EDUC5990-02

Name: Yi MAO

During COVID-19 period, the majority of schools were closed and students are initially excited that they do not need to go to school, but they begin to feel bored at home without having a face-to-face interaction with their peers. In this difficult time, using technology to complete learning task has caught students’ eyes and get them more involved in the learning process. A sense of virtual community has been created between students and their instructor. Students’ sense of belonging to a community of learning has encouraged them to complete their assignments with more diligence. In addition, E-learning can help us enjoy an autonomous learning environment. It is aligned with the learner-centered approach to learning. For example, in Joe’s class, we can share our thoughts via Padlet or chatting area. Joe usually shares video, links, PPT or other useful information on Moodle or Kumu Wiki, we can read them in our spare time. Therefore, the use of technology helps students’ self-learning ability and it allows teacher to teach a large number of knowledge given the fact that they may not have enough time to do that in class. Technology helps teachers also reach all students through virtual communication especially shy students who may not participate in a face-to-face interaction.

However, some students do not benefit from online class to boost their learning, they do not want to spend too much time on a screen or they are concern about the content of all the information they read or see online. For example, whey you want to search for educational videos online, some people who manage some websites or even blogs actually have a hidden agenda. They post or write content to influence others or spread their beliefs or ideas. So it is up to students to determine which information to believe and learn.