REFLECTIVE SUMMARY OF FUTURE LEARN

MY REFLECTIVE SUMMARY 

OF 

FUTURE LEARN: 

BLENDED LEARNING ESSENTIALS: GETTING STARTED 

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

AN ONLINE LEARNING (MOOC)

EXPERIENCE

           This is my first online course; I never take part in any online course before this. So, this 5 weeks course gives new experience for me. After a crystal clear explanations from Madam Malini Triagaraj on FUTURE LEARN: BLENDED LEARNING ESSENTIALS: GETTING STARTED, UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS, I started my journey into future learn. She provides us with log book, that I need to fill up every time I log in future learn. Inside the log book contains very important information such as date, time, device used, place, activities as well as problems faced during the learning process. The log book not only helps in remembering the important details but it acts like a personal journal for me in order to see my own improvements and developments throughout the online learning.

            When I pass by each and every week, I can clearly see that I understand about blended learning deeper. In week 1, I experienced the real meaning of Blended Learning. In additional, I get to know how digital technology can be used in teaching and learning. During week 2, I mainly experienced about the pedagogy, and technology of Blended Learning. In this part, it shows how I can match the pedagogy with technology. At last, I understood how I must ready to use Blended Learning in my classroom.

            Week 3 just blow me away. In this week, I was exposed to VLE, open tools, Open Educational Resources which mainly we use for sharing ideas as well as discussions. During week 4, I felt more like a curriculum designer. DADDIE became an effective model for blended learning curriculum design. Besides, I glad that I can know deeper about Flipping Classroom which is very essential in 21^st century teaching and learning process. Last but not least week 5, I experienced what are the basic skills and needs my students should have in order to implement the blended learning effective in my classroom.                

STRENGTHS

1.    Flexibility.

In blended learning approach provides flexibility. It is flexibility in term of time, place, and devices used to complete the course. Flexibility in term of time, I can learn any time I want such as during my free time, normally after work at 9.00 pm will be my time to participate in this course. 1 – 2 hours for each session not become a burden for me. Flexibility in place, I’m able to learn where ever I want to learn. For example, I can login future learn where ever I want such as at work, at home, at relative home and soon. It’s a plus point for me because normally I will be busy travelling here and there. Flexibility in device, future learn is a website form, I can log in with my laptop, and tablet. If at work, I normally use my laptop while at home or other place I will use my tablet.          

2.    Efficiency.

Future learn is very efficient. In this 5 weeks course, I have no problem with the subject matter that delivered to me. This is because the subject matter or content knowledge delivered efficiently with a lot of examples in form of videos. Besides, extra relevant information from case studies supported the subject matter make it look more interactive, effective and efficient.   

3.    Cost-effectiveness.

I’m able to complete a course from University of Leeds without any payment.  This shows that future learn is cost-effective. I just need a laptop or a tablet, and good internet connection to complete my course. I don’t have to travels 100 KM, or paying petrol to get a certificate.   

WEAKNESSES

 

1.    High definition video.

In future learn, videos were provided as a leaning tool. Most of video lengths 5 min, the HD video take time to load before able to watch it. Sometime, if the internet connection poor I can’t watch the video.      

2.    Qualitative case studies or example.

Most of the case studies or examples are more to qualitative aspects. This means the case studies and examples are very much applicable to western education curriculum. Besides, these case studies and examples can’t be generalized. So, these case studies and examples are very effective in very specific situation or culture. 

RECOMMENDED IDEAS FOR IMPROVISATION   

1.    HD videos.

Maybe next time, I should find a good internet connection area so that I can effectively understand the content knowledge of the course. Besides, future learn should find any other possible ways such as use low definition video quality or use any other teaching tools besides video.

2.    Qualitative case studies or examples

Future learn team should not only focus on one dimension or culture of the examples. They should provide case studies or example from different countries, or cultural background. By doing this, they able to identify the problem face by other countries and they can come up with other relevant initiatives.