Securing 3rd rank in a class puts you in high esteem in front of others. But when they learn that there were only 3 members in the class, the scenario changes completely. It isn’t fun, winning a race where you run alone. The win really makes no sense even though the records might speak highly of you.
I have been a 100 meter sprinter in school and college. I used to practice against the clock. But on “Sports Day”, I would have better timing than ever. Personally I perform better when I compete against others. I have never figured out till date,”Where from that extra energy came????”
Private tuitions can teach you a lot but we still prefer sending our children to schools and classrooms. Presence surely allows for better learning. Presence also brings in a scale of competitiveness which allows for better calibration of talent.
Michigan State University is the first place where I have taken online classes. I think the presence of others and their comments motivates me but I am not sure if it resulted in cognitive learning. The subjects I have taken online are mainly arts subjects and thus am in no position to quantify the learning. If I would have taken differential Calculus or Algebra online, I would be in a better position to quantify my cognitive learning.
I am also not sure if presence in FTF communication is always helpful if the syllabus is not designed properly. You may be discussing in small groups consisting of your near friends. However the syllabuses in India don’t require you to discuss much and thus Social Constructiveness was a word that I heard only after coming to US. Books and teachers were the one I would look for help in case of a confusion. It is here, that I am truly exploring the potential of presence.
