Hi, my name is Elena, I’m in my third year in Sociology. I previously took another EDCI course and enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to working with you all this semester.

My understanding of distributed learning is the ability to teach and learn from anywhere. It’s a model that allows for education to happen from any location often via digital use and technology such as a computer. Lessons and lectures can happen either synchronously or asynchronously.

It differs from traditional models because there is no need for one meeting location or a set time such as a classroom and a weekly set schedule. It impacts accessibility because it allows for a larger demographic to be able to access learning. An example would be students who don’t have access to transportation or are physically unable to go in person. It creates more flexibility because students are not expected to be in person, allowing for more time to have a job or pursue extracurriculars.

I think open education can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. This is because removing the financial burden and barriers to receiving an education, allows for more people to have the opportunity to learn. Not everyone has the luxury of paying for school and has to rely on an income to survive. By removing this barrier, a more diverse group can receive an education making it more accessible.

Face-to-face learning, online, and blended.

As a full-time student with a job, I personally prefer blended learning. I enjoy lectures being online, and available at any time. This gives me more flexibility with my work schedule making time for both work and education.   Instead of strictly online classes, I enjoy doing blended learning as I love connecting with others in person. I’ve had classes where lectures are online, and the in-person meetings are for group discussions or group activities. This helps foster human connection between peers and build and maintain friendships with like-minded people, this positively affects my success and engagement as a learner. Covid made doing most things online more socially acceptable. Within the school system and in other areas of life such as doctor appointments. It created a new norm of work-from-home lifestyles or learning from afar, search is strictly online university. I feel as a society we are slowly integrating back into real-life meetings. It’s nice that we have the luxury of doing online learning when it is necessary, but I believe it’s also important to do as much in person as we can, with exceptions of course.

My understanding of digital literacy is knowing how to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. It is important in open and distributed learning settings because this learning model relies on technology so having the tools to be able to succeed is a priority in making it accessible to all. An example of how digital literacy impacts my learning experience is this class! To post this blog, I had to have a BrightSpace account and access this class syllabus. Then follow the appropriate steps to create the blog and finally post on it. For me to succeed in this class and be able to hand in assignments I needed digital literacy

I manage my online presence by keeping my social media platforms private and not sharing my password. Choosing when I include my full name or personal information such as my phone number or a photo of me. What you post online will be there forever it is important to be aware of your digital footprint. My digital identity allows me to connect with like-minded people. An example of this would be LinkedIn, my account is very professional and includes an appropriate headshot of me, as well as my updated resume. Posting on this site and being aware of the importance of my digital footprint allows me to find a potential job as well as connect with like-minded individuals.