Short Critique on the Class

Well, It is near the weeks end and I thought I better post this before I forget to do it, since I will be at the UK game most of the day tomorrow. Three weeks almost finished and I think I am just getting a handle on what to do. I admit this is my 5th online course and it is by far totally different then the other 4.

I have to admit the one thing I've really enjoyed is the blogging. Sometimes I catch myself basically typing them to myself. I don't feel like I have an audience, but rather it is just me trying to figure out how I feel about topics. It is a place to vent, a place to think, a place to learn. It is almost like a journal for those that kept them. I never did obviously or this wouldn't all be new to me. I find it really amazing that I never give my audience much thought when blogging. Audience is important when writing, but with these class blogs I just don't feel the pressure. I think the Doc is good about encouraging us to just participate and that helps me to not care about what others think. Don't get me wrong I appreciate comments, IM's, and other posts on the same topic. I've always thought discussion is a wonderful tool in the classroom. Kids teach each other and learn together during discussion. Online has the advantage of reading at your own pace and being more deliberate about what you say. I've just enjoyed the forum to let my thoughts and and peek into the thoughts of others.

But I guess I should be critical of the class and not just praise it. Well, I guess my only issue with the class is the amount of work. I don't think I really use more time in this class, but rather more thought provoking time. Some classes have you do mindless things like play games or simple stuff like answer multiple choice questions. We have none of that here. It is like everything we do is intense. I have to think all the time. I read and type, then read and type. It can be straining on the brain. I personally don't mind the pressure, but I could definitely see how others may struggle with it. My wife would hate this class. She loves to talk and chat, but the topics are complex and deep. Not typical chat stuff. No, I'm not dogging my wife. She is smart and wonderful, but just probably wouldn't like this class.

In the end I have to admit I like the idea of people failing and not everyone getting an A. That isn't how it should be. Everyone won't be excellent in there work. We should get what we earn and I've met teachers that don't really believe that. Shocking for some I know. Even where I work, I'm told to never give a Quarter grade below a 50. They say it becomes to hard to make up. Even when the kid earns a 15 I'm supposed to mark 50. Sometimes I go against the grain, but usually it isn't worth it. If they got a 15 this time what makes me think they will bring a 50 up next time. Just a vent, goodnight all.