Blog Post 3

Reflect on Digital Technologies and Identity

Digital technology has had a huge impact on our education. It has made educational resources more widely accessible, allowing students to access any course they desire anytime, anywhere through online courses and various learning platforms. Additionally, various communication platforms have made our learning more efficient. For example, communication platforms like WeChat, Instagram, and Facebook, video platforms like YouTube, and interactive platforms like Zoom and WordPress play a significant role. Each of us is portrayed virtually in the Internet, and in real life each of us has a different personality, which may be extroverted or introverted. In these online interactive platforms, each one of us can speak freely. For example, Facebook or WordPress, which we use now, where we may not have met our classmates, but we can speak freely on our blogs and get feedback from our classmates.

Digital Platforms in Education

Firstly, considering communication platforms, WeChat is an excellent example. I have contact information for many teachers and classmates on WeChat. Whenever I encounter a difficult problem or a knowledge point I want to understand, I can send a photo or text to my teacher, who can promptly address my queries. Classmates can also help each other and progress together.

Secondly, YouTube serves as a prime example of a video platform. As a large video platform, YouTube offers a wide range of videos. It includes not only various TV shows for entertainment but also numerous educational and lecture videos for learning. I am a student majoring in economics, and there are always something I don’t understand in my economics class, so I will go to YouTube to search for explanatory videos.

Lastly, interactive platforms like WordPress allow us to share various information. On WordPress, we can share new knowledge and gain insights into other students’ perspectives and experiences, making it an excellent learning platform.

Instructor and Social Presence in Online Learning

An instructor’s presence helps to create a sense of community among students. “A strong community is imperative in higher education learning and helps reduce feelings of isolation in online learning.  Characteristics of a learning community include students’ sense of trust, belonging and mutual interdependence, and shared educational goals through interaction with other course participants (Rovai, 2002).” When teachers are visibly involved in the course, students are more likely to be actively engaged. In my opinion the presence of the teacher is crucial and the teacher’s presence gives me a sense of reassurance, which is a sense of trust.

Here are some of the strategies mentioned in this article.

1. Design

Strategies/Indicators:

• Organization: Structuring the course effectively.
• Materials: Providing diverse and relevant learning materials.
• Activities: Creating engaging and interactive activities.
• Discussion topics: Crafting meaningful discussion prompts.
• Resources: Offering additional learning resources.
• Technology: Utilizing educational technology tools.
• Methods: Applying varied instructional methods.

Examples:

• Rubrics
• Diverse sources/media
• Clear learning objectives
• Library links

2. Facilitation

Strategies/Indicators:

• Setting climate: Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Encouragement: Motivating and supporting students.
• Acknowledgement: Recognizing student contributions.
• Participation in discussion: Engaging in student discussions.

Examples:

• Introductions
• Announcements
• Detailed and timely feedback
• Online office hours
• Synchronous sessions
• Compliments and warmth
• Humor

When a teacher is present and socially engaged in an online classroom, it creates an environment where students feel supported and valued. This leads to higher levels of engagement because students are more likely to participate in discussions, complete assignments, and remain in the course. Additionally, an engaging instructor presence helps clarify questions, provide immediate feedback and foster critical thinking, all of which contribute to better learning outcomes.