Blog Journal 9

What I appreciate most about the classroom environment is the opportunity for interactive learning, where discussions and group activities assist with team working capabilities. However, sometimes the pace of the course feels rushed, leaving little time for in-depth exploration of topics. As a future teacher, I believe incorporating more project-based learning activities and providing ample time for reflection could enhance the classroom experience, allowing students to engage more deeply with the material.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are educational materials freely available online for anyone to use, adapt, and share. These resources include textbooks, lesson plans, videos, and more, often released under licenses that permit their free use and modification. One excellent example of OER is the "OpenStax" initiative, which provides high-quality, peer-reviewed textbooks across various subjects. OpenStax textbooks are free to access and are continually updated to ensure relevance and accuracy. For more information about OER and its impact, you can visit this page: https://openstax.org/

 From working on Assignment 4: PowerPoint for Information Dissemination, I've acquired several new skills, including creating visually engaging presentations and effectively organizing information for maximum impact. I appreciate the hands-on approach of this assignment, as it allows me to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. However, one aspect I find challenging is striking the right balance between visuals and textual content. To improve this assignment next time, I could provide more guidance on effective design principles and encourage students to focus on conveying key messages concisely.