A Week of Learning in Review

It is hard to believe we are already a quarter of the way through our first summer session.  There has been so much great information coming in from every direction.

The first tid-bit of information that has really opened my eyes and blown me away is the information from Curt Bonk's book about the vast assortment of online learning available to anyone and everyone absolutely free - you just need to look for it!

I was completely unaware of just how much information was available to "joe public" in terms of higher educational materials.  I think that MIT's open courseware model is one that universities all over the world should consider getting on board with.  What an amazing opportunity this presents to learners who desire more information about a specific topic not to mention those individuals who may not have been able to attend college in the traditional brick and mortar sense.  I see e-learning as the vehicle that can assist those who are trying to learn a new skill, continue their education or supplement the course materials they are currently receiving so as to understand the topic more clearly.  One drawback that was discussed in our small group was the sense that the courses offered online would seem to be best suited for a highly motivated individual rather than one that needs constant feedback and interaction in order to learn.  As these courses are offered at no cost and a traditionally lecture notes, that may or may not be credited, one would need to be highly motivate to stay the course.

One resource that Bonk mentions in his book is the OER Commons site.  Although I am a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information the site has to offer, navigating it is fairly easy.  There is such an enormous selection of material and information for teachers to use to supplement lessons and learning within the classroom.  I highly recommend checking it out at http://www.oercommons.org/