A634.9.4.RB – A Reflection of Our Learning
I believe
one of the most important aspects of the course came packaged in the posting of
reflective blogs. I realized that after reading the chapters with various
opportunities to focus on a better understanding of the far-reaching impact of
ethics on every day life, I found more benefit in assessing where I fit in the
scheme of my career. I enjoyed the discussion boards where colleagues from
just about every diverse angle of career provided a different and interesting
point of view. Often, they brought in different interpretations, which
helped me realize the importance of active listening. I had to really
think through my initial post, and find references that supported my opinions,
or concerns about the topic. It made me stop and think about what I really
believe, and want to stand for in my life. I believe that reading the
input from my colleagues was beneficial; however, I think that searching for
additional references for the replies to others did not always encourage a
discussion of the topics. I like the original post with references, but I
would like to have more discussion among my colleagues for the replies. I
thought that there was more urgency to find sources, rather than have a discussion
after the initial post. Some of my best discussions were with people who
wanted to review the ethics, or critical thinking on a specific conversation
topic. The original sources were not always articles that supported my
beliefs, but supported information on the topic.
Moreover,
I liked the general assignments because they allowed first person, which gave more
meaning to the assignment. I find that first person helps me to see how I fit
into the viewpoint. When I have to refer to myself as “the author”, or
“this researcher”, it is easy to lose the value of what I have learned. I
think that reflective blogs are more valuable as they personalize the
information. Speaking in the third person takes away from the realism that should
be part of the posting. I also found that most of the issues that fall
under the broad life topic of ethics were also related to my career
field. Each time the topic discussed seemed to be relevant for each
person. For example, being a medical assistant and wanting to become a
doctor some day, and the topic of physician-assisted suicide, had personal
relevancy. Each of the discussions suggested a value in applying the
discussions to both our personal, and professional lives. I appreciated that
the selected topics were not restricted in their connection to many different
careers. Initially, I feared that the discussions would center more on a
philosophical exchange, but after the first couple discussion boards, I was
pleasantly surprised that they addressed real world issues.
Another
recent topic focused on Gun Control, which has become a focal debate for
citizens, special interest groups, businesses, and politicians. There is
no corner of the planet in which people are not affected by the attention given
to gun control. The recent tragedies were very timely in showing that
violence touches everyone. The discussions did not restrict the discussion
to what was right, or wrong. I really appreciated the idea of asking
others why they took the stand they did. I also agree with LaFollette
(2007) regarding ethics not always been so clearly black and white to each
individual. There is room for degrees of interpretation, and as we saw in
gun control, and egoism, there can be restrictions that allow both sides of the
debate to declare a win. The context of our choices became an apparent
vital component in understanding ethics.
Overall,
I am not sure that there is anything different that I would have done to enhance
my learning experience. There was a substantial amount of work, so I did
not find myself coming up for air very often. Bedley (n.d.) indicates that
“value driven” people focus on core values, while focusing on others. I agree
with his statement, but I think the first thing that must be accomplished is a
determination of one’s own values. I think that after the reflective blogs as a
requirement, most of the take-a-ways from the course will be achieved after the
course is over. I believe that until we apply, or find a reason to apply, the
process supported through the course, it may not be fully achieved.
I believe
that the University has put together an excellent course. Nevertheless, each
course seems to be slightly repetitive and sometimes it makes it harder to be
challenged by an assignment. Additionally, I am very content with the school’s
decision about not using the Brain software anymore. I have always been a
person that prefers to direct my ideas into a list with a pen and paper. I have
never been organized by visual cues. Therefore, the Brain never really helped
me into organizing myself, but instead, made it really difficult to find my way
around it. It really was a relief not having to work on concept maps anymore. The
last recommendation I would make is that although I know this is a graduate
level degree; I feel more attention should be focus on the fact that those
taking this program online are particularly adults working full-time jobs. And
therefore, the amount of load work came to be challenging at times. Needless to
say, it was not impossible to commit and deliver the assignments if good time
management was arranged. Overall, I really enjoyed this course, as I really got
to learn about new topics and also myself, as I came across subjects I was not knowledgeable
about and it took me some time to study and getting myself involved. Without a
doubt, this class was slightly challenging but good enough to make it
interesting.
References
Bedley, G. (n.d.). Value Driven online course, the
core ethical values that define and ignite you. National Character
Education Center. Retrieved from http://ethicsusa.org/seminars/value-driven-on-line-course-the-core-ethical-values-that-define-and-ignite-you/
LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics.
Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
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