Taking part in the ONL course has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Working through the four main topics in a problem-based learning (PBL) group really helped me see online education in a new light—and it was great to be part of a supportive and curious community of educators from different backgrounds.
In Topic 1, we looked at online participation and digital literacies, and I was especially struck by how much the digital space has changed the teacher-student dynamic. Tools like AI are reshaping how we teach and learn, and while there are challenges (like overreliance or integrity issues), there’s also huge potential to make learning more student-centered and engaging.
Topic 2 focused on open learning and sharing. I’ll admit that I was a bit hesitant at first about opening up my teaching materials, but learning about Creative Commons and how to do this responsibly made a big difference. It’s not just about giving things away—it’s about building a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual growth. Plus, involving students in this openness can be a real game-changer for engagement.
In Topic 3, we explored collaborative learning and what it really means to learn in communities. This hit home for me—I’ve seen group work that’s just task-splitting, and I now realize how much more valuable it can be when designed with purpose. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory was a nice framework to think through how we can learn to learn together, and how educators can lead by example.
Finally, in Topic 4, we tackled the design of blended and online learning. I loved digging into how GenAI tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can be used meaningfully in course design. The key takeaway? It’s not about throwing in tech for the sake of it—it’s about creating flexible, inclusive, and ethically grounded learning environments. And when it comes to assessments, we need to think creatively to encourage deep learning and discourage misuse.
All in all, the ONL journey has been both inspiring and practical. I’ve learned a great deal from the discussions with my PBL 5 group (Gregor, Felicia, Lisa, Eunice, Grace), and I’m walking away with concrete ideas and a refreshed mindset on how to design better, more open, and more engaging learning experiences. A big thank you to everyone involved—this was a great ride!
