Things I could consider from universal design are the three main components of Universal Design Language (UDL), Dynamic Instructional Design (DID) Steps and the learning types. The main idea of Universal Design is that products and environment should be usable at the very beginning by all people. This could be done with three steps; have multiple representations of information, alternative means of expression and varied options for engagement. DID model defines a process and steps how to do that. Emphasis is on flexibility. Knowing the learners is important, and various instructional techniques and teaching strategies have been listed by grouping different learning types. With the help of Universal Design method I can ensure the support of diversity and flexibility of the course and the material.
Connectivism made me think the learning and knowledge management. Learning management has been devided to two, personal learning and social learning. Personal learning is about learning a certain discipline. In connectivism teacher and student work in the same place, create the same content. Students are not told to take specific tasks. They do what they think is relevant. So in connectivist course everybody does different things. The community is open and everybody can interact with each other. Evaluation happens by evaluating if the person has developed an appropriate personal knowledge in the network. I like the teacher´s role, to be active in the course, and the openness of the community. Also evaluation here was interesting, but I would like to understand more about it.
Hi Tuire,
VastaaPoistawith M4 I have slowly started to grow e-heels.. Pedagogic models in online learning and teaching will be yet another addition to my shoe height. I am hoping that with reading not just references but also peer posts I'll be able to have a better understanding of different pedagogic models in online learning in practice.
You seem to have a good grasp on this!
-Jonna
Hi Tuire,
VastaaPoistaI have understood that - as you said - Universal design underlines that "knowing the learners is important". However, it's not possible in many current e-learning situations (e.g. MOOCs). Does this mean that although different types of learners can not be identified in advance (in personal way) the learning environment will provide a variety of different learning opportunities. Yes, as a matter of fact, the both approaches regocnize the importance of diversity and flexibility. From the Connectivism point of view, there is maybe more responsibility for students themselves in creating a meaningful learning environment? Also authentic learning framework underlines for providing different perspectives (element 4) and flexible learning environment (element 2). These aspects clearly support multicultural e-learning.
I agree with you that evaluation and assessment is very interesting and challeging part of learning process in new modern learning environments and solutions (e.g. MOOC). It seems to be essential in formal (cf. informal) learning process that how the assessment is carried out affects the whole learning process and student motivation.
Thank you Jonna and Irja for you comments. I liked the assumption in Universal Design that plan the course as good as possible meaning take into account as many different learners as possible. I believe that e-learning environment should provide spontaneously a variety of different learning opportunities not matter if the learners are known. Connectivism would be an ideal way of working with the students with high motivation since they have the responsibility of learning environment but I´m not sure if that works with all students. And I got interested in assessment and would like to understand it better in different solutions since as Irja wrote is has an impact to the whole learning process.
Poista