Learning Something New Everyday

In 1996 I returned to school, my husband wanted to take some courses, and began some art courses. I was a working Art Director and Graphic Designer at the time. Little did I know, at that time, that my real interests were in the area of computer information systems, and multimedia development. But I took a left turn at a required computer literacy course. "Wow, so that's how that works!" I had to know more. With each and every course I have taken since that time I have learned something new every single day. And I have come to realize that this is the real joy of education.

You never know where that "new" thing you are going to learn each day is going to come from. It may come from a fellow worker, instructor, another student, from the web, from making a mistake or from a course. I think this is probably the reality of learning-centeredness.

So what new things have I learned in this course so far? The readings have been so useful and enlightening. In some cases they have re-enforced some of the realities I have experienced. The research is always my favorite. I never get the time at work to research. I have learned about many new resources I was unaware of. Some may be applicable at my institution. I have learned about new approaches and strategies in online learning. I have learned a great deal more about why community is so important to the success of online courses. I have learned that the real beauty of teamwork is to provide a support system so each learner is not alone in their endeavors. They can rely on their team mates to assist them in leaping problems or issues they are experiencing. I have learned about the importance of clear and consistent communication. It allows others to be proactive and productive without a lot of questions. And I have learned about the reality of Web 2.0 versus the vision.

With every course that I have taken I have been able to use what I have learned immediately in my current position of responsibility. I just don't think you can get a better bang for the buck.