Well, that's over.\n\nYou feel like you didn't learn much today. You spent a full 15 minutes on Twitter and you missed the Professor's question to the class — you actually knew the answer, too.\n\nOh well. You're done with lecture for the week, and it's just an online course anyway. It's not like it's a big deal if you don't pay attention the entire time.\n\nBetter [[get ready for work]]. You'll worry about class later.
Day 35: You got a C+ on your midterm.\n\nYou didn't fail, you tell yourself.\nIt's just one exam, you tell yourself.\n\nYou might have given up on college last year, but you've <em>never gotten a C before...</em>\n\nEh, it's just a MOOC. [[Don't sweat it]].\nThis is still college. You should [[try to do better]].
Adventures in online education
You wake up, reach over and whack the alarm clock until it ceases blaring. 7:00 am — you weren't built to get up this early, and besides, who's brilliant idea was it to decide that mornings were good for anything but sleeping in?\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://www.catster.com/files/grumpy-cat-morning.jpg"></html> \n\nWhat's another ten minutes? [[You roll over and close your eyes]].\nLe sigh. You're awake, you might as well [[get up]] and start your day.
Day 56: You slept though class last week and had to guess on most of the second exam...you're not going to be happy with your score.\n\nIt's not that your class isn't interesting, it's just hard to really pay attention to your MOOC. Not being in a physical classroom makes it hard to take your class seriously, and while you know that the "grades" you get on exams are just to help you gauge whether or not you understand the material, you know you're not doing well.\n\nMaybe you won't log on next week. Maybe you'll take a morning shift at the bookstore. Maybe you're not cut out for online learning, especially with hundreds of other students taking the same class — it's just not the same as learning in person.\n\nYou head to the kitchen to stare out the window and ponder what you will do:\n\nYou decide to [[email the professor]] and discuss your options.\nIt's too late in the term — you tried, but the MOOC life [[just isn't for you]].
Alright. You're actually fine (enough) now, and you go about your regular routine. A hot shower and three rounds of shampoo go a long way, and you're feeling almost sprightly as you dry off and choose your outfit:\n\nDress for success, right? Better get out the [[business casual]].\nEh, it's college, not a board meeting. [[Sweatpants and flip flops]] it is.
You suit up, button up, and arrive in your "classroom" promptly at 7:55 am.\n\nYou flip open your computer and open the website the counselor gave you. \nAfter a few tries (and few sips of coffee, black, three sugars, left on your desk from yesterday) you get the right username/password combination.\n\nOne deep breath. This is it. With a subtle tug to straighten your shirt collar, you hit submit and [[enter the MOOC]] for your first lecture.
You take the promotion and start saving up for night classes — going to class in person seems like the way to go, and your friend Stephanie (Meyer) tells you there's some interesting people enrolled in night classes at that College on the Hill:\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/thebsnarkc/69366280/6176/6176_600.gif"></html>\n\n(Then again, maybe you take books a little too seriously sometimes........)\n\n
You drag yourself to the computer, but your coffee cup is empty. Well, you have 10 minutes. Better make some more.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://i1.wp.com/dribbble.s3.amazonaws.com/users/209133/screenshots/741414/dribble_gif.gif"></html> \n\nShoot, it's 8:01 and you're just logging in. Good thing this is a MOOC and no one sees you [[walk in the back late]]...
loading...loading...loading...\n\n<em>"Welcome to learning in the 21st century, class. I'm Professor Tabel and this is Psychology 115."</em> \n\nYou see the professor in the top left corner of the page. Underneath is the digital textbook you'll be reading, while the right side of the screen is split between a powerpoint presentation on the top and an empty box below with the words:\n\n<em>"Interactive lecture elements will appear here. Monitor this space throughout the lecture for opportunities to respond to questions and interact with classmates."</em>\n\nHuh. This is kind of cool, actually. You take another sip of stale coffee. The Professor speaks again.\n\n<em>"If you're ready, please click the 'I'm here' button to complete your attendance and let's get started."</em>\n\nYou [[click the button]] and watch as the attendance counter rises, slowly at first, then faster...until the number settles at 673.\n\nWoah. This isn't Kansas State anymore.
It's only your <strong>second</strong> first day of college. Don't panic. This is good. This time, you'll be fine. This time, things will be different.\n\nYou look yourself straight in the eyes and [[begin chanting]] that mantra, over and over.\nNaw-uh. Nope. NO-ville. [[What were you thinking?]]
