Hi,
My name is Gaia. I am a third-year computer science major. Throughout my studies, I have enjoyed learning about how math and design principles are related to computer science. In this class, I have learned new digital education concepts.
Firstly, Distributed Education is learning that takes place outside of one classroom. Unlike traditional learning models, each student has resources that enable them to learn asynchronously and in different locations. Technology is often required in this form of education. Due to the asynchronous nature of the education, it allows people to work at their own pace. Therefore, a person who is busy with a job can set a schedule that is convenient for them.
Next, I learned about Open Education. Open Education involves learning with resources that are free to the public. The lack of costs allows for an equitable learning environment, and it allows people of lower income to access information they otherwise would not have had.
Afterward, I learned about the different modes of learning, as listed below:
- Face-to-Face Learning: Classes that entirely take place in-person
- Online Learning: Classes that entirely take place online
- Blended Learning: Classes that take place both in-person and online
- Hybrid Learning: Classes that give you an option of in-person or online learning
I prefer face-to-face learning because I find that my attention is better when I am physically in school. Also, asking questions will provide a faster answer from the teacher. If it were online, I might have forgotten to ask the question through digital methods.
Digital literacy is the next concept I learned. It is the ability to explore computer technology while being critical and knowledgeable about your environment. It is important for open and distributed learning settings because not every online resource is accurate. The ability to know if the education is being taught by a reliable person is important in order to become a knowledgeable student. For example, a student is looking for an online nutrition course. In order to check the reliability of the course, the student checks who the teacher is. Being digitally literate means researching who is teaching that course. If they spot that the teacher has provided non-scientific claims, then they can look for another course.
Lastly, I learned about digital identity, which is the identity a person has on social media. My digital identity is relatively small. I do not usually post on social media. Although I have LinkedIn for career purposes. It plays a small role, as I am not actively posting comments or images.
Overall, I am excited to write future blog posts about Distributed and Open Learning topics. Especially around the topic of digital identity and literacy.
