The Online Learning Environment

In class, we discussed the online learning environment: its benefits and its setbacks, synchronous versus asynchronous activities, and the various resources/platforms that are currently available for learning online. Below are my thoughts on a couple of online learning platforms through which I have found success as a student:

Brightspace

Brightspace is a great online learning platform for teachers to upload resources for students to access online. As a student, I have used Brightspace for a couple of semesters of University coursework, and I have loved it! The first semester that I used Brightspace was when all learning was taking place online, as a result of the pandemic. Despite the challenges of jumping into an online learning environment, I felt like Brightspace made for a great alternative to in-person, completely synchronous learning. I appreciate having access to an online space for education where everything is together: resources for students, assignment drop boxes, etc.; I think it helps to make an organized learning environment! There are a few features to Brightspace that I enjoy using to make the learning feel more student-centered. For example, there is a space for class discussion in which students can share their ideas and engage in learning with each other and discussing the course content. Additionally, it is an easy platform through which to communicate with your instructor and classmates with the instant messages and email features.

Zoom

Zoom is an awesome way for online learning to occur in a synchronously. In most Zoom classes I’ve attended, the teacher is the host that is conducting the lecture to the students (the guests). Zoom is a great way to have everyone learning at the same time in the same virtual space; to that extent, it may increase accessibility for learning. As a student, I like how Zoom allows for continued learning when I am sick or unable to attend class. During the height of the pandemic, it was great to be able to simply log into Zoom from the comforts of my home environment and participate in class without the stress of getting sick or potentially making other students sick. I also appreciate the ability to avoid the commute and study from home synchronously; with the climate crisis, I want to be able to do what I can to minimize my carbon footprint, and not having to waste gas and release pollution into the air during a commute to school is a big plus for me! The only thing I don’t like about Zoom is that it feels a bit awkward and it can be intimidating to participate actively in an online lecture. However, the more Zoom sessions I attend, the easier it becomes!

Overall, I think that online learning is a great option and I think that as technology advances and our world evolves, the online learning environment becomes more effective and suitable for students. Currently, I appreciate a mixture of online and in-person learning opportunities, and as discussed in class, a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities. I think that as long as there is a good balance between teacher centered and student centered activities, and access is equitable, online learning is a viable approach to helping students learn, grow, and succeed in their educational journeys!