Category: Peer Response Posts

Hi Chase, I enjoyed reading your blog this week! I think you did an impressive job of explaining UDL principles effectively and providing multiple means of representation to do so. I think your ramp analogy was powerful and gives a great description of how UDL works to reduce barriers in education the same way that a ramp reduces mobility barriers. You did a good job of bringing attention to the digital divide in accessing online courses and material. I agree that offering affordable or open education resources and tools is essential to ensure those with financial barriers have equal access to education. I hadn’t heard of 2:1 take-home technology before, and I think it’s a creative solution to promote accessibility. I would love to start seeing this become more widespread across North America as we continue into the digital age.

Blog Post #3: Universal Design for Learning, Accessibility, Ethical Challenges and Considerations – EDCI 339/338

Hi Percy, I enjoyed reading your blog post this week. I think you did a great job of explaining UDL principles and the importance of flexibility and accessibility in educational spaces. Like you, I have also experienced times when assessment methods or learning approaches did not align with my personal preferences and learning styles. I appreciate how you clearly outline ways that UDL principles can create more accessible learning environments. I found your points on speech-to-text technology to be important; in my experience, educators often forget to include text tools. These tools are essential for individuals with different learning styles and disabilities to access course material. One area I would like to learn more about is how UDL principles can be applied to group work. For example how could UDL principles be used to ensure all members have ability to utilize their prefered learning styles and contribute in a valuable way.

Universal Design for Learning, Accessibility, and Ethical EdTech – EDCI 339 student site

Hi Elena, I enjoyed reading your post this week. I appreciate how you highlighted the importance of adaptability and modifications in teaching. I relate to your experience with your teacher using the whiteboard to help you visualize numbers. I had a similar experience in school where teachers provided me with transcripts of videos because it’s easier for me to learn by reading vs. listening. I agree that when your in an online course its fairly obvious to tell which teachers have strong digital literacy skills and those who do not. Those that do have those skills are often the most effective teachers.

I think it’s also great how you highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive online environment. People often like to hide behind their screens and share hate, so it’s refreshing to hear that there are students out there that are promoting positive contributions in digital spaces. Thanks for sharing!

Blog Post #2 – EMUVIC

Your point on project-based learning resonates with me; in my experience, having the ability to actively apply concepts in learning promotes critical thinking and understanding. This highlights the importance of actively developing knowledge instead of being a passive recipient. I appreciated how you broke down some qualities that are important for online instructors. I’ve had experiences where these qualities were utilized, and when they were ignored, in my opinion, the best online teachers have all these skills. I also like how you highlighted the benefits and challenges of digital environments. In your opinion, do you think the benefits outweigh the challenges or vice versa?

Blog Post #2 – EDCI 339

Blog Post #1: An Introduction to Open Education and Digital Literacy – EDCI 339/338 – Chase B.

Hi Chase, I enjoed your discussion on distributed and open education, especially how these models increase accessibility for students facing a multitude of different barriers. To build on the importance of flexibility in distributed learning. I think it’s also important to highlight how it can help learners foster self-discipline and time management skills when working online.

Your section on digital literacy made a great insight into the importance of having digital literacy skills as the world starts to evolve and become more online. Do you think digital literacy should be required as part of all school curriculums?
You also made a great point about being mindful when posting online. Your emphasis on not posting anything you wouldn’t be comfortable with future employers seeing is important and highlights the long-term consequences and impacts of a digital footprint!

Digital Learning – UVIC teaching tool – Rondean C.

Hi Rondean, I enjoyed reading your reflections on distributed and open education this week. Your reflection on the Covid-19 pandemic resonates with me because it was a huge shift, going from face-to-face learning to online in such a short time frame. My digital literacy skills were helpful for the transition, but online learning also highlighted areas where I lacked skills. I needed to improve on these areas to make sure I was getting the most knowledge, experience, and interactions from my education. For example, I wasn’t super familiar with using online tools like Zoom or learning management systems at the start of 2020. But through helpful friends, video tutorials, and online resources, I am able to utilize my digital literacy skills to access and navigate these platforms on my own. I wonder if you have come across any specific strategies or tools that have helped you improve your online learning experience?

I also agree with you that certain subjects work well online, but other subjects such as STEM courses that are more analytical and quantitative, work better in person. In my personal experience, I think I would have struggled taking a stats course online because interacting with the teacher, getting immediate feedback, and working with other students in real time was essential for how I grasped and understood the material.

– Atalaya

Blog Post 1 – Uvic Teaching Tool – Matthew J.

Hi Matthew, I enjoyed reading your post this week on distributed learning and open education. I liked your insights on hybrid learning and the benefits it allows, such as maintaining structure while also providing flexibility. Hybrid learning is also one of my preferred forms of learning; having the option to attend in person or online is beneficial for individuals with complicated schedules or personal preferences for learning flexibility. Like you, I find the freedom to choose between online and in-person learning to be valuable. For example, when my energy is low or I am facing barriers to attend attend class in person, being able to switch online allows me to continue to learn at my own pace.
I find that sometimes I feel more distracted and less motivated when learning online. In your experience, do you utilize any strategies that help you stay motivated when switching to an online format?

-Atalaya