I really liked your breakdown of distributed and open education, especially how you highlighted accessibility. The flexibility of the models offered is useful, but I wonder if there are any disadvantages, such as reduced interaction or difficulty in staying motivated without a structured schedule.
Your section on digital literacy and digital identity was also really solid. Managing an online presence is more important than ever, and I think your approach of only posting things you’d be okay with an employer seeing is a smart way to go about things. Personally, I think that schools should put more emphasis on teaching digital literacy, especially when it comes to the link between social media use and future online professionalism. Do you think this should be a greater focus area as well?
I really enjoyed your discussion on distributed and open education, especially how you pointed out that some subjects are better suited for in-person learning. I agree that hands-on courses, such as labs, can be more difficult to integrate into an online format. Do you think that there are ways to improve digital learning for these subjects, or do you think it will always remain more difficult to implement?
Your take on digital literacy was also interesting. The pandemic definitely enhanced a lot of people’s online skills. Since you mentioned being fairly digitally literate, do you think there are any areas where online learning is just more difficult to complete or stay engaged in?
I really liked your discussion on distributed and open education. Your example about students in rural areas or those with full-time jobs was a great point. It is a good reminder of how these models can remove barriers that traditional education cannot. Do you think certain areas of open education are comparable to traditional learning? For example, while free resources are useful, do you think they always match the quality of paid textbooks or university courses?
I also liked your approach to digital identity. Keeping personal and professional accounts separate seems like a smart way to balance privacy and networking. As I am also interested in psychology and counselling, do you find LinkedIn to be useful for making connections?
Pedagogy represents the art and science of teaching. It is derived from the latin term ‘paidagōgeō’ which translates to ‘child instruction’ (Shah, 2020). It encompasses how knowledge is not just delivered but how it is made meaningful. It is more than the content being taught; the various approaches and strategies make learning content more engaging and, in turn, profoundly impact the learner. As a learner, I have noticed that interactive methods stick with me more than lectures alone. Classes that include discussions and practical applications are much more beneficial, as you can learn from others and make mistakes while having someone present to aid or correct them. This reflection shapes how I envision future teaching practices. This can result in the creation of environments where learners feel actively involved. For instance, incorporating multimedia tools and collaborative projects would reflect my belief in making learning effective and learner-focused.
Network pedagogy is essential. It allows learners to connect across diverse spaces and influences collaboration through technology. In my own learning experience, platforms like discussion forums and group chats have significantly enhanced my success in learning. For example, I have participated in group chats in multiple psychology courses where individuals can seek help. This has been very beneficial, especially when other students share resources or explain more complex concepts comprehensively. Technology, whether it is Zoom for real-time collaboration or forum posts for sharing ideas, fosters these connections by breaking down the effects of geographical barriers and enabling learners to have an abundance of information and ideas. This interconnectedness enhances my learning by giving me access to various perspectives and encouraging reflection and participation. Below, I have included a list of accessible and helpful online platforms and apps that can aid in your learning experience!
Zoom: This is a great app that fosters real-time collaboration!
Reddit: This app can aid in essentially anything, from recommendations to helpful forums on specific topics.
Discord: This is a useful app to communicate either vocally or through group discussions.
Whats app: This app is very similar to your built-in messaging app on your cell phone, but it has enhanced privacy settings and allows you to contact various other devices.
Learning Theories in Practice:
Constructivism resonates with me because it emphasizes learning as an active, self-directed approach where individuals can build their understanding through experiences (Mascolo, 2009). This theory can be applied in an online learning setting through problem-based learning or collaboration with other learners. For example, a course could include group projects where students collectively discuss solutions to real-world problems or case studies. The approach aligns with my preference for hands-on learning, as it encourages critical thinking and teamwork while making the content more relevant and engaging. Constructivism also challenges me to reflect on what I have learned rather than just memorizing information but truly internalizing it.
An effective online instructor must be well-informed about the subject they are teaching and be a motivator, guide, and active communicator. Qualities such as empathy, adaptability, and digital literacy are essential. (Click here for my last blog post where I covered digital literacy!) In my experience, instructors who provide timely feedback and respond quickly to questions or concerns have left a more favourable impression. For example, one instructor used videos and discussion post updates to summarize essential concepts and address student concerns. This created a sense of connection that is often hard to foster in online courses. On the other hand, some professors I have had do not provide many updates and have their whole course pre-determined, often ignoring concerns. This has resulted in a lack of engagement and can make the course feel disconnected and uninspiring.
