Class+Portfolios+RaisaAhmed

= Introduction: =

** I am a fourth year majoring in Political Science and though I am not minoring in Education Studies, I think it is important to know what technological advancements are being made in education these days. I also think it is important to assist the younger generation in their trials and tribulations through high school in order to make the transition from high school to college a smooth one. This course in online distance education was particularly interesting to me because I was not aware that online high schools existed. I knew, from personal experience, that online university courses are available, however it was pleasantly surprising to learn that one can receive their high school degree online. I think it will be a great opportunity to not only learn what high school distance education is all about but also to help current online high school students advance in their academic goals. I was part of a mentoring program in high school where I helped freshman student’s transition from middle school to high school, and I would love to assist perhaps high seniors in their transition to college. I hope to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of online distance education as well as explore in great detail what particular computer skills may be necessary in certain online high school courses. For example, in class we recently learned how to become part of a wiki. Before coming to this class, my internet knowledge was quite limited and I hope after this class, I can teach others the wide array of things one can actually achieve online. **

Shared Writing Thoughts:

 * I believe the aspect of shared writing is especially helpful when one is taking part in group projects. It is basically an online forum where each group member can edit, delete, or even add more to whatever their group member has written. It is basically a regular dialogue except it is not one that is heard; instead it is a dialogue online. I think it is especially helpful for groups who are not able to meet all at once due to schedules or geographic locations. However, I think it is important that credit is given to those who did the actual work and I hope that shared writing is able to recognize who did what in each group.**