Well, there are experiences and then there are experiences. It all began in the Summer of 2006 with one class in Young Adult Literature. I hadn't formally applied to the SCILS program yet, but I was testing the waters to see whether this "librarian thing" was as interesting as I thought it would be. It was love at first sight. Since I had zero computer skills, the online learning experience was a small adjustment, but the course itself was great. The next class, Children's Literature was just as enjoyable, so I decided to apply to the SCILS program.
I formally began in January 2007 and that's when it hit me... this is serious work. Suddenly, I found the classes intense and demanding. I found myself writing 40 page research papers and reading many times late into the evening. More challenging than learning theory and searching principles, were struggles with new concepts like excel, access, html, CSS which all should be, as far as I am concerned, four-letter words.
Over time, the strain has become evident -- I have begun to let things go, nothing important, just things like housework, health and personal hygiene. Takeout has been a dietary staple. My brain has lost its ability to keep everything all in one place and speaking coherently is impossible. Thank goodness my children are older and don't need much attention, because they wouldn't be getting it from me. My husband, God bless his Swedish roots, is stoic, but my dog, already a separation anxiety sufferer, is crippled with loneliness.
Do I regret my decision? Not for a minute. Really. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people through these classes. I would never trade this experience and I am going to be sorry to see it end in the Spring.
Go to my Flickr page to see my educational experience up close and personal. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lascils598f08/
See my classmates photos and learn about their experience
http://www.flickr.com/groups/scils598f08-edexperience/
I formally began in January 2007 and that's when it hit me... this is serious work. Suddenly, I found the classes intense and demanding. I found myself writing 40 page research papers and reading many times late into the evening. More challenging than learning theory and searching principles, were struggles with new concepts like excel, access, html, CSS which all should be, as far as I am concerned, four-letter words.
Over time, the strain has become evident -- I have begun to let things go, nothing important, just things like housework, health and personal hygiene. Takeout has been a dietary staple. My brain has lost its ability to keep everything all in one place and speaking coherently is impossible. Thank goodness my children are older and don't need much attention, because they wouldn't be getting it from me. My husband, God bless his Swedish roots, is stoic, but my dog, already a separation anxiety sufferer, is crippled with loneliness.
Do I regret my decision? Not for a minute. Really. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people through these classes. I would never trade this experience and I am going to be sorry to see it end in the Spring.
Go to my Flickr page to see my educational experience up close and personal. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lascils598f08/
See my classmates photos and learn about their experience
http://www.flickr.com/groups/scils598f08-edexperience/
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