Blog post #7

For the week regarding online learning theories, grand challenges for research, indigenous-centered online course designs, it really shifted the way I think about online learning. I’ve taken many online courses before, but I never really questioned how they were designed or what theories shaped them until taking EDCI classes. Learning about Connectivism, the challenges in online learning, and Indigenous-centred design made me see the whole system differently.

Reading about Connectivism really changed how I see online learning. I always thought learning online basically meant doing whatever was inside the LMS, watching the videos, doing the quizzes, posting in the discussions. But Connectivism made me realize that most of my real learning actually happens outside of those spaces. When I think about it, I usually learn the most when I’m exploring things on my own, such as connecting with classmates, or finding resources for blog posts. 

The keynote from Dr. Restoule was the part that made me reflect the most. I hadn’t considered how much online learning environments are shaped by Western academic structures. Indigenous-centred course design focuses on relationships, community, and storytelling, and most online courses honestly don’t make space for that. It made me think about how much potential online learning has for inclusion, and how far we still have to go.

Overall, this week helped me understand that online learning isn’t neutral. The way it’s designed shapes who it includes, who it excludes, and how meaningful the learning experience can be.

Photo: unsplashed – black-flat-screen-tv-turned-on-near-green-plant-eTgMFFzroGc