in a classroom after 20+ years.
Moving to the computer lab and beginning to immediately learn about the "new world" made it all real. I felt lost! Information overload. Fortunately, I took lots of notes -wrote down user names and passwords - and enough key words to keep up with everyone else. By the end of the evening, I was excited about this new world and feeling overwhelmed by the experience. I immediately went to my office to download AET Zone - before I forgot how to do it.
By the end of the second day, I was fairly confident that the technology would not be a significant hindrence for me but all the background theories and terminology were missing from my database. As other students listed theories, technologies and attributes of adult learners, I sat quietly --- trying to assimilate all the new names and terms. Time for homework! I ordered the text, began reading and started to feel more comfortable. Reading all the blogs and the discussions added to my sense that most of us in the class were "in the same boat". We were all floundering around -looking for guidance and finding support from each other. That was part of the process, but it made me uncomfortable, especially when I read that "I will let you sink" (which turned out to be a typo -- not was missing!)
By the time the class met for the third time, I was again feeling comfortable with my decision to return to the classroom. I have gained so much by getting to know my classmates. The action learning process has been a valuable tool - both for building those relationships and for learning. I have felt the frustration of getting lost and I have felt the pride of figuring it out (with help or by myself). I still did not have all the names and faces matched up, but I wasn't a total stranger.
The semester is not over yet. I expect to continue to build on what I have learned about my project and the technologies available to assist me as a facilitator and instructor. I know I will be a much better counselor --- I have experienced life as a student again. I am surviving! This class is the best of both worlds. We meet together and we also communicate using the available technologies. I will be able to help others talk about their fears and I'll be able to share my experience with them. I may even show them around the commons!
Now, back to the book and on with my project. This semester will be over too quickly. I have to get this done!
Initially, I decided to take a course so that I could relate better to the adults who come to my office for assistance. Many of them have been out of the classroom for a number of years. I suspect that some of them were marginally successful in high school or college so they are hesitant to take the leap and try again. I considered a class from the community college (free tuition) or one of the classes offered by ASU at HMHEC. First, I had to find a class that would not conflict with my work schedule and my "other time commitments" like church, parents, Rotary, sleep, etc. This is the same for almost everyone who comes to my office. I have access to the names of the courses offered by ASU early in the year and when I saw HE 5050 I thought it might be interesting. I called Sandy and asked about the process and before I knew it, I was registered. The process was easy - especially with a little help from my friends.
The first night of class I felt like the new kid who just moved to town. I recognized several of the students. They are continuing with classes in their cohort. They thought I was there to welcome them back for another semester --- what a surprise to find out I wasn't leaving! It was exciting and it also made me nervous to actually be back in a classroom after 20+ years.
Moving to the computer lab and beginning to immediately learn about the "new world" made it all real. I felt lost! Information overload. Fortunately, I took lots of notes -wrote down user names and passwords - and enough key words to keep up with everyone else. By the end of the evening, I was excited about this new world and feeling overwhelmed by the experience. I immediately went to my office to download AET Zone - before I forgot how to do it.
By the end of the second day, I was fairly confident that the technology would not be a significant hindrence for me but all the background theories and terminology were missing from my database. As other students listed theories, technologies and attributes of adult learners, I sat quietly --- trying to assimilate all the new names and terms. Time for homework! I ordered the text, began reading and started to feel more comfortable. Reading all the blogs and the discussions added to my sense that most of us in the class were "in the same boat". We were all floundering around -looking for guidance and finding support from each other. That was part of the process, but it made me uncomfortable, especially when I read that "I will let you sink" (which turned out to be a typo -- not was missing!)
By the time the class met for the third time, I was again feeling comfortable with my decision to return to the classroom. I have gained so much by getting to know my classmates. The action learning process has been a valuable tool - both for building those relationships and for learning. I have felt the frustration of getting lost and I have felt the pride of figuring it out (with help or by myself). I still did not have all the names and faces matched up, but I wasn't a total stranger.
The semester is not over yet. I expect to continue to build on what I have learned about my project and the technologies available to assist me as a facilitator and instructor. I know I will be a much better counselor --- I have experienced life as a student again. I am surviving! This class is the best of both worlds. We meet together and we also communicate using the available technologies. I will be able to help others talk about their fears and I'll be able to share my experience with them. I may even show them around the commons!
Now, back to the book and on with my project. This semester will be over too quickly. I have to get this done!
posted by keyholder @ 8:31 AM
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