Distributed Learning

When it comes to education, what’s better? face-to-face, online or a combination of the 2? Wa had a really good discussion and presentation on the many possible ways education has been taking place or could take place. In our discussions we explored the positive and negative aspects of online learning. I think, as a class, we were really glad to have had the access to our Uvic classes during the pandemic without interruption to our education. However, in the end I think people recognized the importance of human connection. I think this led us to think that perhaps a blended approach to education is the best approach. After all, many in our class still preferred some of their classes to be online, but not all. The one thing that was very clear is the fact the online planning takes a bit more planning and must be done properly in oder to make it accessible for all. I do have to say that some people really loved the lack of synchronicity of online learning. This I agree with, as it makes it, so that we can “go” to class when it is the most convenient for us. I am still a little unsure about online learning for kids and adolescents, as I think a big part of their education evolves learning to deal with different people and making meaningful personal connection. I am just not sure this can be done properly behind the computer/phone screen.

We also talked about the 5 Rs (Respect, reciprocity, relevance, responsibility, and relationships) when it comes to decolonization and indigenizing online learning, which is something that I believe is an essential aspect of trying to bring First People’s perspectives into our educational system.

Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash