Category: EDCI 339 Blog Posts

What is Open Pedagogy?

Open Pedagogy emphasizes collaboration, student agency, and knowledge co-creation, distinguishing itself from traditional teaching by shifting students from passive recipients to active creators. It empowers educators and students alike through:

• Active Participation: Students engage deeply by contributing original content.
• Shared Knowledge Creation: Educators and learners collaborate openly on educational resources.
• Empowerment: Fostering a sense of ownership in the learning process, encouraging more profound learning and motivation.

Open Pedagogy challenges traditional teaching models by prioritizing learner autonomy and collaboration. Rather than relying solely on instructor-provided materials, students actively engage in learning by creating and sharing content that benefits the entire educational community. This approach transforms education into a more dynamic and interactive experience, empowering students and educators through a shared sense of responsibility and innovation in the classroom.

I have always valued this teaching style, especially during high school. Although it was not familiar, it made me feel genuinely empowered. Nothing was more satisfying than choosing my assignment topics, diving deeply into them, and presenting my findings uniquely. However, I also observed that this approach had its challenges. Many classmates struggled when the learning path was less linear and more self-directed. While highly motivated students thrived, others found it challenging to keep pace. Striking the right balance is essential, but open pedagogy can enable students to flourish when implemented effectively with the proper support.

The Role and Impact of OER

Open Educational Resources (OER) are transformative in education by providing freely accessible materials, significantly impacting the educational landscape by:

• Reducing Costs: Removing financial barriers associated with textbooks and materials.
• Customization and Adaptability: Allowing educators to tailor resources to specific needs.
• Increasing Equity: Making high-quality resources accessible globally, regardless of economic background.

OER play a critical role in democratizing education by providing affordable, adaptable resources that can be customized to meet diverse learner needs. They break down economic and geographic barriers, ensuring that students from various backgrounds can access quality educational materials. By fostering educational equity, OER helps ensure that learning opportunities are available to everyone, significantly enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in academic settings.

I have always believed that education should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. The economic divide has long been a problem in our society, and the impact of OER is genuinely transformative. I love the freedom to learn almost anything for free, wherever and whenever I choose. OER benefit everyone, regardless of background or economic status. As these resources become more widely available, I believe the gap between education and money will continue to shrink, which is truly inspiring.

Global Trends in OER

Worldwide adoption of OER is growing, highlighting impactful trends such as:

• Government Initiatives: Countries like Canada and India proactively support and fund OER programs.
• International Cooperation: Institutions globally collaborate, sharing resources and best practices.
• Digital Innovation: Technological advances facilitate greater dissemination and use of OER.

These global shifts present significant opportunities for advancing educational equity while posing challenges such as uneven digital infrastructure and varying copyright regulations.

The growing international support for OER reflects a collective recognition of their transformative potential. Government-led initiatives and cross-border collaborations help pool resources and expertise, making quality education more accessible. However, significant barriers such as disparities in technological infrastructure and inconsistent policy and licensing standards still need to be addressed to ensure equitable access and widespread adoption.

If every country could fully support OER, private-sector education might eventually lose dominance, which is promising. Ultimately, the value of education should be determined by the effort one invests, not by financial means.

Understanding Creative Commons Licensing

Creative Commons licenses are crucial for responsible sharing and use of educational resources, as they clearly define usage permissions. Key benefits include:

• Simplified Usage Rights: Communicated terms enabling straightforward reuse and modification.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Encouraging educators and learners to build upon and share resources openly.
• Protection Against Misuse: Legal frameworks ensuring content creators’ rights are respected.

Creative Commons licensing streamlines educational resource use, adaptation, and sharing, promoting transparency and ethical content management. By clearly defining usage rights, these licenses protect creators’ work while fostering a culture of collaboration and sharing. This enables educators to confidently use, modify, and build upon others’ materials, enhancing educational content and practices.

