Virtual Learning Environments

Considering Josephine’s question, “What platform was the first online class that you took and what was that like?  Did you think this was an effective platform for creating rich learning experiences?”  I wanted to respond that my first online class was a Women in Film course I took during my undergrad career.  The online portion of the course was administered via Blackboard, and based on Linda Harasim’s definitions of the categories of e-learning, I would say in the example of that course, our online component was operating in adjunct mode.

We had one day a week where our film screenings took place, and another class was devoted to discussion.  We used Blackboard in order to post our thoughts on the films in review format (a weekly exercise).  I remember very much enjoying reading what others had to say about the films, especially those who didn’t speak up very often during class (this touches on the article’s point about how distance learning can create equality, giving more shy class members the opportunity to compose their thoughts).

However, in general I would say that the platform was not as effective as it could have been; a lot of what was covered was redundant – most people simply re-stated what they’d already said in class – and it felt like an afterthought most weeks.  Because of this, no one really engaged in a discussion in the boards; rather, we all simply went in, posted our required post, and logged out.

I think that this example of an e-learning environment could have been made more effective if the professor had created specific discussion points and assignments for Blackboard that helped to enhance/extend our conversation with each other, rather than simply having us re-hash what we’d already gone over.  It would have been a good place to perhaps compare themes to other films we’d seen, or to post relevant articles/examples of things that we didn’t get to discuss in class.  I think this would have opened up the boards for further dialogue between the class members, which I think is a key element in rich learning experiences.

I’m curious to hear about others’ first experiences with online classes as well…Henry mentioned being relieved that this course was not in Blackboard, so I’m especially curious to hear about others’ experience with that as well.

Take care!