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At Home: Clutter!!  Noise!! Ma! Where is my mask?  Ma! Boetie is sitting on me! Or….Lucille!!  I can’t find my cell!

At Work: SisterBoss, the students are driving us crazy!  Semester Two’s books are late! Bosslady! The server is down, the students can’t upload assessments!

And so it goes on in my life at work and at home.  Silence…. is a very rare thing.

I don’t know if some of you knows the song by Sting: Fields of Gold, written in 1994.  Well, in this song Sting says the following: “Paradoxically, I'm coming to believe in the importance of silence in music. ... To people in the modern world, true silence is something we rarely experience. It is almost as if we conspire to avoid it.”

Well, for a musician to say that silence is so important in music, must sound like a contradiction, but I get it!

What I have found in my short time during online learning is the Golden sound of silence. It’s like breathing.  But true breathing.  Reflecting.  Listening to myself, me, MY thoughts, and feelings.

I painted the wall in which I chose to study – and where the rest of the family is unfortunately not welcome – due to the silence issue – BRIGHT yellow.  Golden.  My Field of Gold. My silent time.

As my family hugely respects the fact that mommy of two, 44 year old Principle of a College is studying further (crazy right)?  They are giving the gift of quite time.

Online learning…silence. What a gift to myself!

Lucille Bruwer

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We are so interconnected even though so far from each other. Knowledge is around us, education surround us and experience enrich us.

This is my learning journey and I need to take responsibility for my own development. A journey has become an excursion.

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Relaxed Attention

Online learning is a gift to  my juggling lifestyle of playing many roles. It takes the stress off my time allocation and I can nurture the time I have more personally and productively. However I see it as a double edged sword too. It can easy slide into a state of procrastination and leaving tasks to the last minute., without a lecturer or teacher keeping you accountable. So I need to keep a serious watchful eye on my self, to
keep a steady pace and not take the flexible time for granted.

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To focus the attention on what symbolises “online learning”, I tried to expand the view I had on this topic by taking a picture of the main structure and key component of “online learning”, and who better than you as the reader.

3…2…1… Click!

The concept of my choice by including you to my picture is that we, as individuals, play a role in the online learning community. As students, lecturers and SACAP online mentors we form the base of the online community I have found myself in. Without you in the picture is like a puzzle missing a peace. So don’t mind me, I’m passing through and adding your picture to the structure of online learning wall.

If you want to read further, I’m only explaining the introspection and extrospection meaning behind the picture, so if you got it then you can stop reading here. Otherwise, if you would like to read my view on the topic just keep on following the words.

At first, I had to get ready to take my picture and usually when this happens, we tend to get self-conscious about how we look. In my case I thought about my hair, did I forget the keys in the car and am I facing the camera at the right angle? This is called introspection, the examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings.

By looking at someone’s picture we are observing them externally and make a self-clamed meaning on the picture. This is called extrospection, the observation of things external to one’s own mind, as opposed to introspection, which is the direct observation of one’s minds internal processes.

Thus, by taking a picture of me, taking a picture of you, switches the intro-and-extrospective roles (figuratively speaking) almost like a mirror. And what an awesome picture of you, indeed!

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To focus the attention on what symbolises “online learning”, I tried to expand the view I had on this topic by taking a picture of the main structure and key component of “online learning”, and who better than you as the reader.

3…2…1… Click!

The concept of my choice by including you to my picture is that we, as individuals, play a role in the online learning community. As students, lecturers and SACAP online mentors we form the base of the online community I have found myself in. Without you in the picture is like a puzzle missing a peace. So don’t mind me, I’m passing through and adding your picture to the structure of online learning wall.

If you want to read further, I’m only explaining the introspection and extrospection meaning behind the picture, so if you got it then you can stop reading here. Otherwise, if you would like to read my view on the topic just keep on following the words.

