Keys to success in a BOCEP Deep Learning course

Here are some keys to success in any Bloustein Online Continuing Education Program Deep Learning course.


1) Being in a BOCEP course is a bit like going to the gym, or being at a party.


If you've never been to a gym before, you might find it to be a bit strange and even intimidating. Because you're encouraged to do something you might not normally do -- such as participating in a discussion board -- you might find it a bit odd at first. But the more you do it, the more comfortable you will be, and the more benefit you will see.

How is a BOCEP class like a party?  You could go to a party and sit back and observe everyone else. But you'll enjoy yourself more if you participate in the activities.


2) Share your views, your experience, your concerns, etc. Some students get intimidated by classmates who say a lot, and wind up not participating in dialogues. Everybody who takes a BOCEP class is smart, and you have something no one else has -- your perspective, wisdom and experience. If you keep your knowledge to yourself, you deny it to your classmates.


3) One of the best ways to learn the subject and retain your knowledge is to back up your assertions with information or references from the readings or other comments.  No, you’re not writing a paper for class, but it helps put a conversation in proper context if you can be clear in your references.


4) BOCEP courses are designed to be convenient for you. That's why we don't have scheduled meetings. But I would recommend scheduling time for this class just as you would a meeting. Some students say to themselves that they will get to the class "later" or "tomorrow" or when they get less busy. But then they get busy doing something else, and by the time they come back to the class, they have so much to catch up on, they get overwhelmed. Please plan to go into your class for a half-hour a day, or an hour every other day.


4) Every BOCEP instructor wants to make sure you get as much as you can out of your class. Please let your instructor or me know as soon as possible if you have any reservations, concerns, or comments. The great thing about the program is that the instructor can make adjustments.


5) All BOCEP Deep Learning courses are taught using a CASE model.  CASE stands for Comprehension, Application, Synthesis and Evaluation. (This is based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, a standard in adult learning.)   Comprehension is the ability to explain concepts.  Application is the ability to apply those concepts to a real situation.  Synthesis is the ability to connect old and new ways of thinking, or integrate different concepts.  Evaluation is the ability to judge arguments made in, or issues involving, those concepts.