The Thrill is Gone.....

The reality of taking a graduate course has hit. After 2 days in class I feel terribly unprepared for this course. I didn't know where to look for a syllabus or about how to pre-order the textbook. Several of the other students came into the room prepared for this semester. (I finally did order the book today). Since it is a holiday, I'll try to read (and remember) as much about multimedia methods as I can before next week.

On Saturday, when everyone else started listing theories I recognized several names (Maslow, Behaviorial) but had no idea what or who they were talking about most of the time. My learning curve will be very steep. First, have to learn how to navigate the Commons and all the different tools available there to carry on an on-line discussion. At the same time, I need to hit the books and re-read all the things I once knew about adult learners plus find current sources about all the new theories that are being taught! Yikes!! Will I be able to do this? I know I have the intellectual ability to do the work but so many things have changed since I was last a student. I have probably forgotten most of what I once knew. Plus, I have plenty of "life commitments" pulling me in all directions. (Whine, whine...................)

Our small group is getting together in the Commons on Wednesday at 5 -- if we can all remember how to get there. I think we are all planning to buy the headsets so we can talk rather than type -- I think I'd like a hard copy so I will be able to review what everyone else talks about and suggests. Maybe that is just part of feeling old and forgetful! I'm sure I'll be taking lots of notes.

Now I know the real purpose of this blog is to reflect on my project ideas and the Action Learning Planning Process. In my position, I talk with many adults who think they want to go back to school (community college), earn a bachelor's degree or work on a graduate degree. Many, like me, have been away from the classroom for years. Some have lost their jobs while others are looking to build their resume before the next round of layoffs. Some actually want to learn, just for the sake of learning. Up until this point, I have not been able to really talk with these potential students about what it feels like to return to class. I have new answers for some of them!

For those of us who use technology every day at work and often at home for recreation (shopping, e-mails, etc) or information, you would expect it to be an easy transition into a classroom using technology. So far, I'm not so sure. For my project, I may do a case study; "How to use what you already know to be a successful student in the 21st Century" - using only one case, me!

I want to do more research on the different ways instructors teach and the technology used by ASU, WCU, CVCC. The more I know, the more comfortable I will be in talking with other students about the ways instruction can be delivered. Many people with whom I speak remember learning with a teacher in the front of the class, some small group discussions, and writing papers using a typewriter and erasable bond paper. When I needed to do research, I'd ask the librarian to so an ERIC seach and I'd pick it up a few days later. I'd find the books, journals, or microfiche articles and take them home to work on my paper. I'm sure some of that still happens, but I know there must be more efficient ways to handle it.

Anyway, what I hope to do is find a way to demonstrate the different ways information is now available. If I can find a way to expose them to the various teaching methods, I think they will be more likely to take the leap and apply. Going back to school is a big step for me and many others. I've seen many others succeed. Now it's my turn.....and with any luck, I'll be able to share my experiences with others and help them along the way.

Well, so much for my first reflection. I hope you can understand my run-on sentences and mispelled words. At least you don't have to try to read my handwriting!