Blog Reflection One: Comparing Modes of Delivery

Hey there!

I'm Twyla, an ambivert with a passion for planning and coordinating unforgettable events. I'm a dedicated registered nurse, midwife, and public administrator, and the guiding force for my family!

↑↑↑ My first textbook when I initially registered for the UWI online program. ↑↑↑

Being a proud member of Generation X, I’m a digital immigrant, constantly adapting to new technologies as they come along. Enrolling in UWI’s online learning program turned out to be quite the adventure, testing my patience and resilience. Picture this: me, grappling with the basics of digital tools, feeling like a fish out of water. 😕

Mastering the educational platform, uploading assignments, and diving into discussion forums, felt like climbing a digital Everest. Frustration was my frequent companion as I wrestled with these "simple" tasks. Yet, every small victory—like successfully submitting an assignment—boosted my confidence 💪. Slowly, what once felt alien became second nature. 

I learned the value of persistence and the importance of seeking help. Tutorials and peer assistance became my lifelines. As I grew more competent with digital tools, new avenues for creativity and collaboration opened up. Tools like Google Docs turned group projects into seamless adventures, bridging any physical distance. Mastering software like PowerPoint and Canva made multimedia presentations way less intimidating 👏👏.

Reflecting on my journey from novice to a more confident user, I realized it wasn't just about acquiring technical skills. It was about fostering adaptability and embracing lifelong learning—a mindset crucial for thriving in our digital world. Though I still have much to learn about technology, this journey promises endless discoveries.

                                             

MODES OF DELIVERY: MY TWO CENTS

Hey there, remember when Covid-19 turned the world of education upside down?  

It was like a wild rollercoaster ride as educational institutions had to swiftly shift from traditional face-to-face classes to virtual ones, and then embrace the blended learning approach. It was a true test of adaptability and innovation, and while it presented its merits it also had challenges and shared some commonalities, it was a defining moment that revolutionized the way we approach education.

In-person learning provides a structured environment with defined times and physical locations, fostering spontaneous interactions, direct communication, and immediate feedback (1). The palpable dynamics between students and instructors significantly enrich the learning experience. However, challenges such as bullying and violence, limitations of conventional teaching methods and uniform instructional approaches, and the difficulty of providing timely feedback in larger class settings underscore the inherent constraints of this modality (1).

On the other hand, online learning offers unparalleled flexibility in terms of temporal and spatial constraints, granting students the ability to access course materials virtually anywhere (1). The fusion of technology in our modern, technology-driven world represents an advancement worthy of acknowledgment. Nonetheless, it also presents challenges such as inadequate internet connectivity, digital illiteracy for teachers and students and unequal access to digital infrastructure, which have been identified as factors contributing to diminished academic performance and the perpetuation of pre-existing disparities in accessing higher education (1). In a recent study, it was discovered that the effectiveness of online learning hinges on a variety of crucial components, such as students, educators, learning resources, and the technology utilized. On the flip side, the study also shed light on some drawbacks of online learning, including challenges related to student discipline, access to the internet, and social interaction. So, while online learning offers great flexibility, it's essential to address these potential hurdles in order to create an engaging and effective learning experience for all (2).

Furthermore, blended learning, which combines in-person and online elements, offers flexibility and personalization; this approach aims to harness the strengths of each modality (3). Its dual nature combines the immediacy and interpersonal interaction of traditional classroom settings with the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms.  However, successful implementation requires effective coordination between educators and students and a robust technical infrastructure to support the different learning modes to avoid redundancy or gaps in instruction(3).

All three learning modalities aim to make acquiring knowledge and skills an engaging experience through well-structured curricula. Instructors are the heroes here, guiding students with instructional content, offering feedback, and creating environments that spark intellectual growth. No matter how the lessons are delivered, assessment methods and engagement techniques are key to making learning effective and enjoyable.

Choosing the right delivery mode depends on several factors. According to goal four of the seventeen sustainable development goals, quality education should be inclusive, equitable, and promote lifelong learning opportunities (4). So, the chosen mode must ensure inclusivity and equity for both learners and educators while encouraging a passion for lifelong learning.

References

1. 

Chisadza C, Clance M, Mthembu T, Nicholls N, Yitbarek E. Online and face‐to‐face learning: Evidence from students’ performance during the Covid‐19 pandemic. African Development Review [Internet]. 2021 Mar 31;33(S1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8250490/

2.

Hermanto YB, Srimulyani VA, Hermanto YB, Srimulyani VA. The challenges of online learning during the covid-19 pandemic. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran [Internet]. 2021 Apr 25;54(1):46–57. Available from: http://repository.ukwms.ac.id/id/eprint/32845/

‌3. 

Atwa H, Shehata MH, Al-Ansari A, Kumar A, Jaradat A, Ahmed J, et al. Online, Face-to-Face, or Blended Learning? Faculty and Medical Students’ Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022 Feb 3;9.

4.

 United Nations. Goal 4: Quality Education [Internet]. The Global Goals. 2023. Available from: https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/4-quality-education/

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