At first, I had to get ready to take my picture and usually when this happens, we tend to get self-conscious about how we look. In my case I thought about my hair, did I forget the keys in the car and am I facing the camera at the right angle? This is called introspection, the examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings.

By looking at someone’s picture we are observing them externally and make a self-clamed meaning on the picture. This is called extrospection, the observation of things external to one’s own mind, as opposed to introspection, which is the direct observation of one’s minds internal processes.

Thus, by taking a picture of me, taking a picture of you, switches the intro-and-extrospective roles (figuratively speaking) almost like a mirror. And what an awesome picture of you, indeed!

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Water is refreshing and transparent. I have associated my online learning with water because it represents how I feel about the year 2021. A rebirth into a new degree. A refreshing new start with a transparent, clear end goal in sight.

Water is the representation of growth and only once we are truly placed outside of our comfort zones, we grow.

"The mind is like water. When it is turbulent, it is difficult to see. When it is calm, everything becomes clear." - Prasad Mahes

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For me, online learning means that I get to do the responsible aspects of life whilst focusing on the the things that make me happy. Online learning means, freedom to be. It means that I can be agile in how I achieve my goals whilst ensuring that the people I love and who mean the world to me still get to experience me fully. This picture speaks to how, I decided to get on a plane and visit my niece and nephew who live in Cape Town. All I needed was my laptop that will allow me to continue with my online studies from anywhere and was gone within a heart beat. They are here, giving me time to complete my week 2 activities as they patiently wait for me to finish so we can play allowing me to balance school and the little things that matter to me most.

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I was looking at the contents hanging on my door and I was struck by the idea of free time, specifically the things that take up my time. I only have a bag and winter gown hanging on my actual door. I imagined another door, now being the carrier of things absorbing my time. Although seemingly cluttered, there is now a space for learning something new (to me). Online learning gives me that time and space.

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Hi everyone, Jarrad Pitts here.

‘The Break’ as you can see is the title for my picture regarding online learning. Here’s why: One thing I’ve experienced from working and learning from home is that I tend to be more productive. But, at the cost of the hours just melting into each other. Before you know it it’s the end of the day and you haven’t had a single break. This takes a toll, eventually. I got a bit claustrophobic and soon I was doing like a rendition of The Shining between myself and Disco, my cat.

John Cleese, one of the creators of Monty Python, believed that the most important step in creativity is ‘The Break’. It lets things sink in, churn, stew, flammant and digest. I believe the same goes for learning, especially when you're working from home. So, I implemented ‘The Break’ and every now and then I make sure to take a moment or two to play with Lego or Disco.

*P.S. - me and Disco had incredibly strong differences on the subject matter of the shot... he won as you can see.

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For someone who has experience of going to campus and sitting in lectures full of hundreds of students, online learning for me is something that is more organized and peaceful. I really prefer online learning as I can study from home and look at this amazing view anytime. It also means that I do not have to walk to every lecture as all my classes are on my laptop. I also think of the time I can spend with my family and my poor dog who was always alone at home when I was living near campus. Hopefully, online learning will improve my time management and my work ethic. Online learning forces us to take responsibility for our own studies, this will make it so much more satisfying and rewarding when we have completed our studies as we know this was all our own doing.

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Hi everyone, I always thought that I would struggle with online studies. I am a very social person and love the interactions that one has with classes and seminars. Also I am still a bit old school when it comes to reading material. I prefer a book than a kindle or pdf. But, they say a change is as good as a holiday. I am embracing the online tools but still have my Textbook to hold on to. ;) And then of course my son. Part of my work station at home. Here is my photo.

