1
Christopher Pace
English 111-048
Reflection Essay
October 15, 2013
How Participating in Online Classes Has Changed Me
These online courses have helped me overcome my fear of technology. I was unsure of myself at first, but I quickly became used to using e-mail, bulletin boards, and chat rooms.
I have learned how to do Internet research. I had never used the Internet for research before. I had always gone to the library and looked everything up in the card file. I have been out of high school for approximately twenty three years, so things were old school back then compared to now. The search engines on the Internet are faster than looking things up manually. The search engines even let the researcher search for articles containing key words that are related to the subject being researched. Just a few years ago, a person would have had to scan an article or book themselves to see if it related to their topic. I have noticed that not all search engines are created equal. Yahoo and Google are my favorites. To get a broad range of information on a topic, it is best to use more than one search engine.
From taking these online classes, I have learned that my preferred learning style is visual. I learn best from reading the material and seeing charts and graphics. If I am unsure on the spelling of a word, I write it down several different ways and choose the one that looks right. I am happy this is my learning style, because on-line classes are almost exclusively visual.
From the temperament sorter exercise, I learned I was a guardian protector. I have always been goal-oriented and have usually known what I want out of life. I also want to fit in with a group. I feel that I have accomplished this with these classes so far. We all want to improve our lives, and hopefully our paychecks. Guardians, besides wanting to fit in, are always searching for security. I am not insecure, but am trying to become more self-confident.
The most diligent of all types, Protectors are willing to work long, hard hours quietly doing all the thankless jobs that others manage to avoid. Protectors are quite happy working along; in fact, in positions of authority they may try to do everything themselves rather than direct others to get the job done. Thoroughness and frugality are also virtues for them. When Protectors undertake a task, they will it if humanly possible.
Another aspect of my temperament is that I am introverted, sensing, feeling, and judging, but I am an administrator. These individuals are "characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their need to be needed." That is exactly like me. And I have never thought of myself as that way. However, I do not get taken advantage of. I think that is because I want people to like me so much but I will not give in to a person in order to feel like I am accepted and wanted. People cannot easily take advantage of someone like me. This knowledge of myself will help me in the future. I will think twice bef...
