Week 1, Topic 1, Activity 3 – Vision of Online Teaching and Learning

My vision of defining online teaching and learning aligns with Joksimovic and colleagues (2015) in that the Internet is used to teach and learn through various instructional platforms. The online world encompasses various methods of instruction, such as blended learning, asynchronous and/or synchronous. Personally, I feel that online learning and teaching provide flexibility due to the ability to sign in from anywhere around the world. People can engage in self-paced learning and/or physically tune in at particular times. Furthermore, not all courses are instructor-led, empowering individuals to take charge of their own learning. Online learning and teaching provide options to read articles virtually and/or print them for those who prefer hard copies. Additionally, resources such as videos, podcasts, and online games (Kahoot) make the experience fun and engaging. 

Despite being a learner who prefers in-person instruction, I have more opportunities to learn online. For example, I use social media such as Instagram regularly. I’m able to gather valuable information from experts just by scrolling on an online app. 

During COVID-19, I was in nursing school, giving me first-hand experience at the challenges associated with the immediate change to online learning. I understand that anything new and different requires time, adaptability and adjustment. I found myself struggling to focus during online instruction and lacked motivation to ‘learn’; it became more of an opportunity to simply finish the assignments. As time progressed, I began to appreciate the flexibility, the self-sufficiency and the resilience I built through online learning.