This was the last assignment of unit 3, so it started out with completing the unit 3 review sheet. Next, we had to review the term project instructions, identify 2 possible projects and presentation media, investigate the resources I would need for these different options. Then, I had to post about all of these options and resources on the discussion board. Finally, I had to upload the review sheet as well as the term project options document through an assignment link.
As mentioned previously, the review sheets are cumulative, so I had to input information about units 1, 2, and 3. Unit 1 asked about previously feared technologies that are no longer feared, so I included the written word, chess, the phonograph, newspapers, novels, umbrellas, bicycles, pencil erasers, and pocket calculators. Unit 2 asked about the 5 fundamental principles of learning in which higher education capitalizes, which I included that it can lead to better mastery, can optimize performance, can deepen memory, can promote critical thinking, and can enhance writing skills.
Unit 3 asked me to list five challenges that college students face today and how Internet-based education can tackle each challenge. My first challenge was unaffordable tuition costs, which internet-based education can tackle this by creating more MOOC’s, or online courses, that are free or have a low cost to take. My second challenge was expensive textbooks, and internet-based education can tackle this by not requiring textbooks for their courses, or providing all of the necessary materials online for free for all students in the course to access. My third challenge was lack of sleep, and internet-based education can tackle this by setting assignment due dates in advance, allowing students to work at their own pace, rather than working late into the night. If they are tired, they can go to sleep and not have to worry as much about waking up for an early lecture or exam.
My fourth challenge was having classes too early for optimal cognitive functioning. Internet-based education can tackle this through its flexibility, as having all the materials online means that students can work on the course when they are at their own time of peak cognitive functioning. My fifth challenge was the lack of open and accessible education for everyone. Internet-based education can tackle this through the utilization of MOOC’s, or massive open online courses. These courses can be taken by essentially anyone so thousands and thousands can learn from them.
For the course review, my 2 possible projects I listed were the daily journal as well as a detailed overview for middle school or high school students. My 2 possible presentation media were a blog and a website. I investigated the resources I may need for these projects, and I realized I really would just need my computer as well as access to the course website and google.
Reflecting on this assignment, as always it is good to review information from previous units. Going over information from unit 1 and unit 2 allows me to continue to master the concepts we discussed earlier in the semester.
Building off of this, reviewing the current unit was valuable because it was fresh in my mind. Through articles, posts, and chats, we have been very focused on the issues surrounding college in this unit. This review brought this topic back and allowed us to offer solutions to these problems, which made us apply our knowledge to come up with new ideas.
Additionally, limiting my term project to 2 options and 2 media was a good idea because it allowed me to narrow down the possibilities of what I wanted to do. Going one step further, investigating the resources we may need for each project was helpful, because it helped put everything in perspective. For me and my potential options, very limited resources are needed, so I felt confident that I could manage either of the options I ended up choosing.
As I have mentioned before, these review options are not focused on learning new material. They allow me to look back as well as plan for the rest of the course, which I appreciate when I have the time to do that. Rather than jumping right into the next unit, this assignment gave me a smoother transition. I look forward to diving into unit 4!
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