COM 410 with Renee Hobbs has introduced a whole new college course that I was never previously familiar with and it has been quite the LEAP for me (pun intended). From the start of this class it was a process for me to adapt and obtain the information needed in order to physically maneuver the course. On the first day, we were introduced to unclassroom.com and from there I gradually started to learn to navigate through the website. Once the semester started to pick up I became aware that this was more than just your regular online class. The class entirely projected what we were learning about. While most classes on campus you, show up, take notes, take tests, and do projects, this class was different and utterly interesting. In COM 410 we are completely committed to learning digitally. While we learn about the basic fundamentals of digital media and readings from Rheingold, we also participate in the same exact topics of what we are learning about. The class is composed of weekly Google Hangouts, assignments, social media communication, and digital resources which help enhance and further our understanding of digital learning.

 

The greatest message that this class poses is the idea that digital learning is effective, expanding, and essentially inevitable.

 

We’ve looked at many examples in class that displays how  digital learning helps students perform better in both the classroom as well as the real world. For example, computers give students immediate feedback, online learning programs provide the tools that cater to a specific student’s needs, and creative tools help engage students making it less boring than traditional learning. These programs help educators focus on other students, while also allowing the ability for other students to advance and challenge themselves. Not only is digital learning growing rapidly across the United States but it’s also expanding in our individual state of Rhode Island. For our LEAP 3 assignment, we had to interview a Rhode Island educator to gain more insight on their take on digital learning. After conducting this interview, it made me realize how many professors are pushing their students to go more digital. In high school, the highlight of my week was visiting the computer lab with my class to work on projects. It is now practiced in schools just about everyday, and in some cases, schools ever require their students to bring a laptop to school. Learning about educators pushing elementary schools, high schools, and college courses to go digital really brings light to the entire idea to students across Rhode Island. Our world is ever expanding with today’s advancements in technology and it is inevitable. There is no stopping the grounded traditional ways of learning, but with technology we can make it better. Communication is expanded through these different technological platform which help everyday tasks become easier. With this concept we can assume technology will continue to expand traditional methods of learning. Digital learning is new, exciting, and will continue to help us learn better every day.

The messages of this class have really stood out to me through the various methods we’ve used to learn about them. Learning about digital learning is one thing, but actively participating in digital learning makes it feel more real. Even if I am to miss a class, sitting down and taking my time re-watching the session is very very helpful. By using social media I can feel connected to my classmates without having to see them every day. By watching videos at my own pace, if I happen to miss class, I can go back and re-watch them and have time to form a genuine response to the discussion. These advantages wouldn’t be the same as if I was in a physical class. Although digital learning seems like the definite next step to furthering education I still believe that there are some concerns.

In class we’ve looked at many examples of teachers, administrators, and parents expressing concerns about digital learning and I have to agree. It is extremely important when making the transition to digital learning to test out and try as many methods as possible to see what works and what doesn’t. I am a procrastinator so given how this class works, it is sometimes difficult to stay connected with this class schedule. Whereas if I was to physically be in class I would be able to do my school work then. I sometimes have a hard time staying on track with once a week meetings online. I have a lot going on with graduation in December and I am sometimes quick to put this class on the back-burner. Even though it’s been hard to keep up I still really enjoy the content and variety of online tools I’ve learned in this class. As we push for more digital learning in Rhode Island it’s important to remember traditional methods of learning. This kind of learning is still so new so we need to be cautious and corrective as we move forward. This class has taught me a lot about myself as a learner and what things I need to work on. It has made me realize how important technology is in our lives and how it will eventually be part of our learning.

The most important thing I can do to increase public awareness of digital learning in Rhode Island is to educate myself about it. The more I know, the more I will be able to communicate it to other people. I’ve found myself talking and connecting with other people about the material in this class. When I tell my friends that I have to record myself sometimes for my online class they laugh at the fact that a class offers that kind of connection. It just goes to show that is what digital learning is all about. Testing out new methods of learning that are exciting and different will eventually reach out to everyone. All you need is those few teachers or students to learn about what it is to communicate what it means. After this class I feel confident about my skills to learn digitally and inspired to take more online courses. The concepts I’ve learned in this class will stick with me through school and even work in the future. Digital learning as become an extremely important part of my learning and should be able to do the same for everyone.