This week’s lesson was on tools for online and distance learning. Just as the presenters indicated during the section, distance or online education encompasses various methods of delivering educational content remotely, primarily through digital technologies and the Internet. The presenters also talked about how the use of online learning in distance education reflects the social constructivist principles of learning through social interaction and discussion.
Image from https://blog.simplitaught.com/online-learning-tools/
This approach has gained prominence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows for flexible learning opportunities while overcoming geographical barriers. Reflecting on my own context as a teacher educator, I have had the opportunity of using Blackboard Collaborate as a Learning Management System (LMS) and Microsoft Teams for blended and online learning. These two tools were recommended for use by the institution, and I find them very useful. Just as indicated in one of the provided resources, using Microsoft Teams for education offers a user-friendly interface and collaborative features that facilitate lively interaction among students and teachers. This fosters effective communication and enhances learning outcomes. The Microsoft Teams application also provides seamless access to cloud storage folders like OneDrive and tools like Word and Excel. The application also provides the opportunity to create and manage team sessions and assignments and integrate additional productivity tools like forms, polls, Kahoot, and YouTube videos to enhance learning. Another reason I like this Microsoft Teams tool is that I find it very easy to share and work together on documents with colleagues in real life, and it also has chat features that can be used as a discussion board.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Reflecting on how Black Collaborate was used, I remembered that the platform allows lecturers to upload content, and students could download, watch, or playback these contents at their own convenience. So students are able to control the space at which they learn; even after the lecture has been completed, they can go back to access the lesson recordings and additional reading materials provided for the course. I think this also helps students to sometimes have the autonomy of pausing and reflecting on their learning before moving into the next phase of their self study. In addition, the collaborate platform also allows students to do online formative and summative assessments. Reflecting on the lesson presentation, issues related to access to these tools and how they could impact learning were discussed. I think everything in life comes with benefits and challenges, and as individuals, we are to choose what we desire. Based on the context of where I have used these tools, the institution provides free access to the tools provided students are using the registered institution’s ID. Nevertheless, the issue of broadband and sometimes the cost of getting network connectivity has always played out just as discussed during the presentation, and I think that cannot be changed. However, I think these online learning tools have made distance education more accessible for students, even in remote areas.
Hi
I like the way how you explain all the facts so precisely in your blog. i do agree with your view that online learning tools has made the education accessible for everyone.
Thanks
Ayushi Rana
Nice write-up, Ayodele! You’ve very well explained how tools like Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Collaborate can transform online learning by enhancing flexibility and interactivity. Your insights on how these platforms align with social constructivist principles are relevant too, especially the ways they encourage collaboration and allow self paced learning. I appreciate how you reflected on both the benefits and the challenges, such as connectivity issues, which impact access to these resources. Your perspective as a teacher educator adds to understanding how these tools support student autonomy and engagement. Good work!
Hello you have made some very good points. In particular I liked the comment you made on ” So students are able to control the space at which they learn”. I like this comment because it is so true that it is important for students to be able to have some control on how they can process the material. I want to extend that thought a little more. I think we are on to something if we apply this notion to neuro-divergent learners. Often times the environment is promoting deregulation for the student and it makes learning that much more difficult. So by allowing students to influence the educational environment in a positive manner is something that Universal Design for Learning can capitalize on.
Hi, I appreciated your blog. It was very clear on the different digital tools and their benefits. I know that when the pandemic was here and we had to taught online I struggled as a Kindergarten teacher as my students needed an adult to help get them set up and they needed guidance to help and keep them focused. I found myself finding many activities that the families could do together and could then send to me. I do appreciate how it has allowed for classes such as this to be taken. I wouldn’t be able to do my masters otherwise as Regina is 3+ hours away from me. I think that during COVID we learnt many valuable lessons one of which was how to use technology in a positive way to allow for people to work from the comfort of their homes but still stay connected to others.