Professor Elam

Sunday Jan 22 2011

Much is being made about on line or hybrid education. One would think this is the first away from the classroom experience that has ever occurred. This is hardly the case. 

The Industrial Revolution of the 1820s and 1830s brought the need for professional training into focus. As Ben Franklin had created a post road system an industry of correspondence education quickly grew to meet the needs of the day. When one is reading a book at home or in the library or at a coffee shop, one is 'on line' and engaging in distance education. Ever think about that? Classes were conducted by television or more recently video taped lectures for years. A big chief tablet is an ipad without a battery, never needs charging. So what we are really talking about is a difference in delivery systems not concept.

You will determine your education outcome. Your use of the tools available will determine your success. Okay as I write the football games are about to come on. No doubt you may have a get together with friends  to watch. That is fine, now, when did you prepare for class tomorrow?

I got up early this morning like every morning and finished my market letter, I did my workshop proposal yesterday morning for the SWTLC and am meeting another prof this morning to discuss a joint presentation. You should have already finished your review for class tomorrow.

Most students however put this off until Sunday night, a poor plan if a plan at all. By that time your faculties are not what they were in early morning especially if you consume an adult beverage or two during the game. And you are obviously running out of time if you wait till then to start. And you cannot e mail me or anyone else for help at 10 PM sunday night, well you can e mail me but ….

it is necessary to have a time and place for regular study. Regular study means reading the book with an outliner in hand, outlining learning objectives, attempting problems, making notes in the margin, etc. 

Yes I have heard the stories about how millenials multi-task, I have not heard any evidence that this is a good idea. You need a quiet, well lit place to study without  interruptions

Plan for your success now, you will not regret it.