Reflection about Future Learn Platform
Experiences
What is Future Learn?
What it is all about? That were the questions came to my mind when I was
introduced to the platform and asked to attend the five weeks of courses in it.
So first, I searched to know more about it. I found out that Future Learn is a digital education platform
founded in December 2012.It
is a massive open online course (MOOC) learning platform where it
offers various numbers of courses on broad range of topics.
How does the program work? This was another question came to mind. I got
to know that in order to complete a program and earn an award, I need to
complete all the courses, earn certificates on all courses and pass a final
assessment. So, when I found that have to take an assessment and pass it I was
a bit anxious as I started to wonder how the assessment will be.
I required to take a
program about Blended Learning. Before process to the online courses I just
searched to know what is blended learning. Then, I started the courses. In the
first week, I learned that blended learning is a mix of traditional and digital
technologies that are blended together in a way that helps learners learn more
productively. I also learned that teachers play an important role in making sure
that the mix is optimal for example:
- to encourage learners to use BL for independent study by guiding them on how to do it
- to enrich the classroom experience to bring in more kinds of active learning
- to make use of existing digital resources to enhance the learning activity
- to use online learning to support them in following up on what they did in practice
After completing week one courses, I was eager to know more
about blended learning. In second week, I learned about the
social constructivist approach, the way that blended learning can foster
learner independence, creative thinking and social interaction. I also got to
know about iObserve tool and the educators
describe how they have used
digital technologies such as Nearpod, e-learning packages and Google classroom to enhance their teaching. This was a new experience for me and I enjoyed it.
In week three I got to know about VLEs, open tools and Open Educational
Resources. These resources seem to be relevant and useful for me. I also saw
Prezi being used and was impressed, as it is much more engaging than PowerPoint.
In forth week, I learned about DADDIE model, assessment tools and examples
of successful flipped pedagogies in practice. In last week it was about digital
skills required for the workplace.
Overall, I enjoyed this
five weeks course as I gained a lot of new knowledge. I realized the importance
of digital skills and how advance the digital facilities can be used in
teaching and learning. I have developed myself professionally and looking
forward to implement some of the things in my classroom. At the end of the
course I was happy because I have passed the assessment and earned the award.
Strength
The strength of this platform
is that the courses are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on
mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life. The courses
can be attended at any place and any time which provides flexibility to the
learners. These flexible online course programs enable one to master a subject
in depth and ideal for developing your career or preparing for further study. The
courses contain of various form of material such as video, task, quizzes and
discussions. These make the courses interesting. The videos are clear, short
and understandable. The task and quizzes give opportunities for the learners to
check self-understanding of the course and to make sure they are on track. The discussion
platform offers the opportunity to discuss what you have learned with others,
helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas.
Weakness
This platform
needs Internet connectivity to be accessed. Sometimes if the connection is not
strong enough the videos will start buffering which might make the learners feel
disappointed. This online learning cannot offer
human interaction thus it will reduce communication and collaboration skills
among the learners.
Recommended
ideas for improvisation
Maybe interactive
discussion platform can be added. The quizzes can be made more interesting and
fun. Courses for young learners can be added.
1.Future Platform Learning is a digital education platform such as MOOC that allows students to study course through online for free. Even through this platform, students become more aware of the content such as the anatomy of the human body in sight.
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3. Future Learn platform is useful for students because using this platform, student can learn through storytelling independently, can discuss with peer in the forum discussion, share their opinion relate their course in anywhere, any time and by using mobile device