Feature Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash
Self Introduction
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.
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