I could implement Creative Commons licenses in my work by clearly labelling my educational resources, presentations, and assignments with the appropriate license. This would allow others to confidently adapt and reuse my materials, further enhancing collaboration and innovation within my educational community. Additionally, by incorporating openly licensed resources in my teaching, I would ensure proper attribution to original creators and nurture a respectful, ethical knowledge-sharing culture.

Attributes of Open Pedagogy

Key attributes of Open Pedagogy, including collaboration, transparency, and student-centred learning, foster inclusive and participatory education by:

• Encouraging Collaborative Learning: Students work together, enhancing peer learning and engagement.
• Promoting Transparency: Open sharing of learning materials and processes to encourage trust and mutual respect.
• Focusing on Students’ Needs: Customizing learning experiences based on student interests and feedback.

The core attributes of Open Pedagogy fundamentally shift the educational environment toward a more inclusive and participatory model. By emphasizing collaboration and transparency, students become active partners in their learning, which builds trust and fosters a stronger sense of community. Prioritizing student-centred learning helps ensure that educational experiences remain relevant and responsive to learners’ needs, enhancing overall engagement and outcomes.

I have always strived to implement these practices in my teaching to tailor my approach directly to the class’s needs. Over the years, I have developed various teaching styles and have adapted my methods based on student feedback. I believe that for Open Pedagogy to be effective, it is crucial that students feel their contributions genuinely matter. If students sense that their absence would not affect the class, they may lose the motivation to engage fully. Therefore, I make a concerted effort to empower students by ensuring they genuinely impact how the class is conducted—a principle I consider essential for effective learning.

References:

[1] Hegarty, B. (n.d.). Attributes of open pedagogy [Image]. Tony Bates Associates Ltd. https://www.tonybates.ca/wp-content/uploads/Open-pedagogy-Bronwyn-Hegarty-2.jpg

[2] Paskevicius, M., & Irvine, V. (2022). Framework for Open Educational Practices (OEP) engagement [Image]. Open Praxis, 14(2), Article 266. https://doi.org/10.55982/openpraxis.14.2.266

[3] Pixabay Pexels. (n.d.). Earth globe planet [Photograph]. Pexels. https://images.pexels.com/photos/87651/earth-blue-planet-globe-planet-87651.jpeg

[4] Wageningen University & Research. (n.d.). Creative Commons licences [Image]. Wageningen University & Research. https://storage.googleapis.com/jnl-up-j-op-files/journals/1/articles/266/submission/proof/266-10-2103-1-17-20221209.png

[5] University of the Fraser Valley. (2023). Teaching and learning at UFV [Image].  https://storage.googleapis.com/jnl-up-j-op-files/journals/1/articles/266/submission/proof/266-10-2103-1-17-20221209.png

 

 

 

 

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that helps educators design courses and materials in ways that address a wide variety of learner needs. According to CAST, UDL focuses on providing:

• Multiple Means of Engagement: Stimulating interest and motivation in learning.
• Multiple Means of Representation: Presenting information in varied formats (e.g., text, audio, video).
• Multiple Means of Action & Expression: Allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in diverse ways.

A practical example of UDL in action is Microsoft’s Immersive Reader, which supports different learning styles by adjusting text size, highlighting words, and reading text aloud. Another good example is providing transcripts and captions for videos beneficial not only for students with hearing impairments but also for those who learn best by reading or who study in noisy environments.

I have always strived to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in my teaching because I have personally experienced its benefits as a learner. The flexibility of engaging with content in multiple ways not only makes learning more accessible but also more enjoyable. Having the option to absorb material through different formats. Whether through text, video, discussion, or hands-on activities it enhances both comprehension and retention. After learning about UDL, this adaptability is something I aim to bring into my future teaching to support diverse learning needs.

Ensuring Accessibility in Online Settings:

Accessibility is about making learning equitable for all. It goes beyond compliance; it’s about ensuring that no student is left behind due to disabilities, limited internet access, or personal circumstances.

