reflection paper comparing and contrasting the two formats of the class
You have an opportunity for 25 Extra Credit points for writing a reflection paper comparing and contrasting the two formats of the class, the face to face that we had during the first half of the semester and the online format that we had to switch to because of COVID-19. Please note that if you write a reflection, some of what is written might potentially be used in a research paper comparing face to face with online formats. However, if such a research is conducted, all writers will be anonymous and the identification of the writers will not be shared or used in the research. By submitting this extra credit reflection, you agree that some of what you write could be used in the potential research mentioned. Other than earning 25 extra points, whatever you say in this paper will not negatively, nor positively impact your grade in the class, so please be honest and freely express yourself.
Guidelines for the Extra Credit reflection paper:
Write a 2 to 3-page reflection comparing and contrasting the face to face of FLAN 3440 to the online class of FLAN 3440. Some of the areas/themes that you need to address are below with some potential questions that may guide you, if you need guidance. However, feel free to address the themes whichever way and order you want:
1- Using the book, reading the chapters
Was there a change in your usage/reading habits?
What might be some reasons for your answers above?
2- Lectures effectiveness:
Which of two formats did you prefer?
Usefulness of the power point slides
What might be some reasons for your answers above?
3- Engagement
When (in which format) did you feel more engaged in/with the class material & why?
In which format did you feel more engaged with your fellow classmates? How?
Which of the two formats made you feel part of a community of learners?
Which of the two formats you felt required more preparation from you?
What might be some reasons for your answers above?
4-Procrastination
When did you feel that you procrastinated more doing your assignments?
When did you feel that you procrastinated more taking the quizzes?
When did you feel that you procrastinated more reading?
What might be some reasons for your answers above?
5-Class Discussions
Which of the two formats did you prefer (discussion in class or the online discussion boards). Why
In which of the two formats you felt that you were more personally /intrinsically motivated to participate? Why?
Which of the two formats were more helpful for your personal growth?
Which of the two formats helped you better grasp the class material?
In which of the two formats did you feel you were participating more?
Which of the two formats allowed you to express yourself freely?
In which of the two formats did you interact more with your fellow students?
6-Stress Levels
If you are able to keep the COVID-19 caused stress aside; how would you compare your stress levels and anxiety between the two periods/formats?
7-Your General Attitude towards Online Classes (not just this class):
Talk about your experience/or lack off with online classes. (Did you previously take online classes? What is your general attitude to online classes? Did your attitude change after your experience during the second half of this semester? How would you evaluate and feel toward the move to online classes the second had of the semester? After your experience the second half of this semester being forced into online classes, if you had a choice, would you chose online or face to face?)
8-Technical Difficulties
Did you experience/face differences in technical difficulties? How?
What aspects of technology usage did change if any?
9-Other
Any other areas of comparison that you would like to discuss such as study time and time dedicated to class. Work schedule changes if it impacted the class in one way or another.
All responses should be uploaded to blackboard under EXTRA CREDIT reflection location (same place where you uploaded reflections 1, 2 and 3). All extra credit reflections should be uploaded by May 6, 2020 midnight. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. This is a purely personal reflection about your experience in this class in the two formats that we had to use. Your reflection is not an academic paper about online learning, so no references or citations needed.