Exploring Digital Spaces:
Digital spaces offer flexibility and accessibility in learning, allowing individuals to engage with materials and peers anytime and in different geographical regions. However, these spaces also have challenges like distractions and staying active to maintain relationships. One benefit I have experienced is the ability to access various resources, such as articles from online libraries, peer discussions, and textbooks. In social contexts, staying in contact with other students and discussing ways to improve is super beneficial. On the other hand, a quick message may turn into hours of scrolling, decreasing productivity. In the learning context, finding sources that have no subscriptions or privacy barriers can be challenging. To contribute positively to digital communities, I try to be active and intentional with my interactions, focusing on contributing rather than just being involved.
References
Mascolo, M. F. (2009). Beyond student-centered and teacher-centered pedagogy: Teaching and learning as guided participation. Merrimack ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/phs/vol1/iss1/6/
Shah, R. K. (2020). Conceptualizing and Defining Pedagogy. Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University. https://www.tnteu.ac.in/pdf/library/PEDAGOGY/04.%20Conceptualizing%20and%20Defining%20Pedagogy.%20Autor%20Dr.%20Rajendra%20Kumar%20Shah.pdf
Hi everyone, my name is Matthew Johnson, and I am currently completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I am in my fourth year, and this spring semester marks my final term before graduation! Throughout my time at university, I have gained an interest in understanding human behaviour and mental processes, particularly in developmental and clinical psychology. After graduation, I hope to complete a master’s in clinical counselling to help youth and couples overcome conflicts or individual problems.
Outside of academics, an experience that has influenced my educational journey has been my role as a peer support worker. It introduced me to the importance of collaboration and support in learning environments. It is also where I discovered how rewarding it can be to help others navigate their educational challenges. I am excited to connect with all of you in this course and to learn from your unique perspectives and experiences.
What is Distributed Education?
My understanding of distributed education is that it includes a learning model that is more flexible than traditional learning models. Instead of students being confined to a specific location and meeting frequently in a classroom, distributed education can be accessed from different locations using technology for online lessons, participation, and even asynchronous learning. This approach allows students to learn despite specific circumstances limiting their availability to attend traditional classes.
What is Open Education?
Open education can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment by allowing individuals to access educational practices and resources freely. By including accessible online textbooks, courses, and other learning materials without cost, it can remove barriers such as cost, location, and specific meeting times or deadlines. Furthermore, it can widely share information, creating a practice that allows anyone to learn and further enhance their academic pursuits.
Modes of Learning
According to the course website, there are many different modes of learning. Those listed include face-to-face learning, defined as “traditional classroom-based learning where students and teachers meet in person”; online learning, described as “learning that happens over the internet”; blended learning, defined as “a mix of face-to-face and online learning”; and hybrid learning, which is “similar to blended learning but typically with more flexibility, allowing students to choose between attending in person or online.”
My preferred mode of learning would be hybrid learning. This mode is preferable to me because it offers flexibility while also maintaining a schedule. It allows me to have the immersive experience of in-person learning with the option of moving online if a particular time does not work. This learning mode influences my engagement and success by allowing me to change my learning environment depending on the day. For example, when I feel tired or unwell, I can participate online and control the pace at which I learn. On other days, when I feel more social and energized, I can attend in-person lectures to benefit from face-to-face discussions.
Digital Literacy
My understanding of digital literacy is an individual’s ability to effectively use digital tools and technologies. This is significantly important in open and distributed learning settings for various reasons. Distributed education relies on technology to connect learners from different locations online. Therefore, without digital literacy, students may struggle to access, navigate, and engage with the course, restricting their ability to participate or complete work effectively. Similarly, open education uses online learning material that students can access freely. This requires learners to locate and utilize these resources independently.
For example, in a distributed learning course, an individual may need to reach out and collaborate with classmates. To collaborate effectively, they may need to use video calls and shared documents. Digital literacy skills can allow an individual to troubleshoot technical issues, communicate effectively, and contribute to the course in meaningful ways. Similarly, in open education settings, digital literacy skills can come in handy when trying to access textbooks or online courses to supplement learning.
Digital Identity
My digital identity is how I present myself online. This is representative of my online interactions, social media profiles, and academic contributions. It illustrates how I am and want to be perceived online. On personal social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, I only share information that aligns with the image I wish to project. With the use of privacy settings, I limit visibility to mutual followers. When communicating, it is almost always through direct messages to remain selective about what I share publicly.
My digital identity is more curated and intentional in my academic and professional life. On educational forums, I focus on sharing information and contributing to discussions that are relevant to my field. Networking through messaging apps also helps me to connect and schedule meetings with current and new clients. This allows me to build relationships and further my career.
This is an interesting video on how technology has shaped and changed our sense of identity.