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For me online learning means to wake up early every morning an making my bed. Doing so means I have already completed a task today which gives you motivation for the rest of the day. Online learningcan be difficult but if you have motivation you can achieve anything today

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Hi everyone, Angela Morris here.
For me, my online learning journey has always been one of loneliness.
My family do not always understand the pressure and stress that I endure during
my studies. I work full time and have two daughters that are currently still in
school, in grade 11 and 12. My day starts at 5-30am, and I am going full speed
ahead until late evening. The responsibility that comes with being a working mom is not always understood and appreciated. I try to cram in so much into my day, that I sometimes feel like quitting.  My previous on line studies made me feel so isolated as there was not a very strong support system from the University. However, I feel so positive since joining SACAP, as we engage with each other on a daily basis, and I know that the next few years are going to be tough, yet rewarding and enjoyable.
"Many times I've been alone, and many times I've cried. Anyway,
you'll never know the many times I've tried... And still they lead me back to
the long and winding road “The Long and winding road, song by The Beetles

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This phrase resembles online learning to me. The view from my study nook in the bay window stretches over the city with all its enchanted historical buildings. I could be anywhere in the world right now.  Online learning opens up countless opportunities and can steer the root of the journey to the unexpected.

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I feel so bad posting this picture but this is supposed to be a happy sunflower.
I chose this image because it is a reminder that if you do not work you will fall behind and will mentally wilt from exhaustion when you have to catch up. Online learning is a conscious effort. You have to remember to put in the work to grow and reach your goals. Putting in work produces beauty. Falling behind and not doing your work will drain you. I was so happy when I first saw the flower but I lost interest and let it die. The amazing thing though is that most of the stem is upright. This is symbolic of a firm foundation.

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The thing that represents online learning to me to is most definitely my laptop. This electronic device has enabled communication and engagement to transpire effortlessly between my lecturers and fellow online peers. Education has become a luxury within this global pandemic; and I am truly blessed to have all these materials and devices to aid in the expansion of knowledge.

Stay safe.

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Hey guys trust you well.

So i was stuck with choosing a picture, hence im so late with my picture, but it took me some thinking, what i feel when i think about online learning, mix feelings of course.

and yes even a WHY !!! popped out like why did i do this to myself could have been watching a good series ( supernatural fan) and i realized it's probably as im feeling overwhelmed.

Decided to take a walk in the middle of the day during lunch when the location not that busy, kicking stones and dust and then i stopped looked at the rig in front of me, i thought back to when i came to the remote site work, being in the medical field i had no cooking clue what is happening, how it works and yet just look at it and integrated mechanical marvel and i was fascinated i needed to know how it works, learn this strange slang everyone talking about in the meetings, whats a mud logger is it someone playing with mud or what and i started engaging with everyone building my knowledges conversation and bit by bit. Online learning for me is the same marvel it's scary overwhelming uncertainty and i have to tackle it the same way by engaging no matter if it makes me step out of my comfort zone and being perceived as " i don't know what i'm doing " but once i understand how it works, what my part is in all of this, finding relevance!, uncertainty would be replaced with contentment i know what i'm doing and will be ok

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Lindiwe the athlete story
Online learning in my opinion can be figuratively associated with training program adaptive to the athletes.I am not so sure how many of us are familiar with the training program that  athletes have to go through prior partaking  in a marathon. First of all the athletes has to work on their psychology  in this regard acquiring  a right mindset, and thinking positively about the goal to be achieved. The ultimate goal for an athlete is to reach the finishing line or certain distance at a targeted time and pace. Athletic training program requires good time management and balanced healthy diet. When it comes to online learning one has to work on their weekly activities as their set goals, time management is crucial, being a mom, paramedic, wife and a student requires that I work out how I utilize 24 hours we are graced with daily without compromising any role. The other aspect that need to be looked at is the healthy balanced diet, no athlete I know eats junk food in preparation for the marathon, with online learning I observe diet as information gathering  by what kind of content I engage with such as tv channel I tune into,  social networks and  what books do I read well I am not sure how many are still buying true love magazine or novel books as for me my current read is titled psychology: an introduction. One got to also work on their pace when engaging with the content of the course and when applicable adjust the pace to the workload. At times it can be lonely and demotivating as one only interact with fellow students and lecturers  virtually . There is less of argumentative discussion and limited expression. At the end of the marathon, when the athlete has reached the finishing line they celebrate the victory, positive feedback regarding weekly activity performance and module completion are worth the celebration and keeps us moving.

