Blog Journal 9

     In my past experiences with distance learning, I have used tools such as Google Classroom and Zoom most often. While some were more commonly effective than others, I think the ease of management and use was mostly situational, as I found teacher involvement most often entirely determined the usefulness of each tool. For example, Google Classroom was an amazing and incredibly easy way to complete and turn in assignments, keep important dates organized, and quickly receive feedback or announcements from teachers. However, if a teacher failed to properly give directions or update and maintain the classroom, then its contents would be ineffective. Additionally, I found that over-reliance on Zoom made online learning more difficult for me personally. While Zoom was an effective way to connect with teachers during times of distance learning and was an amazing opportunity for teachers to answer questions, get to know students, or teach lessons in a variety of formats, it was sometimes very difficult to organize and understand. I would like to experience the use of newer and more advanced learning management systems like edPuzzle in my future classrooms, as it gives students direct access to resources, study materials, and teacher communication, which would ultimately eliminate common problems in distance learning.

    Open Educational Resources, or OER, are resources licensed in ways which allow their use and adaptation by the public. These resources provide students, educators, researches, and other professionals to openly view and access the material and, in doing so, promotes equality in public access to education and promotes the spread and use of important information. The article "Open Educational Resources" published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization explains the benefits of using OER and, more specifically, how such resources can be beneficial when advanced to encompass resources on an international level. The Open Educational Resources Dynamic Coalition was established in March 2020 by UNESCO to bring together stakeholders and facilitate international cooperation to create networks through which OER resources and information may be shared and viewed internationally. 

Open Educational Resources by UNESCO

    While working on Assignment 4, I realized that while I was familiar with most Powerpoint functions, I was incredibly unfamiliar with the layout and wasted a lot of time trying to find the tools I needed. Through this assignment, I was able to relearn the familiarity I once had with the platform as I was given time to freely use and explore its functions. I love my use of color and cohesive formatting throughout the Powerpoint presentation as it ties to the theme while also being visually appealing and easy to read/understand. However, I do feel as though I could have implemented more games or resources into the slides which may have made the lesson more appealing to a real class. In the future, I will be more mindful of the attentions of the class I am teaching and not focus solely on the lesson content.