MSLD 500_Module 9_Activity 9.4_Course Reflections Blog_Reyes,Cassandra

Reflect on the value of the course. Include both positive and negative aspects of your experience. What might you have done to improve your learning experience in the course? How might the University or your instructor provide additional support for your learning? Were there topics covered in this course that seem particularly relevant or irrelevant to your experiences and future?

There were a number of things I enjoyed in this course and a few things that I felt could have been done a bit better for the overall course. In Module 1, I enjoyed learning about the various different type of fallacies and reading the discussions my classmates posted on the fallacies they felt they had. In Module 2 I enjoyed reviewing the claim versus fact material as that specific assignment opened my mind on what the difference between a claim and a fact was.

I also enjoyed learning the difference between a body of information and a systems of thinking as this exercise also opened my mind to viewing the two types of information in very different ways. Another thing I enjoyed was being able to use the Hunt Library in a different way than I really ever have before. After learning all of the scholarly information the library held, it gave me a new outlet in looking up general information as well as valid and reliant information for my projects.

I also enjoyed the TED video by Sheena Iyengar on the art of choosing. I thought what she discussed and the way she spoke was very interesting as she was blind, and viewed the information in a very unique way. She gave me insight on the art of choosing and having options and the pros and cons of having too many or none at all. She held my attention in her speech much more than other speakers who were not blind and had more of an ability to interact with their audience.

I also liked the conspiracy theory assignment as I had seen a documentary on Amelia Earhart and enjoyed reviewing whether or not my classmates agreed or disagreed with the theories that were presented in the material. Lastly I enjoyed learning about good presentation design as presentations will always be an integral part of a business. I am glad I was able to use the Brain and Prezi so I may use these software systems in the future at my discretion. I also enjoyed the Blog submissions we have contributed to the course as it left a place for me to express myself in a more open way.

The few things that I would have changed would be the critical thinking test, as I feel the test didn’t really give a fair overall view of what we learned critical thinking was. I felt the questions were too broad and seemed to make it very difficult to what the answers would or could be. The only other thing I would have changed would have been the directions to some of the assignments. Some of the assignment questions or directions were very broad in general and it would have been nice to have a clearer picture of what was being asked of the class.

Overall I really enjoyed the course. It challenged me in a variety of ways and opened my eyes to a variety of views. While there were a few things I would have changed, I feel the course has helped me develop my critical thinking skills and has better prepared me for the next course I am looking to pursue in this program, as well has provided me with the ability to use a number of skills in my everyday personal and professional life.