Assignment 2

It has been a while since my last posting--a factor of being too busy, no doubt. :-)

Assignment 2 has been handed in and I have to say it was an interesting experience. Linking a technology trend to a learning theory and then doing a PowerPoint presentation to capture all the salient points was a very different type of assignment in my experience. It was a great way to pull ideas together in a succinct but meaningful way.

On a different note, one of the reasons I started doing this program was to learn more about the field in which I am working. I have never studied part-time while working before and have also never done a solely distance program. While I like the flexibility that the online courses provide, they do take discipline. The key is getting into some kind of routine to do all the work.

The most difficult thing for me by far, though, is the realisation that I could (and, arguably, should) be doing a better job on the assignments. The problem I am finding is that with so many commitments both personally and professionally it is difficult to really give 100%. Consequently I find myself having to say that something will have to be "good enough"--not a motto I would like to live by but is the reality of my situation now.

The first assignment has been uploaded. I cannot say that I am 100% satisfied with it but, as much as I hate to admit it, I am learning that sometimes when you are juggling several differerent aspects to your life there is just not enough time to do everything to one's best ability. Often it comes down to the best one can do at that time. Anyway, regardless of the mark, the experience and exercise of module 1 was very worthwhile and has given me a tool I will use in my daily work.

I am going to concentrate instead on module 2 and being better organized for that. This evening I listened to the Stephen Downes presentation provided in the course and he raised many good points, especially about the role of post-secondary institutions. Before posting anything I am going to take a day or two and let the information sink in, read some good articles on the trends and then wade into the discussion activity.

Gerona