In cyber space no-one can hear you scream

I feel that my blog will serve two purposes this year. One to reflect on my activities throughout and engage in the course material. But two - to reflect on online learning and how this module differs from the last.

I was talking about scaffolding (ah yes Salmon and  H807, I haven't forgotten you), and in the context of this new module it is interesting. I started my OU journey with H807, Innovations in E-learning. This was a wholly online course, well planned and run , with lots of scaffolding. At this point, one week in,I had met with my fellow students online, chatted with them and started talking about the course content. Currently, I feel like I am back in the 1990s, when you get your package of materials through the post (although this is a huge bone of contention, as many people have not received this yet), and it's up to you. The tutor has welcomed us, and I have posted a message on the module forum (which is already looking messy) but it doesn't feel like I am part of a wider community. There is indeed a Facebook page but at the moment its not really appealing to me.

Now - this is interesting. I don't like the Facebook page as a medium. Why is that? Is it because I am a bit snobbish? Facebook to me is only inhabited to stay in touch with my close friends and family. It's very informal and it usually makes me smile. My friends offer fun, laughter and inspiration. I have never used it in an educational or work context. In fact, I logged in to the model page using my work account (no picture , no friends). I felt that I did not want strangers to have access to my normal Facebook account. So here I am, managing my online appearance! Maybe my dislike of the Facebook will change as I get to know people. Maybe it won't. For me my fellow OU students are exactly that - fellow students. Therefore I want them to be student colleagues and not friends. 

So,is this the traditional isolation of the distance package of learning but in a modern context? 

Understanding Children's Development and Learning (ED841)

Hello blog. Sorry I have neglected you.
It has been over a year since my last confession.

However, here we are halfway through the Masters. Since 2012, when I was but 1 point away from getting a distinction on H800: Technology enhanced learning, Practices and debates. Since then mostly time has been spent focusing on work and my it's been a busy year.

But time to get the brain back into focus. This time a new direction. Since MAODE has opened up some alternative modules I have decided to dip my brain into developmental child psychology and focus on children rather than adults for a change. After all my job involves both children and adults.

As well as learning some new stuff about psychology, it will be interesting to reflect on online interaction with this new group of students. I am moving from a module that was 100% focused on online learning and interaction with fellow students in a virtual land was a vital component. Now, we are entering a more traditional OU landscape, where despite material being available online, you get a package delivered. Already it seems that most people interact via the facebook page - a more informal approach allowing students to share more of the personal highs and lows of studying. So as well as reflecting on resources, I shall be reflecting on the personal journey and what this group of people and study afford by way of technological adaptions.

So the kindle is loaded up with Block 1 materials and we officially start next week. New year, new look.