This was a fascinating read! Your article thoroughly explored both the pros and cons of digital learning spaces. I was unaware that approximately 265 million children lack access to basic education (Kumar, 2019). I wonder if digital literacy could be implemented as an early learning strategy, so that students can take full advantage of digital learning spaces as they progress. As open education becomes more widespread, I hope this number decreases significantly.
I agree that relying solely on online learning, especially in an asynchronous setting, has its drawbacks. Without the discipline to keep up with the schedule, it’s easy to fall behind. It’s crucial for individuals to establish a structured schedule to maintain a steady learning pace and minimize procrastination-related stress.
Reference
Kumar, S. Influence of open educational resources on educational practices in the Global South. Nat Hum Behav3, 540–541 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0624-4
This was a very insightful post outlining the digital learning space! I strongly agree that digital literacy is an essential skill in today’s society. Without it, individuals may struggle to progress in both their work and education. Additionally, while distributed and open education provide valuable opportunities, those who lack the ability to navigate online spaces may be unable to take full advantage of these flexible and free learning resources. As education becomes more accessible, it is crucial for everyone to develop strong digital navigation skills.
I also agree that hybrid learning is the most flexible option. I appreciate the idea that, on a day-to-day basis, it allows us to choose whether to attend in person or participate remotely based on our mental and physical well-being. On particularly challenging days, this level of independence enhances flexibility and encourages us to stay engaged in our studies.
My name is Rondean, and I’m currently a fourth-year student studying Biology and Psychology. Initially, I planned to study accounting; however, to fulfill a credit requirement, I took a Biology course and discovered that I really enjoyed it! I also developed an interest in Psychology and later decided to pursue a combined degree in both disciplines.
Distributed education helps bridge the gap between inaccessibility and accessibility. In some cases, learning is limited for individuals facing geographical challenges or time constraints. Open education further bridges the gap by addressing financial barriers such as providing free textbooks and other educational tools, making education not only more flexible but also accessible through free educational resources.
While distributed education offers many advantages, it does have some limitations. Certain subjects or courses may be better suited to in-person instruction. These often include hands-on courses or, depending on the individual, subjects like mathematics that may require more direct interaction and guidance. This article on distributed learning was able to summarize both pros and cons.
Traditional learning typically takes place face-to-face, with students and teachers in the classroom. Online learning, on the other hand, is restricted to being over the internet. Blended learning combines both in-person and online teaching methods. Hybrid learning is the most flexible option, allowing students to choose whether they prefer to attend classes in person or online. Asynchronous online learning works best for me because it lets me take a class without conflicting with my on-campus schedule. It provides the flexibility to plan my study time around when I’m most available.
Digital literacy is the ability to effectively use online resources, ranging from basic to complex concepts. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has come to the forefront, and it’s been fascinating to see how challenging the transition was for both students and staff. Digital literacy, which encompasses understanding and using online tools—from basic to advanced—is critical. The pandemic highlighted just how important digital literacy is in modern society. Since I am fairly digitally literate, I can easily adapt to online tools, which enables me to have a rich educational experience without needing to be physically present. Additionally, digital literacy enables me to access a wide range of resources that can enhance my overall learning experience.
Apart from Facebook, I don’t have any other social media accounts. Though I rarely post, this can sometimes create an air of mystery about who I am as a person. That said, it’s important to maintain a clean social identity, as it can impact your reputation when job hunting. In today’s digital age, it’s also essential to avoid having a completely dormant account, as companies often look at social media to get a sense of who you are. From an educational perspective, your digital identity can influence the recommendations a faculty member might make for you, as well as impact the types of people who may want to connect with you.
