To cut the story short, I ended up signing up so I would know what this facebook is (and why are my friends keep on inviting me to join this network). It took me a while to fully understand the purpose of facebook and I could not believe the enormous empire that was built through this social network site.
Well, I equate this new blogging experience for me to that of my experience with facebook. I am not really a writer person - I am more of a reader. I also don't think I have the ability to become a decent blogger. Sure, everyone can become a blogger, you say. Well I just hope you are right :)
My name is Honey and this is my first blogging attempt.
I'm currently working as the Project/Funding Coordinator of a community group called Migrant Action Trust, a grass-roots based organisation assisting migrants and refugees successfully settle in New Zealand.
I do love tinkering around the internet but I never really thought of harnessing the power of the Net to gain formal learning. I am quite excited (and afraid at the same time) to know more about on-line learning since the way I see it, it is the only way to go. Who knows maybe in the near future, physically attending "real schools" may only be a thing of the past.
Hi Honey.
ReplyDeleteI love your presentation. I am so scared to "press buttons" and thus chose the safe option for my blogspot. Awesome! you are doing well. Regards Ethni
Hi Ethni...Thanks for the reply and I apologise for being so laxed in replying to your comments.
DeleteI suppose we all suffer to some kind of "fear" in our lives. According to my teacher in Biology way back in high school, fear is a survival instinct and it always kicks in (at least to me) to be careful around environment and things that I am not familiar with. I remember the first time when I saw a computer (way back in 1988) and I was literally shaking when our teacher told us to 'press the button'. I was just so afraid that the 'thing' will blow up. And then I remember hearing the whirring sound inside the box and in my mind I said "OMG! It's a countdown to detonation! And I literally jumped in my seat when I heard the 'blip sound' and then a text or message was written on the screen asking the user to 'insert DOS'.
It still brings smile to my face each time I remember the 'bloopers' I made in dealing with technology. Yes, I did them all (deleting important files, transferring viruses from one disk to the other unknowingly, etc). Some mistakes were unforgivable (viruses)but then it was beyond my control (or I should have been more careful to have back-up files)in most cases. I think the worse experience I had with computer technology was when the computer I was working on crashed (unrecoverable hard disk failure) and all of my data were lost - and I was working on my undergrad thesis. I cried a bucket of tears - literally speaking. But what can I do? I have to get back to the 'drawing board'.
However, I take all those mistakes as "lessons learned" and I have to "charge them to experience".
Blogging, again, is a new experience for me. I read a lot of blogs but I never really considered the idea that one day I will have to know and create (and maintain) blogs.
Again, there are a lot of things to be learned about blogging - which includes formatting, content management, making it as "fun" and "engaging" as possible.
Hi honey
ReplyDeleteYou say you see online learning as "the only way to go'. I wonder if you have thought about the constraints for our sector and if you think that e-learning would be widespread in the Foundation sector in NZ?
Hi Fionna...
DeleteThank you for your comment.
I suppose I just said that "online learning is the only way to go" without really thinking about the implications or constraints of my statement in our sector. Nevertheless, I thank you for that comment because it got me thinking and reflect whether "it is really the way to go".
I made that statement having generation X on my mind - meaning most would be adults at this time and that they (including me) grew up on the era of computing technology explosion (if there is such a term). In my reply to Ethni, I mentioned that I've been using computers as early as 1988 and at that time the Internet is still on its 'toddler' age and that 'computer networks' were not part of the computer vocabulary.
Generation X is comfortable around technology and that they are more "open" to learn new things and easier to engage to try new technologies.
As a result, I pose the question "is online learning for everybody?" thus the question I am going to try to answer in my succeeding blog posting.
Hi Honey
DeleteMy question was not related to age or generation but the constraints of our sector (adult LLN). Many of our learners are in prison, in low level workplace jobs, or from low socio-economic groups with no access or ability to afford the technology. This is a constraint seen by many in the sector, what is often refered to as the 'digital divide'. It is more socio-economic than generational in our sector.
Hi Fiona...
DeleteThank you for your reply.
There exist many barriers (or reasons) why online learning is not for everyone. As everyone well know, there are some basic skills that one has to possess if that person is to become a successful online learner. Having the skills to use computing technology is one. Understanding and manipulating the online technology tool is one (e.g. understanding how internet browser works [internet browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari); websites, social networking sites, emails, Web 2.0, etc - it is quite a jungle out in cyberspace. Then the basic literacy skills (reading and 'writing' (or typing in this case)is also important as those that are found in the Internet are mainly texts (although there are a lot audio materials but I haven't found out if they are appropriate for those who are sight impaired people.
Assuming that a person has the these skills - then again the issue about "accessibility" also kicks in. Socio-economic barrier is one. For example, how much do you think a person should fork out to do online learning at home? One has to invest on a decent computer and to pay for the internet provider. The key question here is "Is online learning affordable for everyone?" Unless of course the Government decided to foot the bill of internet connection for everyone who enrols in basic adult LLN and that the Government subsidises the purchase of a decent computer to every adult learner. For the latter, I think Te Whananga provides a computer to every student enrolled with them, regardless of what programme you are enrolled in.
Accessibility also means the availability of that technology where the person is located. For example, I assume that in urban Auckland, access to internet is not an issue. However, it may be different if the learner lives in rural areas where currently there is no infrastructure yet available for broadband. Broadband currently provided by the telecom companies may be an alternative (e.g. Vodafone, 2degrees broadband or Telecom)however the cost of using such may also be unaffordable. For example, I know that for 2degrees, I have to pay $6 for every 10MB of data (both for uploading and downloading). So if say I use around 5 Gig of data every month for my studies, my internet bill would be around $500/month. Far out!
So I think online learning is not for everyone.
:) Honey
PS
For my first real blog posting, I am looking at the pros and cons of online learning and looking at the barriers (both for teachers and students) are facing in relation to online learning. For my second posting, I may also look into possible "solutions" to the barriers and the roles of the different stakeholders (learners, learning institution/service providers, central government, local government, the third sector, etc) on these solutions.
ditto
Hi Honey
ReplyDeletegreat to see the blog up and running. I enjoyed reading your story about getting into facebook and now into blogging. Keep up the writing- blogging gives you an opportunity to find your voice.
Hi Helen...
DeleteWill do. Thank you for the encouragement and being patient :)