Our world, changing everyday, is quickly moving to a more technological based approach to many aspects of life. With Education being in some ways the pioneer in this manner. With Computer class always being a part of the curriculum, we can see a global shift in how much screen based infrastructure is used in places of teaching. The power of technology is endless, and with this comes many variety of resources that can make day to day in schools that much easier. Being in the department of geography, specifically concentrating in Geomatics my life is on a computer. With the further advancements of online learning things like MOOC’s have been created. With my faculty quickly acknowledging their power, we have been constantly informed about these online “ESRI” courses as a free way to further our learning and skills in a very competitive world. Even using the course spaces website as a resource of learning is very impactful, as I am able to do research and learning in the comfort of any location I am at with a stable WiFi connection. The use of online learning can harbor some incredibly strong retention to lessons but also create a online community where everyone feels included and treated as an equal! This point in my opinion is especially important with so much unjust and chaos in the world we currently live in, having a stable and strong group of like minded people with healthy aspirations allows for a much better quality of life.
Both articles are addressing these thoughts exactly. Weller explains the importance of Edtech. With the idea of openness not only for classroom activities but allowing students across departments and training to all collectively share as one. This ties into my idea of community making in an online environment. From wikis to block chain the world is advancing in such an exponentially fast manner. “we are just passengers on a voyage to the stars” (Nigel, 2020) Where Weller is explaining the specific advancements, Sandra Peter and Markus Deimann continue on the thoughts of the benefits and additional types of online learning! With some overlapping thoughts and increased awareness of potential ways of learning online this article is a great read on how to achieve success in the online classroom.
https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcnews/learn-to-design-beautiful-maps/