Some key accessibility strategies:

• Alt Text for Images: Screen readers can describe visuals for blind or low-vision users.
• Captions & Transcripts: Essential for learners with hearing impairments (and a boost for everyone else).
• Clear Layout & Formatting: Using headings, bullet points, and high-contrast colour schemes for better readability.
• Multiple Formats: Providing documents, videos, and even audio versions of core materials to accommodate diverse preferences.

Tools like the WAVE Accessibility Tool can help check if a website or document meets accessibility standards. Platforms such as Khan Academy also model inclusive practices by offering captions, adjustable playback speed, and interactive subtitles.

When it comes to accessibility learning in my own learning space I have always appreciated it when professors use accessible text to make sure it is always easy to find out the information that is required to succeed in the given class. Like posting slides, recording lectures and listing other helpful resources. I find it significantly harder to absorb material when professors do not share slides or record lectures, as this requires being fully present in every session, which is not always feasible. Having access to recorded content and supplementary materials not only supports different learning styles but also allows for better flexibility in managing coursework.

Ethical Challenges of EdTech:

While EdTech opens doors for creative instruction, it also raises ethical concerns:

• Data Privacy & Security: Many platforms collect and store student data. Tools like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams track user activity, potentially risking data breaches or misuse if not managed carefully.
• Equity & Digital Divide: Not all students have high-speed internet or up-to-date devices. If resources are only offered in bandwidth-heavy formats, those with limited connectivity may be disadvantaged.
• AI Bias & Accuracy: Plagiarism detection tools (e.g., Turnitin) rely on algorithms that sometimes flag legitimate writing, disproportionately affecting ESL students or those with unique writing styles.

A deeper look at these issues can be found in EdSurge’s 4 Ways AI Education and Ethics Will Disrupt Society in 2019 article, which discusses how AI-driven tools may unintentionally create or exacerbate biases.

I’ve always tried to be careful about protecting my privacy online, but data privacy itself is a much bigger challenge. Personal data is so valuable these days that it’s nearly impossible to stop it from being collected or sold. Most of the “free” services we use are likely leveraging our data in some form. With that in mind, I stay mindful about the details I share and steer clear of giving out my email, phone number, or other personal info to sites I don’t fully trust. When creating new accounts, I make sure to use strong, unique passwords to avoid having one data breach compromise everything. Although these steps won’t entirely block AI-driven data collection, they at least help reduce my exposure and give me a bit more control over my online privacy.

At the same time, AI-driven data collection is central to technological progress, especially in machine learning. Massive datasets help AI systems become more accurate, automate tasks, and enhance user experiences. We see real benefits in things like personalized learning platforms, medical research breakthroughs, fraud detection, and virtual assistants. Without large volumes of data, AI models would have a hard time recognizing patterns or evolving in any meaningful way.

Still, this creates a real dilemma between privacy and innovation. While data collection allows AI to advance, there’s an ongoing ethical debate about how much data is collected, who has access to it, and for what purposes. Companies and researchers need to prioritize security, transparency, and getting proper user consent so AI can evolve without trampling on individual privacy.

Some potential solutions have already emerged. Differential privacy, for example, lets AI learn from large datasets without revealing anyone’s data. Federated learning takes a different approach by training AI models locally on personal devices, minimizing centralized data collection. As AI continues to develop, finding ways to safeguard privacy while still harnessing the technology’s benefits will be an ongoing challenge but we must tackle it responsibly.

Ethical Considerations in Digital Interactions:

Ethical online behaviour is everyone’s responsibility. While digital spaces foster collaboration and global connections, they can also lead to misunderstandings or negative experiences if not navigated carefully.

• Respect & Tone: Typed messages can be easily misinterpreted. Setting clear guidelines for online discussions helps maintain a respectful and professional tone.
• Fact-Checking: Sharing unverified information can spread misinformation and mislead others. Verifying sources before posting is essential.
• Digital Boundaries: Not everyone is comfortable with constant messaging or video calls. Respecting personal space and response times helps maintain a healthy online environment.

