Our digital paths are crossing, but are not always the same.
It is interesting to see how different people use digital tools for interaction, teaching, and learning differently, what paths they prefer to take, to what extent they optimise, replicate on-site events, introduce something new to digital routines, and learn from each other, thinking how to utilise the hints and methods in their own teaching or facilitation. I feel it is easier for teachers to open up to another teacher in a digital class, as you need to rely on other teachers way more when you are in a class with students because in a class you can rely on the students as well, they are part of the ‘educational bubble’ which exchange energy and learn from each other. I feel that in online classes teachers can learn from each other while supporting or delegating tasks or tackling challenges that appear on the go together.
Regular knowledge exchange is important, discussion on new practices is gold
It is difficult to give way to something new and unknown when you know your routines and know how it works and it works well. But every now and then a technological shift is happening and suddenly the world seems to change a rotating axis once again. Now we are in the storming phase of new change, trying to reject, cope, accept, adopt, and get used to a new work life with AI. Different cultures and traditions in education allow to invite AI to pedagogical practices at different speeds and levels. A regular exchange of practices, ideas, ethical use, and adaptation strategies is important for teachers at all levels. AI does not go away, it is another step and we need to think about how to utilise it to our and project, students and colleagues’ advantage.
People are the best part of any project
When I applied for this course I was really focused on what I will learn and how it fits in my working, studying, and personal growth plan. I was waiting for the course to start, looking forward to the topics to catch on with literature, webinars, and my own reflections. Eventually, the greatest learning came from my working PBL team, our meetings, the discussions we had, and the ideas we exchanged in our FISH document, and I cannot think of a better way to add to the online learning experience than having those not-so-long but deep two hours a week discussion with my teammates. Digital learning is way more engaging with people who follow the same way, when you can exchange ideas, and thoughts, express your doubts to others to tackle together.
Thank you all, my PBL team, the whole ONL team, Aalto University colleagues, workshop and webinars facilitators for making this course so meaningful and a deep experience.
