Peer Response #1- Gaia Iturralde

Blog Post #2

Hello Gaia! I appreciated reading your post this module on networked pedagogy, learning theories and instructor’s roles. I greatly appreciate how fluid and concise the post is to read! It is easy to pick out the key details, making it accessible to lots of readers.

I think you did a great job explaining networked pedagogy. It is truly amazing how efficaciously networked pedagogy can reduce barriers associated with time and location. So many learners have barriers that block their ability to learn such as familial obligation, work, geographical location and time constraints.

It is essential to recognize the pivotal role that instructors play in the success of their learners. Similar to you, I believe that instructors need to be easy to reach, helpful and supportive. Beyond that, I think they need to be clear, patient and technologically skilled. Students are relying on their teacher’s ability to be patient and helpful as they navigate potentially new waters when completing online coursework. When asked to think of characteristics that make a great instructor, that leads me to think of different traits that instructors should not have as they teach online. I think a poor online teacher is someone who is unorganized and has an unstructured course. A lot of online learning relies on the instructor’s ability to make a course legible and easy to navigate without the need for constant reassurance or clarification.

Great work this week! I look forward to reading your posts in the future!

Peer Response #2- Justin Scott

Blog Post #2:

Hello Justin! I have enjoyed reading your unique perspective in your blog post this week! Each person has a distinct preference for the teaching practices and pedagogy used in their schooling. I agree with you, and also find that my preference changes depending on the type of coursework I am engaging in. When the course is theoretical, I find that I prefer the opportunity to explore and learn on my own. Dissimilarly, when the course is scientific, math based, or structured, I prefer a direct lecture style where the professor is lecturing the material at us. These differences in preference highlight how important it is that instructors offer numerous modes of instruction and engagement to ensure all students have the opportunity to engage with the material in a fashion that aligns with them.

I appreciate your thorough explanation of the learning theories. In specific, your description of the constructivist approach stood out to me. Being that the constructivist approach places emphasis on active learning, I believe it can be applied beautifully to online courses. Effective online courses offer flexability in learning and assessment, aligning well with principles of constructivism. I think some ways to apply constructivism in the classroom is to utilize discussion forums and alternative assessment options such as podcasts or videos.

Great work this week!