I enjoyed writing a blog and reflecting on my learning as I experienced course readings. I feel this exercise was a good way of stepping back and looking-in on my assigned coursework. I have noticed that the more I read about distance education, the more excited I become to eventual teach the material. 

I have tried commenting on my fellow classmate’s blog with no success. The blog I have tried following is kimcookjames.blog.com. I created an account with blog.com and tried posting an initial comment however, I was unable to post any insight. Perhaps my classmate has yet to begin this assignment.

I look forward to continuing my distance education endeavor.

-Eric

I thoroughly enjoyed our assigned readings of Module 3.  I feel I gained a more detalied knowledge of course design and technology use.  As well as a better understanding of the differences in content development and course delivery in distance education versus traditional classrooms.  On a personal note, i have just finished writing a compartive essay for OMDE 601.  The essay juxtaposes differences in distance education among a developing country and a developed country.  Everything I am reading and learning is broadening my knowledge base on distance education.  To be concluded.

-Eric

I have just finished my first writing assignment for OMDE 603.  I thoroughly enjoyed writing this paper. I was able to analyze two different types of software DesireToLearn and Wimba.  I discussed these programs pedagogically and technologically as they relate to asynchronous and synchronous methods of distance education.  While both software applications have benefits, it is interesting to note, the limitations of both are illiminated or minimalized when combined in platforms such as Blackboard Collaborate.  More to follow.

-Eric Belt 

I have just caught-up in my required readings for Module 2a and 2b.  Unfortunately, I am unable to respond in the conference section of WebTycho as the deadline has passed. 

In regards to Open Educational Resources:

I agree with the majority of my classmates in the idea that content does not equal education.  As I was reading both articles by Bates and McGreal I thought of "playing the guitar" as an analogy.  I can play the guitar but I would not consider myself an expert.  I could read as much free or open information about playing the guitar but this would not help in practice.  The content OER provides must be put into practice to be considered effective.  There is a wealth of information available to us as students.  We need to apply the information read and learned, and put it into practice in order to gain an education.  Distance education institutions facilitate this educational gain, and as such, there are associated costs.  "Nothing in this world is free" is a applicable concept in regards to distance education.

My thoughts on blogging as an educational tool:

I was of the opinion that blogging was out-dated.  Bloggers were older individuals who needed a forum and a place to hide.  After reading the articles from Kurtz and Porath I am of a different opinion.  There are many educational benefits to blogging.  Some of these pros are critical thinking, collaboration, retention and expression of thoughts.  Students can benefit from a blog because it allows a less formal forum and can create a learning environment outside the classroom.

Current state:

I feel as if I am learning a lot about technology in distance education.  Blogs, wikis and virtual learning spaces were very foreign before I began this class.  I am still learning the effective practice of such mediums, and look forward to continuing my educational journey.  I will continue into Module 3 with an open mind and eye and strive to become a better self-regulated autonomous learner.  More to follow.

-Eric Belt

I believe my educational journey thus far has been somewhat of a roller coaster and I am excited to continue the ride.  To date, I have attended the following colleges and universities:

Essex Community College - Fall 2003
University of Maryland at College Park - Spring 2004
University of Alabama - Fall 2004 - Fall 2007
Towson University - Spring 2008 - Fall 2009 earned B.S. Business Administration
UMUC - Fall 2012 studying M.D.E.

I have experienced a wide variety of classroom settings and professors, and I could not be more excited about UMUC.  So far the classroom experience has been a monumental shift from what I was traditionally accustomed.  Hopefully, after I earn my degree I can move forward professionally/academically and become a professor.

As per my assignment, I will use this blog throughout the semester to document my thoughts on the work I am completing in OMDE 603.  I will post more directly related insights soon, but for now I just wanted to give a general introduction. More to follow.

-Eric Belt