While completing a website design course online I reflect on how this type of learning affects me as a learner and teacher. This type of distant learning has benefited me in many ways. First I would say that it forced me to troubleshoot more than usual. When I am in a course and I get stuck, I always ask the instructor for help. When I was working on projects for my online course from the comfort of my own home, there was no one to help me. Because there was no instant response from an instructor, I was forced to just keep trying and trying until I succeeded. This was a great experience for me because I realized that I can figure things out on my own. Although it took longer than if someone told me how to do it, I feel the benefit was greater because I really owned it when I had to figure it out myself. I know I won't forget what I just learned, because I didn't just get the answer from someone else.
This style of learning also affected my teaching. Usually when a student is stuck, I feel the need to quickly intervene and help them out. After completing this course and learning for myself, I realized that I need to back off and give my students an opportunity for this same experience. Sometimes I just tell them, "Hmmmm, I wonder how you do that? What do you think?" Then I wait for them to come up with ideas. Then I say, "Good idea! Try it..." This gives them the space they need to find the answer themselves. I am very grateful for this type of learning experience.
