Due to its relevance to our class material and current events, I’m going to discuss aspects of taking online classes through Oregon State. I was able to begin classes again online in Summer of 2021, and have been exclusively finishing my degree online. The variety of classes I’ve taken since returning have provided me with insight into my own educational preferences and illuminates some of the wider reaching implications of loosely standardized e-learning implemented by professors with varying degrees of buy-in and knowledge.
One experience that stands out to me has been the intuitive learning homework software used by many of the math/STEM courses. It has come a long way even in the several years since I previously took classes like this. The software for my calculus class is able to figure out where you’re stuck, and on what specific aspect. It provides you with targeted instruction and example problems, as well as identifying and filling knowledge gaps left by differing levels of previous instruction. Students who are taking the class can work on their homework and learn with assistance at any time, on their own schedule. The individualization is what sets these programs apart. For each wrong answer, the software walks the user through the correct solution in a very detailed manner. For something like math it’s really beneficial especially when we don’t have an in-person instructor or TA to ask.
Other experiences that I haven’t enjoyed as much revolve around the expectations of certain group work in online classes. I understand the need to quantify someone’s ability to work collaboratively, that’s not the issue. It’s clear that some professors dedicate more time/instruction to their in person classes, and that’s to be expected to a certain degree. But things like simulations really don’t seem to translate well to an online class, unless they’re individualized. I don’t find it educational or motivating to have my grade tied to things, (simulation raw score), and other people’s performance that are, in many ways, out of my control. In general I don’t think enough information or role definition was provided so we felt lost at the beginning.
