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While reading Chapter 1 of Assessment Strategies for Online Learning by Dianne Conrad and Jason Openo, I was inspired by their insights into how learners respond to assessments. Looking back across 19 countries, I have noticed that educational systems and teaching methods have changed very little, remaining much the same since the nineteenth century. The COVID‑19 outbreak in 2019 became a milestone for education, exposing the outdated nature of traditional learning approaches. Since then, people have sought new methods of teaching and learning to help students succeed under different circumstances.

Compared with the 19th century, the education system in the 21st century is changing. Even though students still learn in the classroom, they can now use the internet to explore knowledge, not just rely on the teacher. Therefore, Universal Design for Learning offers multiple ways for students to perceive knowledge and engage with content. Providing flexible learning methods will enable learners to thrive in online spaces. This can optimize learning efficiency and support students even when they are in different situations.

I would love to share this quote. Online learning, according to Latchem (2014), “ceases to be mere delivery of digital learning products for the students’ consumption and becomes a platform whereupon knowledge and learning are created by students through interaction, collaboration and inquiry” (p. 311).

This proves that today’s learning channels have extended far beyond the four walls of the classroom; students can build this knowledge through their peers, instructors or even learn from others through different platforms. Moreover, Conrad and Openo point out three key elements—social, teaching, and cognitive—that play an important role in the learning process. Combining these factors can help students achieve a deeper and more effective learning experience. For example, while working on this Post 3 in WordPress, I must share my thoughts after reading the article, and my peers can comment below. This is a great example that combines the social, teaching, and cognitive elements. In today’s education, each layer strengthens the others, turning a simple posting exercise into a richer cycle of learning experience.

Education Suggestion

I think it is good to include a social-media platform like WordPress in the lesson plan. This approach moves away from traditional teaching methods and integrates more diverse educational strategies that can increase students’ enthusiasm for learning. Students can freely control their study time, and the process is actively managed by them. Teachers support all group members through meetings. Students can discover more interesting knowledge through communication with peers, and when they encounter difficulties, they can exchange opinions and learn from one another. This will be a big milestone for the education system.

Welcome to comment below and discuss what you think so we can learn together.

Refenece

A Set of Essentials for Online Learning : CSE-SET – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Benefits-of-online-learning_fig3_369556674 [accessed 9 Jun 2025]

Conrad, D., & Openo, J. (2018). Assessment strategies for online learning: Engagement and authenticity. AU Press. https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781771992329.01

https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/frankiekerr/
I have a similar idea to Frankie Kerr’s Blog 1. He illustrates the combination of cognitivist and constructivist perspectives through his story with Vicky. I think Vicky’s teaching style is suitable for children, because children usually learn more easily by experiencing rather than just listening to knowledge from the teacher in the classroom. Children can learn more effectively by experiencing and thinking more actively during the experience. I think the survival unit is a very valuable learning experience, and I definitely agree that you learned a lot from this unit, because you can still remember the details even though the lesson took place more than ten years ago. Thank you for sharing!

Blog Post 1: Learning, Motivation, and Theory

After reading the article by Ertmer and Newby (2018), I learned a great deal. It also made me reflect on my past learning experiences with different professors, where I encountered various approaches such as cognitivism and behaviorism. I agree that learners do not simply transfer knowledge from the external world into memory; instead, they construct personal interpretations of the world based on their individual experiences and interactions. I would like to share two of my own learning experiences to illustrate this.

Behaviorism
My story

Flashback to my last‑semester ECON 313 tutorial at UVic. I remember my professor opened every class with a five to ten minute speed quiz on the material we had learned in the previous class. The quiz displayed the scores on our laptops. If we scored above 80 percent on the quiz, we would earn a bonus mark toward the final grade. After we submitted each question, the professor would go over it with us and revisit the concepts we had learned in the previous class.

I think this learning experience demonstrates a behaviorist approach because you can check your responses as soon as you submit your answers. Even when you make mistakes, you can see the correct answers and understand why you made those errors. The quiz also gives us a chance to apply the knowledge we have learned. This provides positive reinforcement of the concepts you learned in class.

Constructivism

I personally believe that constructivism is the best way for me to learn. I worked at BC Cancer in 2024, and my co‑op work term was the perfect example of constructivist learning. I took several courses and reached out to others whenever I had questions about work processes. After three months, my manager resigned, which meant I had to face challenges on my own. I still contacted her occasionally for her opinion on various matters. I used the knowledge I had learned when facing challenges, and when I made mistakes, I learned from the experience. This co‑op proved the value of learning through real‑world experience, and I applied the knowledge I gained throughout the entire year‑long co‑op in 2024.

Re – Best Learning Experience (frankiekerr)

https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/frankiekerr/
I have a similar idea to Frankie Kerr’s Blog 1. He illustrates the combination of cognitivist and constructivist perspectives through his story with Vicky. I think Vicky’s teaching style is suitable for children, because children usually learn more easily by experiencing rather than just listening to knowledge from the teacher in the classroom. Children can learn more effectively by experiencing and thinking more actively during the experience. I think the survival unit is a very valuable learning experience, and I definitely agree that you learned a lot from this unit, because you can still remember the details even though the lesson took place more than ten years ago. Thank you for sharing!

An Introduction to Me!

My name is Christian Chu. I am an international student at UVic, currently studying Economics with a minor in Business. I enjoy playing sports and have worked several jobs in the past. I also love spending time with friends and family. I’m definitely an outdoor person—I love exploring the world, which helps open my eyes to new experiences. I especially enjoy the summer; the weather is amazing during that season.

Last year, I worked in the healthcare sector at BC Cancer. During that work term, I gained many practical skills that I could not have learned from textbooks or in school. I had to explore the unknown and continuously push myself to improve. That experience motivated me to take this course as an elective to explore a different field. I’m looking forward to this course and expanding my knowledge beyond my current area of study.