Lesson 4: Using the Internet for Teaching, Learning, and Research in Higher Education

The article tackled all about the uses of the internet, their benefits, advantages, as well as their disadvantages. Clearly, the use of internet brought light to education, since there are so many things in this world that gained accessibility. With the internet, our way of communicating with others became so advanced that we are even able to keep in touch with them in real time. The internet also managed its way to the domain of education, where in it is being used at varying purposes. From teaching, making assignments, and even conducting researches, the internet proved itself useful, thus boosting our productivity. Almost every persons with different characteristics has an access to the internet, thus the communication of information is not that difficult anymore. Things that are laborious to look for is not that laborious anymore. However, there are also disadvantages to the use of internet. Plagiarism, inappropriate content, and even pornographic websites are everywhere, and considering that the majority have an access to the internet, it is quite alarming. Also, people would seem to take all the information found at the internet legit, thus there is a peril that false information will spread like wildfire.

Nowadays, learners tend to rely on the internet upon making assignment and doing research. They are becoming too dependent of them. Well, as a future teacher, it is my role to guide them upon the proper usage of the internet. Since not all the information in the net is legit, there is a need for the teacher to make his learners aware of the errors that the internet may provide them. This should be absolute for all learners, and this should not be taken lightly, for it is about the education of the present generation.

Well, it is undoubtedly that the internet is truly useful, however, we should also look at its shortcomings, so that we may be able to adjust it to our advantage. We can't control the internet, but we can at least regulate its use, especially if it concerns our learners. It is just imperative that we fully understand all the possibilities of the internet.

Lesson 3: The Benefits and Drawbacks of e-Learning

e-Learning has been with us for some time now, and we cannot deny the fact that we have been engaging ourselves with that particular type of learning. With the introduction of the world wide web, it also began the era of technological advancement. With advanced communication, things that seem to be impossible are now becoming possible. Having said all of those things, relating to e-Learning, it would seem that we are truly embracing the blessings of the said method. The article discussed some of its advantages and disadvantages. Though there are also shortcomings of this method, it is just better to look at its more positive side. Truly, e-Learning has access to varying learners, thus it is able to adjust itself for the benefit of the learner. However, we also cannot deny the fact that technology comes with a price, thus we might face such problem concerning that matter. Anyway, for the sake of learning, it is always best to do what is necessary, and what is good and proper for a learner.

Different learners have different need, it is undoubtedly true. But with the use of technology, we are making our way into breaching that particular limitation. Considering the fact that students nowadays are quite knowledgeable not only with the internet, but other gadgets as well, that is an avenue to make learning more fun and meaningful. What is appealing to the students of the past, may not be the same with what appeals to the current breed of learners. Thus, to catch up with them, it is just important that we should include the use of technology in order for us to motivate them to learn more. Based on my experience, learners nowadays would like to see something new, not just the traditional. They tend to be more adventurous, thus it is imperative to make learning that way.

Making use of technology in the classroom, as well as utilizing the use of internet is a great way to achieve the said e-Learning. With that, learners are being engaged in an entirely new learning environment that can be adjusted according to their preferences. The use of such technology has a long way to go, and will be further  developed not only for the benefit of the learners, but the benefit of the society itself.

Lesson 2 Asynchronous Synchronous E-learning

The article discussed about the asynchronous and synchronous E-learning, together with its definitions, differences, advantages,and disadvantages. The said article also narrated on when, how, and why such types of learning be used. The three types of communication, namely content-related, planning of tasks, and social support, were also discussed as well. Truly, it cannot be denied that time is not always on our side, thus we need to learn and cope for such limitation. Fortunately, we now have this kind of technology that enabled us to go beyond the said shortcoming. The remarkable evolution of our communication paved a way for us to be more connected with each other. From the advent of cellular phones, to the arrival of the internet, truly put our civilization at a different level. The blessings of technology found its way into the learning domain, which is justified by the so-called synchronous and asynchronous e-learning. In comparison with previous years, we cannot deny the fact that technology changed the way we learn. Everything seems to be all about the network and the internet. We now have a huge plethora of possibilities that will enable us to learn more. Though such 2 categories of e-learning be different, they are just the same in terms of bringing knowledge to the learners. They only differ by the way they are being implemented to the learners.

