Topic 4: Design for Online and Blended Learning

The era we now live in is characterized by rapidly increasing technological changes. While technology is advancing – the education system is working towards keeping up with the changes. The large number of students entering tertiary education, shortage of teachers, working towards a green environment, etc. add to making sense to using a blending approach of learning with students. Computers have become tremendously valuable with numerous teaching tools that makes learning online enjoyable!

Working in tertiary education all my life – I have witnessed the changes from traditional to technological and even though it is rapidly increasing – I love it! I remember going to the Library for example to find books to complete an assignment – used to love the experience of reading a book – but the downside is – if I could not make it to the Library due to unforeseen circumstances – what a mess for my assignment! Now look at the amazing change – students can work online, can access information to complete an assignment, can access their prescribed books from their university, can view webinars if they missed a class, can work collaboratively online with their colleagues on a project, and so much more than the traditional way of learning.

I have definitely opened my mind to learning all different tools that are available to the educator so that the learning journey of a student becomes exciting. In this ONL course – I have learnt to collaborate on many different tools and I cannot wait to make use of these tools in my work environment!

I share some interesting articles for further reading:

Blended Learning: The New Normal and Emerging Technologies:

https://educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-017-0087-5