Category: Peer Response Posts

I agree with all the suggestions for minimizing the digital divide among students. One thing I would suggest, based on my research, is emphasizing digital literacy. While we aim to advance technology and expand internet access, some students may still struggle to use or understand these resources. Although we live in a technologically advanced era, we should not assume that everyone knows how to navigate online platforms.

Community centers and schools should offer classes to help students become independent and make the most of these resources. Additionally, schools with online platforms should consider providing tutorials to help students navigate their websites more effectively.

I like how you listed the different ways students can interact and engage with learning content. I’ve noticed that more professors are incorporating the use of iClickers in class to gauge whether everyone understands the content throughout the lecture. To be honest, it does force me to engage and understand the material as much as possible. While this is great, it also has its drawbacks. The questions tend to be very short in duration and are often graded. So, while it’s a great tool to make learning more fun and engaging, the time constraint, coupled with the fact that everyone has different learning styles and paces, can create pressure for some students to perform adequately. Educators should be more mindful in these cases and allow for other means of demonstrating understanding of the content, perhaps by asking students to write a short summary of what they understand and submit it.

That’s great that you’ve had a professor who used multiple means of action and expression to enrich their students’ learning. One hiccup that educators may experience is the financial barriers that come with developing an inclusive learning environment for students. They may find that regular learning tools are much more accessible and free for both students and teachers to incorporate into the curriculum than resources that require additional accommodation. For this reason, learning institutions may need to aim to become advocates for inclusivity in learning, which could allow more cost-effective resources to become available for students who need additional support. Also, I think as students, we also share the responsibility of being advocates for more inclusive learning, even when we may need it.

An underrated aspect of networked pedagogy is that an individual can find a shared interest with someone through discussion or group work. In this way, networked pedagogy fosters knowledge-sharing in a friendly and safe environment, which can even spark friendships. Over time, this shared knowledge may evolve and contribute to the broader community. It would also encourage students to become more open to networking, which may also aid in their future educational paths.

I often think that one of the most natural ways for humans to learn is through social learning. The ability to learn by observing others is ideal in many cases, especially in practical or hands-on courses. For example, being taught how to crochet is far more satisfying than simply reading about how to do it.

I agree that constructivism is a good pedagogical strategy. It is easy to passively acquire knowledge, but if one does not know how to apply it and use it as a foundation for deeper learning, then you could say that this individual has not truly learned. I also believe that understanding concepts follow a linear progression. For example, an individual will need to need to know the basics of mathematics to be able to apply it to higher level education and real-life situations!

Additionally, networked pedagogy offers several benefits. It allows for open discussions, which diversify the answers provided. It also encourages questions or ideas that one might not have initially considered. In this way, we can indirectly receive help from the insights of others.

This was a great read! It provided a clear and concise overview of digital learning spaces. While I personally prefer online learning, I agree with you that face-to-face education has significant advantages. Unlike online learning, in-person classes allow for instant feedback on questions. Additionally, the best way to socialize will always be in person, as it’s often easier to build strong relationships with peers and professors.

I also believe that some courses are simply better suited for in-person learning. For instance, hands-on or practical courses can be challenging to master in an online setting, regardless of what is offered digitally.

Although I don’t engage much in social media, I agree that digital identity is crucial for both current and future employers. I appreciate your perspective on thinking twice before posting, as maintaining a professional image is essential.

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 Behav 3, 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.