Lindsey DesRochers

UCSP 615 9011 Section 2175

June 17, 2017
Reflection 2

Reflection 2

As far as viewing myself as a learner, I have always been the student that in F2F courses

needs to attend every class, sit in the front in order to fully attain the information, and then rely

heavily on my notes and memory to enhance my understanding and knowledge to analyze what

Ive learned. I am a very proactive verses reactive learner. I learn best through visual and

kinesthetic means of teaching techniques. However, in online learner, I often chose my areas of

strengths and seem to be more of an observer first before I take leadership. Im able to, as an

online learner, have the time I need to digest the information and content and then create more

solid work that I am proud to post or submit. I am able to set the pace which I feel supports my

own success.

Through my prior knowledge of distance education but also that of what Ive learned thus

far, part of the student success I believe, comes from the students autonomous efforts in using

the resources that are provided to us. The Library Guide was most useful and continues to be for

my assignments through this program. I have already used articles from ERIC and the Digital

Library but also am excited to still dive into the other websites and resources within this one-

stop-shop resource provided to us as students. Some of the websites listed triggered me to search

for others like it for my first assignment as I searched for those that would support and enhance

my thesis and beliefs along with our course readings.

Lastly, I believe my preparation for online learning is high. As a current leader and former

instructor in distance education, I know that the time it takes to successfully complete a distance

education course is highly underestimated; it is me, the learner, who must take the lead. In

addition, my score on the preparedness test was well within the range of You should have no

difficulty with distance education courses. You have a pronounced sense of autonomy and self-

direction (Robert Kizlik & Associates, 2014). This did not come as a surprise to me but it made

me feel confident that my struggles are real and that I am aware of the obstacles present and

future. However, knowing this and actually doing it are very different. This has so far, been the

most difficult part about distance education but also why I chose this form for my Masters. I

work full-time, have two young children, and a family to support and make priority. Fitting my

education in as a new priority has been a struggle but one I know I am confident about and proud

to continue. I am hopeful that the end result with outweigh the struggles by far.