Challenges in my Online Class

The online learning experience has been enjoyable and challenging all at the same time.  The biggest challenge of an online class for me is missing the face to face learning experience of the typical educational setting.  This includes but is not limited to the interaction with the instructor and the other students in the class.  I enjoy the conversation that is held on the discussion board but for me I miss the face to face conversations.  I find it a bit more challenging for me to engage in the discussions only because it is easier for me to respond verbally then it is to type them up and post them.  I am not totally in to the posting the discussion.  It is just not as personal as the classroom discussions.

 

However, there are some wonderful benefits to the online class setting.  If it were not for the online setting I would not be able to take a class at this time.  I have 3 young children and pastor full time so that takes up the majority of my time.  I also live about 3 hours from Harrisonburg, VA.  The online setting is a very convenient way for me to obtain further education.  As a pastor I feel it is important to continue learning and at this point the online method makes the most sense.  Yes, I do find it challenging sometimes to make comments to others post I have greatly enjoyed the conversations we have had on the discussion board for the class.  It is a great way to connect with other who are in a similar position as me and that makes for some good learning.  Even though there is not direct contact with the instructor of the class they are available for conversations either through phone or email.  Overall, the benefits outweigh the challenges of the online setting for me and I look forward to continuing my education via the non-traditional classroom setting.

 

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