According to the Microsoft Digital Civility Index, online interactions have become increasingly prone to risks such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. These insights highlight the need for thoughtful, responsible engagement in digital spaces to create safer and more inclusive online environments.

I have always tried to keep my non-personal interactions online to a minimum because it’s difficult to know people’s true intentions. While digital spaces offer opportunities for collaboration and networking, they can also create misunderstandings or misinterpretations if communication isn’t handled carefully. That’s why I believe it’s always best to stay civil and respectful, regardless of the situation. Tone can be misread, messages can be taken out of context, and online anonymity sometimes leads to interactions that wouldn’t happen face-to-face. Maintaining digital boundaries, fact-checking before sharing information, and respectfully engaging with others is key to fostering a safe and positive online environment. The Microsoft Digital Civility Index reinforces this, showing that misinformation, cyberbullying, and online risks are on the rise, making ethical digital behaviour more important than ever.

Applying UDL and Accessibility Principles:

Reflecting on past courses, I can see moments when instructors effectively implemented Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility. UDLs were implemented by providing multiple assessment formats, captioned videos, and well-structured course materials. However, there were also times when these principles fell short, like when courses relied solely on synchronous lectures that excluded students in different time zones or failed to provide captioned media, making content less accessible.

Potential Improvements:

• Consistent Captions & Transcripts: Ensuring all media includes text alternatives.
• Flexible Assignments: Allowing video presentations, written essays, or even podcasts for assessment.
• Community Guidelines: Setting norms for respectful, inclusive communication in discussion boards and group chats.

From my experience, the best way an instructor can apply UDL is by using a centralized, accessible platform like Microsoft Teams, where students can easily ask questions, access resources, and submit assignments in different formats. Having an open and available instructor makes a huge difference in student engagement and success. Courses that allow flexibility in submission types, assessments, and communication methods create a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive learning environment for all students.

References:

[1] Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health. (2023). Principles of UDL Diagram. Campus Mental Health. https://campusmentalhealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Principles-of-UDL-Diagram.png

[2] eFront Learning. (2019). Accessible eLearning: Why and how to design it. eFront Learning. https://www.efrontlearning.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/accessible-eLearning-why-how-design-it.png

[3] Future PLC. TechRadar. https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VFLt5vHV7aCoLrLGjP9Qwm.jpg

[4] Tech ARP. (2020). Microsoft Digital Civility Index 2020: Most damaging risks. Tech ARP. https://i0.wp.com/www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Microsoft-Digital-Civility-Index-2020-Most-Damaging-Risks.jpg?resize=960%2C408&ssl=1

[5] PCMag. (n.d.). Microsoft Teams interface. PCMag. https://sm.pcmag.com/pcmag_uk/review/m/microsoft-/microsoft-teams_6zew.jpg

 

What does Pedagogy mean to you?

Being a swim instructor for the past 6 years has taught me a lot about the value of learning different approaches to teaching so you can tailor all your lessons to students with various learning styles. I have done this for many some many years not knowing that there was a name for this art. I have always strived to make my lessons fun and engaging for all the kids and adults in my swimming lessons and would learn their different learning styles. As a student have always learned from doing. You could tell me something and how to do it but that would not do any good. I always learned from watching and practicing. Even though I learnt this way I knew not everyone did learn this way. So when I introduce a new swimming stroke or skill into one of my lessons, I would first say what the skill was, then show what the skill was, then explain why we do the skill, and then do heavy practice with the skill while I would re-explain and show as necessary or give extra practice to the students who needed it. I would like to say I was good at the art of pedagogy before I even knew its name.

