My personal learning has changed during COVID-19 which has had pros, cons, benefits and challenges. Before COVID-19, I had completed only open learning courses for the MEd program. I had enjoyed the open learning courses, even though there were no synchronous meetings since I could complete some of the work, such as readings, on my own terms. One benefit of the pandemic is that it has forced me to have somewhat of a schedule and keep up with the readings in order to actively participate in the synchronous meetings. Also, communicating with others through video and/or audio has been more meaningful than only communicating through online discussions. It has helped build somewhat of a class community and getting to know other students in a more meaningful way. It has been challenging keeping up with the readings and online discussions. With the open learning courses I have completed so far, there were deadlines for discussions which required references to the readings, but it was a little easier managing them since there were no synchronous meetings or live breakout groups for discussions. Also, a con has been that I have felt pressure to complete readings so I can participate in the live breakout groups, which led to quickly scanning the readings. It has also been more challenging to balance taking care of my family and synchronous meetings during the pandemic. Another con has been that the synchronous meetings leave you tied up in a way since you have to work your day around the synchronous meetings, whereas with open learning courses you make your own schedule to complete classwork.
Sir John Daniel (2020) recommends instructors use asynchronous learning as it “enables students to juggle the demands of home and study (p. 3).” It also benefits teachers as they do not need to deliver learning material at a fixed time as they can post the material online in digital formats, such as video lessons (Daniel). Daniel also suggests that “teachers should work with what they know” (p. 3) since it is more important for teachers to give their full attention to reassuring students than trying to learn new pedagogy or technology. I agree with Daniel about it being easier for students to balance home and work life, however teachers all over the world have had to learn new technology in order to deliver learning material to their students. Some teachers have made connecting with their students a bigger priority than delivering learning material, while some have done both and worked really hard to learn new technology to ensure they are using digital platforms that are meaningful and engaging for their students. The pandemic has made everyone, including parents, students and teachers learn how to use technology in new ways.
References
Daniel, S.J. (2020, April 20). Education and the COVID‑19 pandemic. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-020-09464-3
Hello Gurreet,
I think the close connection between teachers and students are important. The stronger their attachment relationship, which means students very trust teachers, the better academic achievement and mindful health.
Hello Gurreet!
I totally agree with you on that pandemic has taught us a lot specifically using technology in new ways. We all are learning the things we had no idea about. Teachers are doing all the efforts to best educate their students. But I still feel that nothing can replace the classroom experience of face to face interaction with the instructors and the classmates.