Getting an Online Degree

¶ … Success

The author of this report has been asked to answer to several questions about how the online classroom manifests and what it should be like. The items that will be discussed will included how the online classroom setting differs from the traditional classroom setting, how the lack of non-verbal and visual communication in an online setting could perhaps be a hindrance, the planning that should be undertaken for an online class, the time management that will be necessary for an online class, the importance of effective communication in an online class and the effective use of technology in an online class. While online class opportunities have been a boon for learning overall, there are some potential or unavoidable tradeoffs that must be navigated and addressed.

Analysis

As noted by the parameters and description for this assignment, there is something to be said for the structure and support that is present in a standard classroom. This dynamic stands in stark contrast to the much more free-form and liberating aspects of an online class. While online classes do not restrict and control people like the structure of a regular class and a regular classroom, there are some people that need or do better with some structure. On the other hand, there are those that do not need or want such structure and are actually better off when it comes to classroom situations that are self-paced. Indeed, many students can complete classwork ahead of time in that they can do lessons days or weeks sooner than other people could do it. Similarly, some people need a full hour of tutelage from a professor to do a lesson plan while some people may just need a few quick questions answered. For those reasons mentioned above, people should be careful before assuming that online classes will work well for them because the structure and in-person nature of the communication and teaching may be necessary (or at least more optimal) for that student to succeed (Reiss, 2014).

As for the other four items mentioned in the introduction, the author of this report is to formulate a strategy to deal with planning, time management, effective communication and effective use of technology. As far as planning, the concept of due dates and such is much the same but the "due date" is usually at the end of the day in question. Beyond that, there is no hard and fast time (i.e. during a regular class schedule) to do the work. As such, the author of this report would need to schedule time on or before day something is do. Preferably, it should be a day or two in advance and not at the last minute. On the same note, time management is all about doing things with time to spare rather than rushing them and perhaps getting sloppy (Reiss, 2014).

When it comes to effective communication, online learning is very much about using message boards, emails and maybe the phone. Since there is little to no face-to-face communication, it is important to use sarcasm, emotion and anything that could come across as the same very carefully. For example, typing in call CAPS would send the wrong message most of the time. Along those same lines, technology for school needs to be used in an informed and well-trained way. Improper use of technology can lead to hurt feelings, inconsistent message and improper results (Education World, 2015). The author of this report will take all of the above (and below) statements and lessons to heart to the extent that online learning is used and employed by the author.