In this assignment, you will form a group with a shared interest in a topic, tools, or issue in the field of distributed and online learning. As a group, you will research and investigate the topic then prepare a short audio/video presentation to create an online learning presentation of the topic, tool, or issue selected.

You are encouraged to work in teams of four (as a learning pod) and not overlap topics with other groups. Each team will prepare one audio/video presentation, that may include multiple inquiry questions, and team members can certainly take different positions and tackle different aspects of the presentation. Your presentation should be captured as an 5-8 minute audio/video file and uploaded and shared through a blog post. Please feel free to be creative with this project, and consider the use of screencasts, video presentations, podcasts, dramatization, simulation, animation, etc.

In this presentation you can present the topic, why it is of interest, and any initial findings or thoughts.

Your project should be structured around the following prompts:

  • What is your distributed and open inquiry question? (For example, What is effective prompt engineering when using Generative AI tools? What is the timeline of progression of distributed learning tools through 2025? What are some best practices in terms of open educational practices with regard to inclusive learning?, etc.)
  • What is the relationship of your topic to teaching and learning?
  • What are the pros, cons, and risks?
  • What are some of the strategies, best practices, and tips regarding your inquiry findings?

You will use the same blog as for Assignment 1. When complete, you can post your resource which can be copied/posted across all team member blogs. The category “online learning inquiry” on your blog will be used for this assignment. Here is a Group Project Planning Guide for you to review if you would like some guidance or tips on how to plan for a successful group project.

Possible Aspects to Inspire Your Online Learning Presentation for Distributed and Open Learning Development (presented as a distributed and open learning micro-course)

Technology & Innovation in Open Learning

  • The Role of AI in Adaptive Learning: How personalized AI-driven content enhances online education.
  • Blockchain for Credentialing: Can decentralized verification transform online education and academic credentials?
  • The Future of Open Source Learning Platforms: How can free educational tools expand global access to learning?

Engagement & Community Building

  • Peer-to-Peer Learning Networks: How do digital communities foster collaborative knowledge exchange?
  • Building Digital Identity in Online Learning: The impact of self-presentation and networking in virtual spaces.
  • Online Learning & Mental Health: Strategies to support well-being in distance education environments.

Pedagogy & Learning Models

  • Competency-Based Learning: How self-paced education can improve mastery and retention.
  • Inquiry-Based Learning in Virtual Settings: How do students develop critical thinking skills remotely?
  • The Effectiveness of Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning: Finding the right balance for engagement and success.

Equity & Access

  • Addressing the Digital Divide: How can educators and policymakers create equitable access to learning?
  • Multimodal Learning for Diverse Needs: How different content formats support varied learning preferences.
  • Open Educational Resources (OER): The power of freely available learning materials in democratizing education.

Assessment & Evaluation

  • Digital Badging & Microcredentials: Do alternative certification models hold value in the workforce?
  • AI-Powered Automated Grading: Can machines provide accurate feedback on complex learning tasks?
  • The Ethics of Surveillance in Online Assessments: How do remote proctoring tools impact student privacy?