Blog Post #2: Open Learning

 As I delved into the readings for this week, I reflected on the power of open learning principles, historical advancements in educational technology, and the evolution of learning theories. The insights from these resources, coupled with discussions with my Pod Group helped broaden my understanding of how technology can reshape education. Through these readings, I have learned how open learning can allow for education access for many and the impact of historical tech innovations and the shift towards digital learning. As an Economics and English student, I hadn’t previously given much though to these educational concepts but I find it interesting to learn how technology and open learning can reshape education.

The Power of Open Learning Principles

Open learning principles aim to break down barriers (financial, geographical, societal, etc) to education by making resources freely accessible, encouraging collaborative learning, and fosters inclusivity. For example, the Open Educational Resources (OER) movement has made a significant impact on education through increased access to high-quality education materials. OER can provide students and teachers in rural areas with access to the same materials used in top universities, lessening the educational gap and allowing for students to excel regardless of their economic background.

Historical Advancements in Educational Technology

The Learning Management System (LMS) is one development that has shaped modern educational tools and ideals. LMSs like Blackboard and Moodle was initially introduced in the early 2000’s making online education more structured and accessible. Today, LMSs are used for blended and fully online courses, providing a platform for communication and content delivery. In our studies as UVic students, we make extensive use of the LMS, Brightspace. The significance of this educational tool is profound, considering most of us use it for all of our classes. To truly understand the impact of the creation of LMS, try to envision our university life without Brightspace. Without it, turning in coursework, accessing class slides/notes/readings, and staying connected with the instructors would be incredibly challenging.

Shifting to Digital Platforms

The transition from traditional to digital, learner centred platforms has significantly altered educational settings. These platforms prioritize the needs and preferences of students, by encouraging active learning and engagement. Technologies like adaptive learning systems and personalized learning environments (PLEs) have educational experiences that adapt to each learner’s progress and preferences. For example, adaptive learning systems use data analytics to determine the concepts where a student is struggling and provide additional resources or alternative explanations to help grasp difficult concepts. My own experience with such platforms has been extremely positive. I have used platforms like MyLab for my more math-focused courses, which provided practice questions, identified sections I got wrong, and offered additional practice for those areas. It also gave me instant feedback when I submitted my answers. These features have significantly enhanced my learning experience by allowing me to focus on my weak areas and improve.

Theories and Technological Development

Current educational practices reflect the integration of learning theories and technological advancements. For example, constructivist theories, which emphasize the importance of learners actively constructing their own understanding through experiences and social interactions are effectively applied in online collaborative environments. Platforms like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams facilitates collaborative projects between students. This approach supports deeper learning, and also develops soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

Multimedia in Education

Multimedia resources play an important role in enriching educational experiences by catering to multiple learning styles and making content more engaging. As a visual learner, I often use video tutorials on YouTube to aid my understanding. These videos break down complex concepts into smaller sections and utilize visual aids to enhance comprehension. Additionally, the ability to pause and rewatch videos as needed provides flexibility in learning. Many videos also offer alternative explanations and methods that differ from traditional teaching, allowing students to find the approach that best supports their learning style.

The use of open learning principles, historical advancements in educational technology, and evolving learning theories has the potential to transform educational outcomes. By making education more accessible and inclusive, fostering collaborative and active learning, and utilizing multimedia resources, we can create more effective learning environments.