A Journey Through Digital Learning Experiences

"Journey through digital learning". (2024). Wix. wix.com.

As a graduate student, I've had my fair share of digitally-mediated learning experiences, ranging from formal online courses to more casual learning on platforms like Coursera. Looking back, it's been a bit of a mixed bag—some experiences were fantastic, while others felt more like chores I had to check off a list. But each one, good or bad, has taught me something valuable about what makes digital learning work and what doesn't.

The Best and Worst of Digital Learning

One of my most memorable digital learning experiences was the WeTeachCS course for the Computer Science 8-12 teaching certification. This course was offered by University of Texas at Austin and delivered through the Canvas LMS. From the beginning, it just clicked with me. They nailed the blend of engaging content with practical, hands-on exercises. Each module was thoughtfully designed, featuring a mix of videos, coding challenges, and interactive assessments that kept me engaged and motivated to learn more.

Three years later, I've retained most of what I learned from the WeTeachCS course. That's not something I can say for every course I've taken, and it speaks volumes about how well-designed this course was. The mix of content delivery methods and opportunities to apply what I was learning made a significant difference in how much I remembered and how confident I felt in my skills afterward.

On the other hand, only some of my digital learning experiences have been as positive. My yearly training through Vector Solutions stands out as a particularly frustrating example. These sessions usually consist of watching a video and then taking a quiz. And once you score 80% or higher, you're done. While this sounds straightforward, the problem is that I often need to remember the material almost immediately after the quiz. The whole process feels like it's more about ticking a box than actually learning something meaningful. The lack of interaction or practical application is a huge drawback, and it isn't enjoyable because the topics are often crucial for workplace safety and professional development. However, how they're presented makes it challenging to retain and apply the information effectively in real-world scenarios.

If I could revamp this experience, I'd start by adding more interactive elements. Imagine a training module where, instead of just watching a video about workplace safety, you're placed in a simulated environment where you have to identify and correct potential hazards. This real-world application would make the information stick better, making the entire process more relevant and engaging. Not only would it keep learners more involved, but it would also ensure that the knowledge stays and can be practically applied when needed.

What I've Learned About Learning

These experiences have opened my eyes to the fact that digital learning can be much more than just passively watching a video and taking a quiz, like the Vector Trainings. To truly learn and retain information, there needs to be an interactive element that challenges you to apply what you've learned meaningfully. Quizzes have their place, but they must be more on their own. The more engaging and enjoyable the learning experience is, the more likely I'll remember the information long after the course is over.

I've come to appreciate the power of collaboration and discussion in the learning process. My understanding deepened significantly in courses where I've had the opportunity to interact with other students, whether through online forums, group projects, or discussion boards. It's incredible how much you can learn by discussing things with someone else and hearing their perspectives. Peer interaction helps clarify concepts and encourages you to think critically and approach problems from different angles. This has been especially true in my graduate courses, where the material can be complex and multi-faceted. Having a platform to discuss and debate ideas with classmates has been invaluable in helping me retain the information.

Another lesson I've learned is the importance of practical application. Theory is essential, don't get me wrong, but without the chance to put it into practice, it's easy to forget. This has been true in my graduate studies and the WeTeachCS course. The material that I've been able to apply practically is the material that has stuck with me the longest. It's one thing to understand a concept in theory but another to use it in a real-world context. This highlights the need for digital learning experiences to include practical application opportunities, whether through projects, simulations, or hands-on exercises. These elements help reinforce what you've learned and make learning more relevant and valuable.

Reflecting on these experiences has also made me more aware of motivation's role in learning. I was much more engaged and motivated to dig deeper in courses where the material felt directly relevant to my goals. For example, I was invested in the WeTeachCS course because I knew it would directly impact my practical teaching ability. On the other hand, staying motivated took a lot of work in the more mundane Vector Solutions training sessions, where the material felt disconnected from my day-to-day responsibilities. This has taught me that relevance is critical to engagement and that, as a learner, I need to seek out learning opportunities that align with my goals and interests.

Looking back on my journey through digital learning though, I've come to understand that the most compelling experiences combine quality content with interactive elements, practical applications, and opportunities for engagement. These elements make digital learning truly effective—leading to better retention, deeper understanding, and a more enjoyable learning process. While videos and quizzes certainly have their place, they should be just one part of a more comprehensive learning strategy. The most impactful learning happens when it's engaging, interactive, and directly applicable to real life. As I continue my journey, I'm taking these insights with me, both as a learner and someone who might create digital learning experiences. Whether I'm the one learning or the one teaching, I'll always strive to make the experience as engaging, relevant, and effective as possible.