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What is one idea from the readings or videos we’ve looked at so far that you disagree with, and why?
One learning challenge that I have always encountered is how to manage online learning while taking multiple courses at university. This has been a learning challenge for me because online learning requires one to be determined and self-motivated. In addition, I have always experienced a high cognitive load when I try to learn and understand new and complex concepts after attending long lectures and labs at the university for the whole day.
Firstly, I struggled with this learning challenge because the learning process was not well structured for my case. I realized that without a learning structure, it was easy to fall behind. However, I managed this learning challenge by changing my learning strategy. I divided the content into smaller sections to minimize my cognitive load. Secondly, I started to set my own deadlines so that I could create my own learning structure. I also started using social learning to discuss concepts with my Tech club members (during club meetings) and classmates, which helped me understand the material better. By combining structure, peer-interaction and achievable goals. I was able to stay motivated and understand the material better. These strategies reduced stress and improved my focus.
Share a story about your best learning experience. Why did you enjoy it?
One of my best learning experiences was in a computer science CSC 130 class, where we were taught the basics of web development. I thoroughly enjoyed this course because i was able to see outputs on the webpage. Every time I was coding, I could see the effects on my webpage, whether it was a webpage layout, a special feature (dark mode) or any API bug. The instant feedback while coding made my learning more engaging. Another reasoI enjoyed this course s the professor, who taught and supported me in building my first coding project, a crypto price tracking webpage. This was a huge confidence boost, as I could see real-time price updates on my website. His explanations were clear, and whenever I was stuck on a problem, he would guide me step by step, so I could have a better understanding. The supportive learning environment encouraged and helped ma t to learn from my own mistakes. Overall, this was my best learning experience because it combined hands-on practice, collaborationand ear instruction. Seeing my progress made the course both enjoyable and effective.
Hi Kshitiz! I totally agree that taking online and in-person courses at university is quite difficult to manage! I’ve taken at least one online course almost every semester so I have time to work part-time and also find it very overwhelming until I’ve built myself a schedule to tackle the online content. Motivation for online courses can be very difficult when you aren’t seeing peers weekly to discuss how the material is going and to talk about any difficulties you’re having
I loved your example of how your work paid off when building the crypto website! It can be very difficult to find motivation when you don’t have tangible results from your work. I liked how you said that this real-time experience was one of your best learning experiences, because I’m the same way! Doing assignments that feel pointless often doesn’t come with motivation and excitement. Maybe as you continue to do assignments, try to determine what the outcome you’re building towards is to try to find motivation!
Hi Kshitiz,
I really related to what you shared about managing online learning alongside a heavy course load. Your point about high cognitive load after long lectures and labs really resonated with me, especially how unstructured online environments can make it easy to fall behind. I liked how you explained breaking content into smaller sections and setting personal deadlines that’s such a clear example of applying cognitive strategies to manage learning more effectively.
Your use of social learning through your tech club also stood out to me. That connection with peers reflects connectivist ideas, where learning is strengthened through interaction and shared understanding rather than happening in isolation.
I also enjoyed reading about your experience in CSC 130. The way you described seeing immediate output while coding perfectly illustrates how feedback and hands-on practice can increase motivation and confidence. That mix of experiential learning, clear guidance from your instructor, and the freedom to learn from mistakes really shows how powerful good learning design can be.
Thanks for sharing such a relatable and practical reflection it made the theories feel very real.