Learning with Vince =)

Learning an online language allowed me set out my key objectives in learning an Online Korean language course. However I over estimated my expectations and objectives thinking I would cover the whole 3 parts in 4 hours; managing only past part 12 chapter 12. This meant I learnt the basics of the Korean alphabet with some aspects of conversation such as greetings and introductions. For example Hello, how are you is said Annyong ha shimnikka and written like 안녕하세요? . The course consisted of 3 parts; part 1 consisting of understanding the Korean language, part 2 upon arriving to Korea and part 3 living in Korea. The course expectations involved leading how to read, pronounce and write Korean in a detailed and logically structured order. It began with fundamentals of grammar, vowels and punctuation and then progressed to conversation and complex dialogue. The outlined time duration was set to 4 hours however this did not take into account practice, revision or additional exercises. This was in the form of visual and audio instructions (flash dialogue/ animated lesson).

From a learners perspective the experience of learning Korean online was unlike a formal teacher and student personal setting as the program simulated text based instructions with a virtual classroom. The course itself became an interesting insight to understanding Korean culture whilst became an opportunity to challenge myself to learn through different styles that were simulated or artificial in a sense (virtual classroom and instructor). The course involved the key elements in teaching content, revision, practice and structure however it lacked the motivation and support required to emphasize certain points, information or provide guidance along with correction of pronunciation.

In reviewing my post I understand the difficulties and my lack of patience while interacting with technology. Though my resources weren’t dependable or reliable I understand that there are set backs in learning online such as limited resources and core understanding and skill to apply knowledge technology and learning online. The course itself challenged me to experiment with different methods of learning such as visual cartoons and audio which was an interesting form of interaction. Although it became a little repetitive and boring at times it gave me an opportunity to adapt to the programs teaching content and style. I highlighted in my post the good and the bad of the course having it become an insight to e-learning experiences it reflected the core advantages and disadvantages that e-learning has including time, accessibility, cost (free) and communication (support that came in the form of emails). This course I found required a sense of guidance and application from an experienced individual that would allow a transfer of knowledge and allow me to apply and correct my understanding of Korean.

I do believe I learnt the simplistic level of Korean though struggled a lot with having constantly double check and revise over the content. The course itself needs to be broken down, have additional guidance tool and also a means to be accessible and capable with all types of technology making it more users friendly. I enjoy that the structure and navigation features of the tutorial program. Additionally I enjoyed the program’s part 3 which I browsed through to learn was a Korean extension on content and basics that were found in part 1 and 2. Although I did not complete the course in the 4 hour period I understand that through online programs I could set a pace and use a variety of resources to further my knowledge of Korean topics/information in general.

The new learning styles have furthered my knowledge of methods of learning and teaching in education. It has become an interesting insight to technology as an application to learning/teaching or vice versa. It has taught me that learning styles require a combination of activities such as visual and audio with motivation and relevance to engage the learner. It is important thus to understand the limitations of the learner as well as taking into account resources available, accessible and capabilities of course content. This respectively shapes my preference in learning making it more interactive and broadening opportunities to understand information better without constraints such as time. Thus i conclude by saying that it has taught me to approach the korean language or languages in general with a range of resources in order to understand information and content better in the future.