The learning experience from this course, and specifically the reflection on these topics, has made me think about the complexities, strengths and challenges of online networked learning in much more depth, as well as their related offline counterparts. What surprised me most was how much these topics were relevant for not only my pedagogical work, but also my interactions and tasks within my research team. The benefits were that I was able to draw on many different areas to understand what online networked learning might mean for my practice specifically, and how also being a student in this time can inform the process. The format of the PBL groups also helped me draw on others’ experiences and knowledge, and I feel my selection of tools is much wider as a result. 

The most important things I have learned through my engagement with the ONL course are the variety of online tools I can use and how to gauge and improve my understanding of them, the different aspects of collaboration and my own role in this, and the complexities of online/blended learning. I feel much more comfortable with things like Padlet, Prezi and the other variations now, having explored them as a group. Learning about different ways to think (e.g. the digital visitor/resident aspect highlighted by White & Le Cornu, 2011) has been really interesting in thinking about how we adapt to new things. Specifically, this has prompted me to think about how this might interact with growth and fixed mindsets in work and education (Dweck, 2015), in terms of myself, my students and my colleagues.

My learning will influence my practice as I will take forward these resources and platforms and use them in my own work. I also feel I have a more nuanced understanding of interpersonal aspects and how we interact with technology. I will continually check in with my students before, during and after courses and utilise tools we explored in the process (such as Padlet and Classmarker). I will also use the resources and reading as a springboard to deepen and update my knowledge about online spaces, course design and improving student experiences.

I think technology has so much to offer in terms of enhancing learning and making knowledge more accessible for many people. We are all continually developing in online spaces, and now during COVID this is more relevant than ever. The pandemic has influenced my thoughts about online learning quite heavily, as before this the online aspect seemed quite optional and ill-defined. However, our participation in online spaces and use of online tools has become absolutely necessary during this time. I think it’s also important to consider how the things we know from offline learning (e.g. the importance of breaks in meetings and classes) are just as important (if not more) in the online environment. 

Overall, I have learned more about how I work in a group, as a co-leader and as an individual, and how these relate to each other. I look forward to continuing to reflect on how teaching, research, coaching, therapy and being a student myself can all work together to benefit those I intend to support. I also look forward to revisiting the numerous platforms and presentations, and using more online tools in my own practice.

References

Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck revisits the growth mindset. Education Week, 35(5), 20-24.

White, D. S., & Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday.