Session 2 - Learning Resources and Technologies

 Session 2 – ‘Learning Resources and Technologies’

Session 2 reflects on learning resources and technologies; they are regarded to be information communication technologies (ICT’s). Integrating technology in teaching is very important, however utilizing these technologies to support learning is very important. There are six main uses of technology in education as outlined in the lesson notes of Week 3 & 4, this includes;

i.              Communication  

ii.             Search

iii.            Collaboration

iv.            Create

v.             Assess

vi.            Professional development

These six key elements are very important while integrating ICT in your teaching and learning. Communicate – this are platforms such as zoom, google meet, WebEx, and etc. that allows us to connect with those who are studying remotely. Search – this are search tools such as database. Collaboration – these are shared documents on cloud, google dox, ppt & excel which eases group discussions and instant feedback. Create – via using online tools to produce multimedia content such as, mp4, mp3 and infographics. Assess – using online assessment tool to create assessments such as quiz and discussion forums. And Professional Development – networking educators and upskilling process, such as twitter in connecting with other professionals and share resources.

Building an inclusive learning environment is very important in ensuring that students with disabilities receive equitable access to learning opportunities. Few of the learning resources that create an inclusive environment with those students with special needs includes hearing aids and audio devices, screen readers and braille embossers, speech to text and text to speech software adaptive keyboards and mice and communication device. Integrating this learning resources in classrooms where students with special needs are promotes active participation during class activities, fostering independence, not just academically but in their day-to-day life. Thus, it will also build confidence where students overcome their individual challenges, and boost their morale of being included in the society that they live in.

OER on the other hand is a helping hand to educators for additional learning resources. These are learning materials in any medium that reside in the public domain and have open license that permits access, use, repurposing, reuse and redistribution (UNESCO & Common Wealth of Learning, 2011).  After completing Assignment 2, it has really opened my eyes on the credibility and validity of online educational resources that should be integrated in the courses that I teach.

I find Session 2 to be very helpful in which it empowers learners and support academic achievement. By investing into these learning resources and technologies educators can create an inclusive, engaging and personalized learning environment that prepare learners in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Reference

UNESCO, & Common Wealth of Learning. (2011). Guidelines for open educational resources (OER) in higher education. Place de Fontenoy: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,.

 

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