• Discuss how open learning principles can make education more accessible and inclusive. Reflect on a situation where open learning could transform educational outcomes.

Compared with traditional classroom teaching methods, open learning principles are more accessible and flexible. Because learners can freely obtain the information they need through digital platforms, and open learning principles provide convenient conditions for students who cannot attend offline teaching, such as people with disabilities. Secondly, open learning principles do not require a specific environment, which means that educational agent  do not need to bear any expenses such as venues, which saves education costs and reduces the economic burden on learners.

 

  • How have historical advancements in educational technology shaped modern educational tools and philosophies? Choose one innovation and explore its impact on today’s learning environments.

The history of educational technology  records the evolution of teaching methods transform from blackboards to online digital tools. For example, zoom. The widespread use of zoom in teaching mode emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The epidemic has prevented most students from returning to school in time, especially international students. Canada is one of the main countries for studying abroad, and many international students are stuck in their original countries due to the epidemic. Therefore, zoom has effectively solved the study problems of most international students, helping them graduate on time.

  • Evaluate how the shift from traditional to digital, learner-centred platforms has transformed educational settings. Share your views on how these technologies can further evolve to enhance learning.

The transformation of the education model from traditional to digital has shifted the focus of teaching from teachers to students. For example, in the traditional classroom model, if a student fails to attend class on time, then the student will lose the opportunity to acquire the knowledge learned in this class. However, the digital classroom is different. The teacher can record the class and update it on the platform. Therefore, even if the student fails to attend class on time, he or she can still study independently after class.

  • Connect the theories and technological developments to current educational practices. Discuss an example from your readings or personal experiences where these theories have been effectively applied or could have been implemented to improve learning.

Theories and technological developments have improved the learning efficiency of the current education model and formed the backbone of the teaching strategies and learning models used today. These teaching strategies and learning models are closer to students’ needs and stimulate students’ curiosity for knowledge. For example, during the online classes during the epidemic, if the school forced me to return to campus to study, I would most likely refuse this request, which might cause a lag in my student career. However, the flexibility of digital teaching provides me with the freedom to choose the location of the class and allow me to study in a familiar environment which increases my enthusiasm for learning.

  • Consider the role of multimedia resources in enriching educational experiences. Provide an example where multimedia has contributed to learning.

Multimedia resources play a very important role in modern education because they can present information in a more relaxed and attractive way. The main presentation modes of multimedia resources are videos, images, audio, animations, and interactive simulations. These resources stimulate students’ senses and deepen their memory of knowledge. For example, language descriptions are usually boring in economics classes . However,  it often plays an unexpected positive role, when economic theory is presented in the form of video stories.