Article 7 - Critical and analytical reflections about online learning

Reflecting on my journey from the beginning of the unit to now, I feel far more confident and engaged in online learning. In regard to Salmon’s five stage model, in the beginning I said I was at stage 3 but now I feel I have moved up to 4, toward stage 5. Factors that contributed to this being involved with an online community via a forum. The forums have helped with getting feedback and also reinforcing what I know as I was able to tell people my opinion and experience. To make progress up the scale engaging in the forums and attending the fortnightly meetings allowed me to ask questions from Kayri and my peers. By asking questions especially through the forums I was able to take a step forward in my learning. The knowledge I have acquired through the unit “learning spaces” will impact my practice as a teacher in a positive way. As learning online is becoming more frequent, I will be able to apply online learning tools such as forums and online quizzes to the classroom. I also have knowledge on how to set up online websites on programs such as Wix, I could make an online website for the class where they can upload their work and any questions they have regarding tasks. I have learnt about the positives and negatives of online learning, an example of positive outcomes being the easy access for everyone and the ability to work at one’s own pace. While there are some negatives, like missing the face to face interaction, I hope with the knowledge I now have on online learning I am able to take the positives and still use face to face learning to combat the consequences of the lack of physical interaction. I am looking forward to becoming an educator and using the online learning space to benefit every students’ learning experience.

(Image retrieved from animations)