INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIONS FOR TOPIC 2: Open Learning – Sharing and Openness

“Disseminating knowledge is the human duty, sharing it about so that all can benefit.”
― Amy Snow, a novel by Tracy Rees

Sharing is learning! Wait a minute, it may seem simple but in reality, it’s very complicated.

We have tried to analyze some of the possible issues with sharing information in online education. Data protection can be considered one of the parameters that need to be considered in advance.

“Data protection generally refers to the process of safeguarding vital information from corruption, compromise, or loss [1].“

When it comes to online education, data protection can be divided into 2 main categories:

• Students: disciplinary records, report cards, and behavioral assessments. Teachers record student behavior. National assessments, state high-stakes tests, district-level assessments
• Teachers: personal data include all information concerning an individual or his or her characteristics or living conditions if they can be identified as pertaining to the individual, his or her family, or those living with him or her, such as name, personal identity code, contact details, information on studies, IP address, genetic information, and marital status.

Although open learning has several advantages, however, I think that it also might come with a few potential disadvantages that should be considered in advance. In my opinion, the required digital platforms might pose significant barriers to participation for individuals in underserved communities or regions with limited technological infrastructure.

Quality control, lack of guidance, support, and the overwhelming amount of available information might also impact the quality of open learning. In my opinion, we need to find a way that how open learning can cover a wider range of learners. How we can overcome the barriers? We also might need to work on the requirements and infrastructure in advance before we jump to open learning.

References: 

1- “Presidency of the Council: ‘Compromise text. Several partial general approaches have been instrumental in converging views in Council on the proposal for a General Data Protection Regulation in its entirety. The text on the Regulation which the Presidency submits for approval as a General Approach appears in annex,’ 201 pages, 11 June 2015, PDF”. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.