Blog Post 9

Before the pandemic, I had little experience with distance learning. I then moved to completely online classes my freshman year. I experienced platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom. It was a big difference from using them while having in-person classes, and it was a struggle to teach myself the material through them. I felt as though I wasn't truly learning and was just trying to do whatever I could to simply pass. Zoom classes were slightly more effective than Google Classroom because my teachers were available in real time and it felt as though I was learning instead of struggling and getting by on my own. I didn't experience Canvas or MS Teams, but from what I've experienced of Canvas, so far it's been a good platform for both students and teachers. Before I used it I've heard so many peers used it and heard their different opinions. I think MS Teams is like Google Classroom, so it seems like an interesting platform to explore and utilize as a teacher.

Open Educational Resources are materials that are open for public domain and free to use. They are created for learning and teaching. I found a source that gives an overview of the role of OERs and why they are important to education. It also mentions the benefits of this ranging from the accessibility to the affordability.
Here is the link! https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-oer/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ggl-display_pmax_us&utm_term=%7Badid%7D&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACtmnkdAiw2DnQcppjAl6gc4bQPBb&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0MG5BhD1ARIsAEcZtwSuKiKAk8Bk9JWUuAfv6mb_jqmm-BbWVulx__6U6yWfiQ_xcuJvLZwaAgPuEALw_wcB

After completing Assignment 4, I learned several new skills that I will continue to use in future presentations as both a student and as a teacher. I can now record my presentations, attach hyperlinks, and create my own slide layouts. I also feel more comfortable using PowerPoint as I was fairly new to this type of media. I enjoyed this presentation because I got to discuss a fun topic and had creative freedom. If I were to do this again, I would try to add more to my slide notes to discuss and expand off of.