Just like the economy today on September 24th, 2008, my elearning bubble just had to burst. And boy did it! The last four weeks of the fall semester of 2008 have been miserable online. It was like the movie the Perfect Storm...Ya know that one where these seamen got clobbered by three hurricanes coming down on them all at once. This has been my Perfect Storm and my Katrina. But I got clobbered by four hurricanes, not just three!
Here are the components of my perfect storm: most of my students this semester are technology novices; for many, English is their second Language; and many of them have never taken an online class, much less an online art class. Finally, Blackboard, our online learning delivery system, has been having some technology challenges of its own. It has been the nightmares of all nightmares.
I have spent hours emailing panicking students who do not understand their assignments or how to turn them in. I have listened to students cry on the phone. I have been working 70 to 80 hour weeks with little sleep. Right now I have not eaten all day and I just became aware of it. How could all of this happen all at once. Could it be that elearning is not for everyone? Stay tuned for more...gotta get something to eat.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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3 comments:
Loved reading your blog. I felt so many similar emotions about being 'online' for the first time a few years back. Wow. It really brought back memories. Even the digital picture story.
Keep it coming Diane.
Paulette
Hi Diane ..it sounds like you're having a difficult time with all these students .. people don't concentrate do they? they don't take the trouble to learn .. & sit & work through their problems .. if it's their degree .. they must learn the basics .. including English if necessary .. gosh you must be dealing with so many languages .. good luck & I'll be interested to see your progress in the elearning Bubble burst ..
Diane,
I'm glad you are going to get something to eat. You have to take care of yourself no matter what. My philosophy is never to work harder my student's education than they do. Hope you are operating under a similar philosophy. I know that I get frustrated with the technology but in my courses I have not had any trouble at all. I am loving this form of learning more and more every day and am really glad you choose to offer it.
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