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Hi everyone. This is one of my workspaces - I work where I can, when I can - and these are the items that represent online learning for me. My laptop and my phone are very important items, but the items in the picture I would say, are a tiny bit more important to me.

Firstly, my wireless router is my everything! Without it, my laptop and phone is just a gloried notepad:-D My router is what connects me to everything and everyone, even during loadshedding - provided that I've charged it! I must say, the name "router" is quite fitting.

Then you see a calendar on the table, and everything is on top of it - that is because all the chaos, is organised - hence the caption. I work at odd hours, but I do timetable and plan my work around my schedule. Without a calendar, to do lists and alarms, nothing would get done. Every hour of my day is accounted for, so scheduling everything is vital.

Then you see my book in which I write my notes - I like to keep everything together in one place. Then you see my colour pens and highlighters. I have to write in colour  and I have to write things down - my learning style is multimodal, I won't go into that, but basically, I find that writing and using colour helps me when I study or learn.

The colours also represent how "colourful" Psychology is - it is not just black and white. It also represents the fact that we are all different, yet equally important and have a purpose.
It is also representative of the Autism community - something close to my heart.

The lamp and the red blanket represents the time of night/morning I study - I often use my lamp and cover my legs with a blanket, especially in winter!

The textbook represents the knowledge I wish to acquire. The little eyedrop solution on the textbook represents the fact that I wear contacts and glasses and my eyes are important because I need them to see, to read and ultimately, to study and learn! I suppose you could say it represents the new things I will see during my studies. I don't sleep much due to my schedule and responsibilities (terrible I know), so eye care is important for -9 eyes.

The jungle oats bar represents the snack/s that I eat when I am working - it is important to eat. Your brain needs fuel. I have a big sweet tooth, so Jungle oats bars "feel" a bit more healthy, although I know that it isn't:-) This is not my favourite flavour, it's just habit for this Mom to eat whatever her toddler son does not eat. His favourite colour is yellow (who knows for you long), which happens to be the colour of the wrapper (unintentional) and he is one of the big reasons why I am on this study journey.

Sorry for the lengthy message. Typing in a hurry as I have to teach soon!

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When online learning comes to mind my notepad, books and laptop are the first to jump into my head. My laptop represents the most of online learning because it is where I get most of my information from. My desk is where most of the magic of studying happens. The plant represents online learning to me because like the plant I am constantly growing with online learning.

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What online learning represents to me. Three things come to mind. My calendar, my headphones and my webcam.
This has become my "New Normal". The calendar represents that each day is a new opportunity to learn and to be grateful for. I need to schedule, plan and use my time effectively. The headphones - how often do we hear and not listen? We now gain the skill to focus and truly listen to one and another. The Webcam - Being able to connect even through miles apart, we learn, while we earn. A privilege taken so easily for granted!

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The thing that represents online learning to me would be my desk. It's the place where I spend most of my time learning and is where I place all my learning material such as my prescribed reading, weekly do to list, study notes, textbooks and of course my laptop which keeps me connected to my online learning. I also keep many books on my desk that have had an impact on my growth and development as a person.

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When I think of online learning, I think of my computer and my first cup of coffee for the day. I know it might seem strange to think of coffee but for me it represents getting an early and energetic start to the day. A positive start to the day is important to me, especially when studying online, because it motivates me to have a successful day of learning and avoid procrastination. My computer represents online learning to me because it is the platform in which I engage with daily to discover knowledge. Without it, online learning wouldn't be possible.

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This is my bookshelf. It represents online learning to me because it represents knowledge. It is also a bookshelf that houses many different things. It represents that knowledge can be creative and adaptive and that we should always be ready to welcome change in our ways of thinking.