Why is Open Learning Important?
Education is a right, not a privilege. Open learning ensures everyone has a fair shot at success. Whether you’re a young student, a working professional, or someone looking to pick up a new hobby, open learning levels the playing field.
Example of Open Learning: As a computer science student, I have used the following open learning resources: Khan Academy, Coursera, and Thompson Rivers University open learning courses. They’ve allowed me to explore different topics, deepen my understanding, and learn at my own pace.
The History of Educational Technology
It all started with the trusty abacus (an ancient calculator). Then came classrooms filled with paper textbooks and those blackboards. The mid-20th century ushered in the revolutionary era of projectors and educational television, prompting a shift from teacher-centred lectures to a more multimedia approach.
And the 21st century, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the fast-forward button on online learning. During that time we had no choice but to go to campus but UVic now still offers some online courses. Like EDCI 339 as we are taking now!
Interactive features are also becoming more common. For example, professors may use polling websites during lectures to give short multiple-choice quizzes. Students can then vote on it using their smartphones or laptops. In addition, platforms such as Rocket Chat allow students to ask questions and leave comments anonymously during lectures, making it easier for those who are shy in front of large classes. This kind of technology-integrated approach makes it easier for students to become immersed in the class and learn more interactively.
Moving to Digital, Learner-centred Learning
Education transformed from static classrooms with chalkboards to smartboards. Online platforms such as Moodle also allow instructors to easily create and grade assignments, quizzes, and exams using rubrics. This ensures that students meet their learning objectives.
And the future holds even more exciting possibilities. Imagine AI tutors that can personalize your learning journey, just like the article on URBE University suggests these AI tutors could identify your knowledge gaps and recommend specific learning materials. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize education, making it more effective and engaging for everyone.
Learning Theories in Action
Learning is not one-size-fits-all anymore. Theories like constructivism, where students actively build knowledge, and behaviourism, which focuses on reinforcing positive learning behaviours, inform how we design educational experiences today.
Project-based assessments are a natural extension of this philosophy. Instead of a single test, students showcase their learning through presentations, portfolios, or even digital artifacts like websites or simulations. This aligns with the ideas presented in the LinkedIn article by US educator Maureen Hoffman, who argues for assessments that go beyond rote memorization and reflect real-world skills.
The Power of Multimedia in Learning
Leading the sentence can get tricky sometimes. Let us take the computer science example here.
Think about this algorithm:
Finds the shortest path from a source node to all other nodes in a weighted graph by iteratively selecting the node with the smallest tentative distance and updating the distances to its neighbours. It ensures the shortest path is progressively discovered and is based on the principle of greedy optimization[1].
This is a description of Dijkstra’s algorithm, used to find the shortest distance, which can be more easily grasped through a video visualization like below.
In this video, the algorithm is running on a map of Rome and New York City. So you can see it working in a real-world context. This visual representation brings the concept to life and makes it easier to understand compared to just reading text.
The Takeaway
Open learning empowers you to take charge of your education. Explore different resources, find what works for you, and embark on a lifelong learning journey. With dedication and the right tools, you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
