Reaction Paper

I believe that discussions are essential to learning. Discussions in an online class are even more important. Online classes lack the face to face interactions and conversations of a traditional class. Online classes depend on discussions to try and supplement these interactions and conversations. I think that learning can be done through online discussions and are beneficial. Online discussions allow everyone an opportunity to give their input and thoughts. In a traditional classroom people who are shy hardly ever participate. They are so nervous about talking and speaking in front of others so they sit quietly, hoping never to be called on. Online classes take away public speaking fears and allow shy, quite people to have a voice. Online discussions also ensure that all students are participating in the required reading. In a traditional classroom some students are tempted to skip the assigned reading in hopes that the teacher will not notice their lack of participation. In an online class all students are required to post meaning that all students have to read. I think online classes and discussions hold students more accountable. Another benefit of online learning is that students have the opportunity to think and reflect about what they want to share with the class. Having the opportunity to sit in front of you computer and type out a response forces students to reflect on the points in the reading that they felt were the most important.



The only negative to online discussions is the lack of interaction between students. Questions, ideas, suggestions, and input all have to be typed and posted. The response time is slow. There are no instant ideas or revelations being made. I do miss that instant input you have in a traditional class. Most people are more willing to share and discuss more in an actual conversation than they are typing on a computer.


I think that critiquing a peers work can be challenging but is important. Every time you critique a person's work, you run the risk of offending them. I think that by the time students are in college and graduate school they are confident enough in their work and are not bothered by the critiques of others. This semester the critiques I have received have really been beneficial. My group members have made great suggestions that I have taken. On the webquest assignment I received several critiques about ways to enhance my student newsletter. The critiques I received were great! My group members gave me suggestions that I would not have thought of on my own.

In order to be succesful at online discussions and an online class there are a few things I have found to be essential. First, the student must understand all of the discussions rules and guidelines. Teachers need to give some direction that they want the discussion to follow. Without this teacher guidance discussions tend to get off topic or become very breif due to students not understanding what to write about. After the student understands the guidelines and due date they must make sure that they read and understand the assigned material. Waiting until the last day to read and post is not a good idea. When students wait to do both the reading and posting on the same day, maximum learning is not achieved. Students are so stressed out about posting on time they do not take the time needed to really reflect on the reading. Taking a online class requires a lot of discipline. A student in an online class must be motivated to finish their work on time without the constant reminder from the teacher. This is my 4th online class and the change from a traditional class to online was tough for me. After 4 classes I finally am becoming more confident in my discussion skills and the skills that are necessary for success in a online course.