First Impression

There are several differences between how a first impression is made through a traditional class versus an online class. There are an infinite number of social blunders one can make during a traditional class. Social precautions to take during a traditional class include punctuality and physical appearance. Conversely, an online classroom allows for a limited first impression confined to a few hundred words of introduction at the time of your choosing. Although the impression is very limited, there is less chance for social error, and students may gain acceptance if they are amicable.

It's interesting to reflect upon the vast amount of students at ASU and not consider most of them to be strangers. An antonym for a stranger is an acquaintance. During this online class, as well as in a traditional class, students will make some acquaintances. An online course is more personable than a traditional class since everyone is given an opportunity to express their opinion. The downfall becomes not being able to place the name with the face.

Gergen is pondering how the changing social landscape is impacting ideals of yesterday. This author wonders if the freedom to do more and the access to more knowledge is ruining our relationships. There are more opportunities and freedoms than ever before for our society. The individual may at times feel that various planes of their personality are being sheared away, but the more we discover about ourselves, the easier it will be to maintain relationships.