Human Relations

Oscar Suero Martinez

Hello Class,

In the 21st century, technology is mother of all advancement throughout our life progress. Today, we are living in constant changing environment in a very fast-paced mode. A person can be all around the world, with a cellphone, tablet, or laptop; and keep in contact with their loved ones and friends just by calling, texting, or sending through email a simple “Hi!”. However, with so many advancements and featuring’s that technology have to offer, sometimes people will lose the sense and manners of what is an actual conversation. Attending studies utilizing online learning features, promote collaborative learning and students’ interaction (Pilati, 2004). However, in order to kept students’ interaction and motivation; it is required planning, coordination and implementation of a curriculum (Godfrey Mayende, 2017).

Collaborative learning process is something that can improve our communication skills in distant learning classes. The tools that the university have are great as well as the classes, however, I noticed that in the time that I have been here I have never got to work with group for a special assignment or a collaboration for the week forum. That will be something that could enhance our learning cohesion while making assignments interesting. I know and understand that we all have different schedules and responsibility, but still, it is something that can be added towards our learning progression. For example, a good assignment would be getting segregated for the next week forum and make group post or paper, where each one of us would be required to be in contact after classes to discuss which is the topic selection, main ideas, who is going to present a particular topic, and things like that.

Video conference can also be something to be implemented to distance learning class. However, I believe that long classes without constant feedback will not be that useful since students may get distracted or bored. Hence, specific information or related topics can be explained in short videos with a better and vivid explanation on how the linked with each other. Another source of improving interaction with students is by having an accessible live chat, that pops whenever someone have a question or wants to discuss something related to the topic but more informally, therefore, students can create instant feedback. In my personal opinion, posts requirements are great but students and in the present time are already accustomed to chat and give react in the moment (Alhadlaq, 2016), and that’s where chats can become really helpful. It will be important to set ground rules in order to prevent any type of fault of respect or bad wording. All comments should be treated and expected to be with the same caliber as in main forum.

References:

Alhadlaq, I. (2016). How technology influences communication. International journal of scientific & engineering research, vol(7)-961p. Retrieved from How Technology Influences Communication (ijser.org)

Godfrey Mayende, A. P. (2017). Improving Communication in Online Learning Systems. Research Gate, 300. DOI:10.5220/0006311103000307

Pilati, P. J. (2004). Ensuring Effective Communication in Distance Education. Academic senate for California community college. Retrieved from Ensuring Effective Communication in Distance Education | ASCCC

Response

PORTIA GYAN

In order to improve communication and prevent physical isolation in a world filled with technology, we as individuals will have to reestablish the habit of the traditional face to face communication, we can also use video communications such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype and other video call mediums. Regular text messaging, phone calls and social media platforms are good ways to stay in touch, but it may hinder us from noticing most of the nonverbal information the other might be trying to communicate with us. I prefer to look at people in the face when communicating because some facial expressions say one thing while their verbal responses say other. Technology has reduced the quality of human interactions in so many ways. However, if we implement the above listed strategies, we can bridge the gap that has been created in the quality of our interactions. We can all agree that these strategies can keep us interactive and in touch with the people around us whether far or near, even though it might not be physical.

Response