Week 9 Reflection

This week we discussed the complexities of online learning and how it influences accessibility. After experiencing online learning myself throughout lockdown a lot of the pros and cons were familiar to me. While I definitely found benefits from online classes (class in bed!), I also realized that my personal learning and connection within the class were negatively affected. I think a lot of the options provided in class that blend face to face and online learning are the most effective way to optimize accessible learning. While I prefer being in class, having the option to zoom into classes especially when sick is such an important option for me to ensure I stay caught up with class work. I think it would be great to extend this option into the K-12 realm.

I also really enjoyed learning about the 5 R’s of decolonizing and indigenizing online learning. The 5 R’s are respect, reciprocity, relevance, responsibility, and relationships. Bringing in decolonization and indigeneity is such an important part of teaching but it can be so difficult to know how to do it, especially as a white settler. Having the resources to integrate these concepts and weave them throughout our teaching is so helpful.

Many parts of Meghan’s discussion really resonated with me including her thoughts on inclusion. One thing she mentioned that most of my classmates were really excited about were Shelly Moore’s seed packets as a way to let kids explain the support they need and who they are as learners. I plan to implement these in my classroom as they are a great way to get to know your students and provide the most effective support to them. They are also a cute way to do it and can be hung on the wall if the students give consent.

Another really important part of inclusion from Meghan’s discussion is allowing students to present in different ways. I really like the idea of allowing students to have their presentation presented by the teacher, presenting just to the teacher, or do the presentation to the whole class. As someone who struggled with social anxiety, if I had been given the option to just present to the teacher I would have felt a lot less anxiety around presentations. However, I also believe that because I was required to do this presentations throughout my school career, I have become quite adept and confident with public speaking. Would I have gained the skills even without having to do presentations throughout school? I do not know the answer but I am curious what others think/ or other peoples experiences. Let me know in the comments!