Reflections of OMDE 670,

This was the most important course in the masters program for students, especially for me. It marks great achievements and growth in the subject and signals a beginning to practice in the field. This has also been the most challenging course, as it does not incorporate much of Wedemeyer's empathy theory. During my research, Mills, R. (2004) put this in perspective, stating (paraphrased), learning doesn't have to be difficult because one is at the graduate level. It is not necessary to have to jump hurdles to be successful or to reach the finish line. This was one such course—very stressful—for this learner, and why my focus in learning will always be to incorporate the concepts from OMDE 608, learner supports in distance education and training—integrating just enough technology to offer learner support. From the beginning of my online learning journey, my concern with this mode of delivery was how to meet students where they are when learning takes place in different spaces and time. Holmberg, (2009) also put this in perspective stating, "helping students to learn is any educator's most important task... that must be considered at the planning stage" (p. 46).

My experiences as a second timer in this course left me feeling that I had accomplished very little; therefore, I continued to struggle with expectations and course requirements. Instead of working to bring many of the assignments to expectations I retook the course with many of the same mistakes or misdirection. This was partly due to the nature of feedback received. I submitted documents that never received feedback and no explanation of why or feedback that was not clear. In several instances feedback was received untimely causing frustrations because of the t...

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...res more W/C's and perhaps technical assistants who provide learner support other than with the technology. Too many assignments overlapped as far as due dates, the additional supports would help met time constraints which is not the concept learned in my studies—no place or time constraints. I personally would have liked to see the course staffed with more tutors for students or the integration of different types of technologies to assist students in the writing and research process, for example writing software that provide more than plagiarism checks. Since online or distance learning is about the integration of technologies, as learned in OMDE 608, technologies should be utilized to provide a more inclusive learning experience.

The course has been an educational experience, helping me appreciate more the conventional or blended mode of learning. Thank you.