<strong>BEEP BEEP BEEP</strong>\n<strong>BEEP BEEP BEEP</strong>\n\nUgh.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://buzz.longwood.edu/files/2013/12/snooze.gif"></html> \n\nIt's morning (ew), and you're probably going to be hung over after last night (double ew). Oh yeah, and it's the second day of your class. So much for Manic Mondays at the brewery down the street.\n\nYou grudgingly get up and get ready, bad attitude and all. You open your closet to pick out some clothes:\n\nYou just <em>cannot</em>. Hello [[sweatpants]].\nWell, you can't un-drink last night, but wearing your dressy new outfit might help a bit, so you [[put it on]].
Day 56: You aced your second exam!\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cheering_minions.gif"></html>\n\nThis MOOC was a good idea. You're engaged in the material, and you really like having the flexibility of attending lecture anywhere you have internet access. You're actually excited to "go to class" now, and you really enjoy the online discussion groups. \n\nHaving a few hundred classmates means there's always lots of different questions and points of view, and you've gotten to meet people from all around the world without leaving your living room.\n\nYou note the time — better get to work. You took an early shift so that you can attend your digital discussion group tonight in preparation for the upcoming final exam.\n\n[[Onwards and upwards]].
Day 14: Who would have thought you could learn so much from an online course?\n\nYou like your MOOC. Being able to watch the Professor speak and view the slides on the same screen is convenient, and dressing nicely for class these past few weeks has helped you to take online college seriously.\n\nBeing comfortable in your own home makes it easier for you to ask and answer questions in your MOOC. You never talked this much in your regular college classes. \n\nYou hear your phone in your bedroom (you left the room without your phone? This is new). You get up to check it, and it's your friends wanting to do something fun. \n\nYou're a [[better]] student than you were last year — you've earned a break!
Okay. Maybe you're okay?\nNOPE. You can feel the panic welling up inside you. Oh, crap. \n\nYour heart is racing.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://www.netanimations.net/My-heart-is-racing-gif-animation-image.gif"></html> \n\nYour knees are weak.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4149/5445016384_0953aeba04_z.jpg"></html>\n\nArms spaghetti.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/359/267/f0f.jpg"></html>\n\nThere's only one way to [[fix this]].
Round Two
Well, that was ... something.\n\nYou stare out the window, lost in thought as you make another cup of coffee. \n\nClass was, well, class. The Professor, friendly enough, talked. You took notes. Read Facebook. Took more notes. Checked your email- no, pay attention!\n\nThe lecture ended eventually. The next one is being simulcast at 8:00 again tomorrow morning, and then you're free (save for homework, which you complete electronically) until next week. Piece of cake, right?\n\nYou check your phone, sip your coffee, and get ready for your shift at the bookstore in a few hours.\n\nWell, [[you're a college student again]].
Well, that was ... something.\n\nYou stare out the window, lost in thought as you make another cup of coffee.\n\nClass was, well, class. The Professor, friendly enough, lectured. You took notes. You checked Facebook- but just once. Feeling the stiff shoulders of your biz-casual outfit reminded you that, while you may be listening to a lecture in your own living room, you're still a student...and you should probably pay better attention. Responsibility, and all that.\n\nMaybe things really <em>will</em> be different this time.\n\nEither way, you have to work at the bookstore in a few hours, so you turn up the news [[and open your planner]] to write down your homework for the week.
You decide to get serious and get back on track. This is college, and you want to do well this time.\n\nYou finish all your homework early this week, make up some of the readings you skipped before the midterm, and you write the Professor to see if there's anything else you can do.\n\nHe writes back and thanks you for your efforts, and suggests you join the class' online discussion room for a group study session tomorrow.\n\nWhew, you're feeling [[better]] about this already!
Calm down. You've got this.\nCalm down. You're an adult (legally, anyway). You've GOT this.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://static.squarespace.com/static/527a4320e4b0536ab6ec1dc5/529652d1e4b008c3d65eef19/529652e5e4b008c3d65f03f8/1376450320000/calm-down.gif?format=original"></html> \n\nSee? You start breathing normally. [[You're fine]].\n
You sit down in front of the computer. You're a full 10 minutes early — go you!\n\nTime to [[log in]]. Maybe you'll even ask a question today...
<strong>BEEP BEEP BEEP</strong>\n<strong>BEEP BEEP BEEP</strong>\n\nUgh.\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://buzz.longwood.edu/files/2013/12/snooze.gif"></html> \n\nIt's morning (ew), and you're probably going to be hung over after last night (double ew). Oh yeah, and it's the second day of your class. So much for Manic Mondays at the brewery down the street.\n\nYou grudgingly get up and get ready, bad attitude and all. You open your closet to pick out some clothes:\n\nThere's the dressy new outfit you picked up last night — better take your MOOC seriously and [[put it on]].\nEh. You're not in the mood, and school's going to be a drag today: [[sweatpants]] it is.
