Trying to 'be' a good online learner... is more difficult than it sounds. I think I have a little more sympathy for my own online students who are late, don't participate or see uninterested in online activity in their courses. This is because my own recent study experience has been spasmodic to say the least, and has been fits and spurts depending on what is happening in my life!

My own students come up with all sorts of reasons for their lack of participation or focus, most of them valid, and some that are just plain creative. As an experienced tutor/teacher I should manage my own study better, but with a mix of family requirements, teaching demands, work responsibilities and life in general - I am genuinely more sympathetic (and empathetic) to my students problems.

When we are expected to be involved online learners, participating and interacting, it is challenging to do this well, and to keep up with the study required through the reading, thinking and assignment preparation. I am a great believer in the journey (the process of study) not just the destination (the academic credit). However, there are times in life when the destination seems far in the distance and the journey a bit of a nightmare!

However, one of the reflections from this course has helped to think about and make some decisions about my lifestyle, and to take more control of my work and extra activities, to curtail or limit some of them to make room for the learning and participation. So for next semester...here's hoping!