Networked Pedagogy in Action

In the modern world of multimedia learning, I think it is easier to learn something now than ever before. I have found that ever since the start of my university career I have been able to learn so much by speaking to other classmates and strangers in the UVic discord to better understand concepts. I have made a few friends through these class discord servers that I still work with today. These connections that I made through online learning in 2020 have become immensely valuable and have thoroughly enhanced my learning through friendship and collaboration.  For technology, I have used YouTube and combed Reddit for tips and knowledge for my assignments. And recently the amount of time I have saved too with using Chat GPT to further my understanding of concepts has then allowed me to study more effectively for final exams. I think Network Pedagogy has become something you need to search for yourself. Once you know your learning style the tools are out there for you to learn.  I think modern technology for learning is amazing and with the future of AI, I am excited to see how the classroom changes.

Learning Theories in Practice

Both Constructivism and Social Learning Theory resonate with me deeply but if I had to reflect on one I would say constructivism is the one that resonates with me more.  Constructivism feels like a natural fit for online learning because it emphasizes hands-on experiences and active learning which is how I learn best. In a virtual setting, I have learned best this way by being given a coding project and having to learn how to solve it through actively working with the code. This style of hands-on project learning has taught me so many valuable skills. If I were to teach in an online setting I could see this approach shaping my teaching by encouraging active participation and reflection by creating an environment where learners build their own understanding through exploration and discussion of the material. It aligns with how I learn best. By doing and connecting ideas to practical outcomes. 

The Role of the Instructor

The role of the instructor in a digital space is to send the students down the path of success. I think for an online instructor to be effective they must be willing to be flexible and have detailed qualitative grading while also being available to student questions and feedback. I think the hardest part about an online course is gauging the understanding of your students since everyone learns differently and being not open to new ideas and interesting ways of expressing accomplishment will be the downfall of an online Instructor.  For me, effective online instructors have made it very clear what they wanted so that you could present your understanding in an effective way to them but they have also been able to listen and understand alternative submissions of understanding.

Exploring Digital Spaces

I’ve found that learning in digital spaces can be both effective and challenging. When you have a clear goal it’s often easy to find the resources you need to deepen your understanding and achieve that goal. However, I’ve noticed that while in-person communication can sometimes be more effective for discussing and clarifying concepts it’s not always the best option especially when everyone’s knowledge is at a similar level. In those cases learning online can be more productive. To contribute positively to digital learning spaces I believe it’s important to only provide input when you’re confident in your answers and when the information is genuinely helpful. Unfortunately, platforms like Reddit have become increasingly negative, with people mocking those who are simply trying to learn. This kind of behaviour is destructive and adds to the challenges of learning online. I think knowledge should only be shared in spaces where it’s requested and where your input adds real value. False information is another major issue in digital spaces. While misinformation exists both online and offline, it’s much harder to filter out bad information online, making it more challenging to navigate. This is why being mindful and intentional in digital learning environments is so important.

Hello!
My name is Liam and I am a 4th year computer science student and this is my final semester at UVic!

When reflecting on my Digital Identity I have always made sure to maintain a professional and respectful image online. Everything on the internet is permanent and I believe a good way to police what you say online is to always say to yourself if you wouldn’t say this to someone in real life you should not say it online. I believe there is so much hate on the internet just because so many people think they can remain anonymous and never face any consequences for the things they say.  I try to treat people on the internet as humans because they are human.

When I think about modes of learning I have come to appreciate that everyone learns in their own unique way. Some people really thrive in a traditional lecture hall setting, while others prefer hands-on projects or even entirely online courses. Personally, I enjoy a mix of both face-to-face collaboration (where I can bounce ideas off classmates) and time spent studying on my own so I can go at my own pace. I find that this combination keeps me motivated and helps me better absorb the material.

I also love the concept of open education because it makes knowledge accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It’s amazing that so many resources like textbooks, tutorials, and lectures are freely available to help us learn and grow without the usual barriers (maybe the barriers are just some sketchy websites but still). It feels so empowering to be able to learn anything you want off Youtube or from a free textbook. Learning right now has never been cheaper or easier.