As I conducted research for my paper, Assessing Students Through Distance Education, I came across an interesting situation.  While several studies found that there was no significant difference in achievement between face to face (f2f) participants and their online counterparts, there was a significant difference in the satisfaction of the two groups.  Multiple studies found, as an aside, that online students were less satisfied with their learning experience than those who met f2f.  This certainly could be attributed to the fact that the participants in the studies were experiencing online classes for the first time and thus were coping with change.  Or, it could also be that online classes truly offer a less pleasant experience than the personal f2f option (for the same tuition dollars, I might add.)

In my own experience, I find this to be true.  This term I am taking my first online courses (2 + the required Introduction to Graduate Studies.)  I am definitely working hard, and yes learning, but I don’t feel connected.  I have posted to the discussions, and responded to others’ posts, but I don’t know anyone, and I’m certain that no one knows me.  Obviously being known is not one of the course objectives, but it has always been a part of my educational experience.

Perhaps this blog assignment will help our class get to know one another a little better.  But looking back over this blog post, I find nothing funny, and well, that’s just not me.  Seriously 😉