There are many theories pertaining to online learning. In this course, I’ll ask you to explore Connectivism and Community of Inquiry more deeply. Online learning is also fundamental to access and inclusion. What this looks like for each group of learner demographic may differ. Below you will find a few lectures from a conference I organize every year, namely one by Thomas Reeves on what are the grand challenges facing online learning and another that examines Indigenous online learning.

Connectivism

Tony Bates is a notable figure in the online learning space and has published a textbook on Teaching in an Digital Age. Excerpts will be shared over the term. Here, I’d like you to explore Connectivism in section 2.6 and reflection on how online learning supports this approach using the learning management system design vs. a networked approach to online learning.

2.6 Connectivism

Grand Challenges Facing Online Learning

Consider this keynote with Dr. Thomas Reeves, professor emeritus of the University of Georgia. You are invited to reflect on what you think are the grand challenges facing online learning today.

Indigenous Education and Online Learning

As we begin to explore inclusion and the need for online learning to support this for some learner groups, please watch this keynote on Indigenous-Centred Online Course Design by Dr. Jean-Paul Restoule, Dept Chair of Indigenous Education at UVic, and reflect on how institutions design online learning and compare the diverse approaches found in face-to-face learning to support inclusion and decolonization and consider how diverse online course designs are in comparison.