Day 84: It wasn't easy..........but you passed the final and you will receive college credit for your MOOC!\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02586/SMILING-QUEEN_2586311b.jpg"></html>\n\nYou may have been unsure at first, but you pushed through and did well. You didn't know if a MOOC would work for you, but you worked hard and remained focused and you're on your way to finishing your degree.\n\nCongratulate yourself on a job well done, and start picking classes for next term. Maybe you'll try Architecture, or Spanish, or Computer Science...or maybe, armed with some newfound confidence, you'll give in person classes another chance. Who knows? \n\n<strong>The end.</strong>
<html><IMG SRC="http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj8lvwibvw1qcex98o1_500.gif"></html> \n\nYup. You went there. But now [[You're fine]].
Ahh, yes, you were built for soft pillows and cozy comforters. You close your eyes and quickly drift off.\n\n<strong>BEEP BEEP BEEP</strong>\n<strong>BEEP BEEP BEEP</strong>\n\nDidn't you just shut that thing off? You roll over, glare at your electric tormentor through blurry eyes...and realize that today's <em>the</em> day. SHOOT.\n\nToday you start college, again. You [[get up]], internally fuming, and half run, half stumble to the bathroom.
Sam Rauschenfels
loading...loading...loading...\n\n<em>"Welcome to learning in the 21st century, class. I'm Professor Tabel and this is Psychology 115."</em>\n\nYou see the professor in the top left corner of the page. Underneath is the digital textbook you'll be reading, while the right side of the screen is split between a powerpoint presentation on the top and an empty box below with the words:\n\n<em>"Interactive lecture elements will appear here. Monitor this space throughout the lecture for opportunities to respond to questions and interact with classmates."</em>\n\nHuh. This is kind of cool, actually. You take another sip of stale coffee. The Professor speaks again.\n\n<em>"If you're ready, please click the 'I'm here' button to complete your attendance and let's get started."</em>\n\nYou [[click the button and watch]] as the attendance counter rises, slowly at first, then faster...until the number settles at 673.\n\nWoah. This isn't Kansas State anymore.
Day 14: Well, you didn't manage to log in until 8:30 am, and you missed the discussion of last week's homework. Oops.\n\nYou're still in your MOOC, but it's hard to take it seriously, especially when you don't have to shower or even get dressed because you can just sit in bed with your computer.\n\nYou wonder what it would be like to take this class in person instead. Did you pay more attention when you tried college that way? You can't remember, although you're pretty sure you showered more often when you had to leave your house for class...\n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://media.tumblr.com/1c630bab0aadd1dd133dae18900873c9/tumblr_inline_mk89wtwZV91qz4rgp.gif"></html>\n\nOh, your phone just went off. Better check it — you'll [[figure out school later]].
<em>Thank you for your message-\n\nI'm afraid it's just too late in the term to catch up. Being a student in a MOOC is not as easy as might be expected, and it may in fact be more difficult than traditional classes because MOOCs require focus and dedication to responsible, independent learning.\n\nBetter luck next term,\nProfessor Tabel</em>\n\nWell, that settles that. The MOOC option [[just isn't for you]].
Today's lecture went well. \n\nYou felt good in your new clothes ( you didn't even have to worry about the tag you forgot to cut off), and you didn't bother to check Facebook during class. You used the "ask the class a question" tool for the first time — and the Professor thought your question was great!\n\nYou would never have been brave enough raise your hand and ask a question on the second day if you were in a classroom full of students. Maybe this MOOC thing has more than one advantage.\n\n[[Go you]]!
Day 84: You would have received your final grade today, but you aren't at your computer — you decided not to finish your MOOC after you did so poorly on the second exam.\n\nYou've made peace with your decision not to finish your online course. It was difficult for you to concentrate when you weren't physically in class, and having hundreds of fellow students was overwhelming. You know there are benefits to the MOOC system, like open enrollment and the ability to take classes wherever you have internet access, but the system didn't seem to work for you.\n\nThat's alright. After working some extra shifts at the bookstore your boss has offered you the day manager position, which includes a snazzy new uniform (suspenders, anyone?) and a pay raise. \n\n<html><IMG SRC="http://www.teen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/one-direction-louis-tomlinson-suspenders-funny-lol.gif"></html>\n\n[[Hey, that works, too]].
You shuffle into the living room, flip open your computer and open the website the counselor gave you. \n\nAfter a few tries (and few sips of coffee, black, three sugars, left on your desk from yesterday) you get the right username/password combination.\n\nDripping some of yesterday's coffee onto your sweatshirt (good thing no one's going to see you) you take a deep breath, slide down in your chair, and log into the MOOC [[for your first lecture]].