During the duress of my educational years, I still haven't experienced the said synchronous way of e-learning, wherein I am bound to use an instant messaging app, or a video conference, or anything. However, I would be glad to take part in the said synchronous e-learning environment, so that I will be able to share my experiences concerning the said type of learning. I guess it would be exciting, as the article suggested. To have that kind of learning seems to be challenging, since an immediate response is required. However, I wonder if the same excitement I will with be the same with other learners? I hope it would be. On the other hand, asynchronous way of e-learning has been with me for some time now, even upon making this blog, I know I am actually engaging with it myself. Well, in my opinion, it is still good, as long as I learn, and as long that I am being challenged. In case of other learners, it would seem that they are quite lethargic with regards with this, because I already saw learners having a hard time on motivating themselves with respect to reflecting about a particular topic.

Summing it up, the two categories of e-learning has a common goal, which is to make learners learn. Though there may be difference among the two with respect to their delivery, they are still the same, since their target is to make students learn. The world will continuously change, so as technology. It is just imperative to have a vast knowledge with regards to technology, so that we may be able to continue the legacy of educating people.

enGauge 21^st Century Skills: Literacy in the Digital Age

           

            The paper tackled about topics concerning the digital age, as well the types of learners we now have, and the methodology teachers must now use at the advent of the said digital age. In addition with this, the paper also discussed the different century skills and the digital-age literacy. Such literacy involves that of inventive thinking, effective communication and high productivity. Moreover, the paper also stipulated that at the current digital-age, we should have the following literacies; basic, scientific, economic, technological, visual, information, and multicultural literacies in addition with global awareness. Thus, to be called literate nowadays, we must at least be oriented with the said literacies. This is in contrast with what we had during 1900s, wherein knowing how to read, write, and calculate makes individuals literate. Summing up, we now live in a world where in technological advancement is blazingly fast. We now belong to a world wherein information can easily be disseminated with just a simple click. Almost everyone has an access to the internet, especially children, thus as adults, and as future teachers, we must as well orient ourselves at the said digital-age. We must update ourselves through obtaining such different literacies in order to catch up with this fast paced world, so that we won’t be left behind by those persons who are younger than us.

            The above paragraph can be supported by my experiences as a field study student teacher at Limay National High School. Truly, learners nowadays are very familiar at the wonders of the internet, together with the advent of different gadgets. From note taking by means of writing, they are just taking pictures of notes that are written at the board. They even have pocket wifi, thus they can easily look for answers that are asked to them. At this age, they now prefer typewritten assignments in contrast during our days wherein we prefer handwritten assignments than being typewritten. Well, as of now, I am not seeing any negativities concerning their styles, however, if they keep on being too dependent on technology, they might not be able to obtain optimum learning, since they want everything at an instant. Thus, as a future teacher, I must utilize their knowledge of technology in a way that they will still obtain optimum learning even if they rely on such technologies. This can be obtained by requiring them to read every bit of literatures posted on reliable science websites and requiring them to make journals of their experiences in reading such articles.

            Thinking about the implication, or possible future effect or result of the said digital age, it only means that we will have learners that will have to learn a new multitude of set of skills. Moreover, it means that there are more things to learn, and more skills to acquire, thus teachers should offer more things to be taught, so as to fill and quench the thirst of our digital-age learners. We should help our learners in making use of technology at their advantage. Nowadays, they have access to a plethora of data in the internet, however, not all information that are obtained in the World Wide Web is reliable, since it cannot be denied that the network is also harboring a huge number of trolls, thus there is a danger that our learners would fall into misleading. Thus, as adults, who are expected to know more things that youngsters, must be smart enough not to fall from tricks that are being imposed by the internet. We, ourselves must be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills in order to ward off such malicious intent by internet trolls. Also, in the digital age, we are not only discussing about the network, but also the advent of gadgets and different electronic paraphernalia. Well, the key is always to look for their advantages for the benefit of the users.         

           

This ends my blog.