Further Exploration.

I really learned a lot from the non-verbal and verbal communication sections; they taught me things I didn’t even know I did! I was fascinated by the text and the key points and believe that if the course incorporated an activity to educate us further on these types of communication and different ways to practice them it could be very useful. The reason I enjoyed and learned most from these sections was because they are the primary ways we communicate with others, either by expressing our emotions verbally or through action. We may not recognize this, but the way we express how we are feeling through emotion is a big deal! People can read emotion better than we can ourselves; we can always hide what we feel by the way we speak, but with our actions it is way more difficult. I believe more people need to understand the mechanisms of this section as well as learn and alter their own actions. These two forms of communication can make or break a discussion—and learning the fundamentals of how to interact in situations with these two traits is crucial.

My Favorite Things.

My favorite thing about this class was that it was online! I enjoyed having a gap in my schedule to do extra studying or not be on campus for the day. I appreciated how clear and concise online instructions were; for there was never a time I needed extra clarification or to go to an office hour for help regarding the blog set-up. I liked the dynamic of reading others blogs and comments and being able to voice our own opinion about a section in the book and being able to reply to others. I think this made the class a little more unique than several other online courses I have taken previously. My least favorite thing about the class was that it became repetitious and at times; I would have liked to see other activities online we could have done such as worksheets about the chapter or even online videos would have been fun! Maybe in addition to blogs watch video’s online pertaining to the chapters and for one of the blogs write about the video or have a video worksheet and no blog. I think with a video it would create more interaction, added material, and would have broken up the flow of the class. Maybe meet in class once a semester to actually convene with the people we networked with all semester long. Despite all these things, I think the class was awesome regardless! Thank you.

What I've Learned.

I initially took this course because it was a requirement--like the majority of us. But overtime I learned this class was vital for life’s struggles; and to understand not only how to communicate with others but why we converse and say/do the things we do. It is not only important to know how to articulate with our peers, but to develop an understanding for why people act the way they do. I have learned to comprehend the field of communication in that it is a necessary skill for a person’s involvement within their community and their relationships. The fundamental skills I have acquired from this class most are the skills of understanding non-verbal communication, the foundation for both intimate relationships as well as friendships, and how to manage emotions better when in a conversation. Mostly I have learned how to manage my communication better. I am able to observe yet regulate my words and have learned to not get defensive, but instead to listen more intently and honor criticism.