This session really taught me a lot. Two concepts were especially
significant for me:
The differences between online discussions and classroom
discussions really surprised me. I
had always focused on the negative drawbacks of online discussions, as I really
love grand discussions in a live classroom. But these girls taught me that there are actually many
benefits of online discussions!
Students have an opportunity to form more complex arguments. Moreover, the discussions are entirely
student-driven. Teachers are
almost forced to stay out. If
you’re anything like me, you’ve definitely experienced the professor who
promises not to talk for the discussion, only to pipe in more than anyone
else. The other super great part of online discussions the girls
brought up is that there are virtually no off-topic diatribes. In my adolescent lit class, it seems
that we spend approximately 10-15 minutes each class talking about the Hunger
Games movie. Those conversations
(although incredible enjoyable!) would not happen online.
The other thing I took from the session was that, although
counterintuitive, the Internet is actually humanizing. Yes, it allows teachers to
differentiate more easily and it allows people to connect across great
distances. This I knew and
understood. But what really stuck
with me is the amount of effort Gwaltney puts in to reach his students. I went to a very small college, with
classes no larger than 20 students, and that kind of personalized attention was
rare. Although more common in high
school, it still was not at Gwaltney’s level. I think online teachers are forced to make these kinds of
effort to make up for lost “face” time...but what people don’t understand is
that being in the same room does not add value intrinsically. If that effort isn’t put forth, then a
brick and mortar classroom is no better than a virtual classroom. However, brick and mortar teachers are
less motivated to make those efforts because they think being physically
present adds value.
What do you think?
What was your experience as an undergraduate/high school student? What do you see as the pros and cons of
virtual learning?
Ciao!
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