Reflecting on Distance Learning

At this juncture in my academic career, I have become pretty proficient at successfully completing distance learning and training programs. While working on my undergraduate degree I began experiencing hybrid courses. During the courses, I would attend face-to-face classes once a week and all other work would be completed asynchronously. I completed my graduate degree online at the University of North Texas. I found the flexibility of the program agreeable to my constantly changing schedule at the time. The choice of an online doctoral program was an easy one. I am capable of being self-directed in my work, and with the advances in online communication options, I am able to better develop relationships with my classmates. Between my graduate and doctoral programs, I would say I communicate more frequently with my doctoral cohort and classmates through the use of email, text, and Slack.

In the wake of the pandemic, education professional development moved online. Even now professional development is largely conducted online in my school district. I have found that I enjoy summer professional development being online as it allows me to stay home with my children. Prior to the normalization of online professional development, I would have to arrange childcare, which was a headache. The convenience factor is a major motivator for favoring online professional development.

From an educator's perspective, being an online special education teacher was challenging. I was not properly trained to develop online material for my students and their individual needs. I learned a lot on the go, I had to be creative to make the provided technology meet the needs of my students.

My overall opinion about distance learning and training is positive. As a student participant in distance learning environments, I thrive. As an educator, I know that I still have room to grow, but I am proud of how much growth I have shown during the pandemic.