Article Reflection #2

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As part of the continued exploration of my research topic, I did a second article analysis of “An Analysis of Digital Education in Canada in 2017-2019” (Veletsianos et al., 2021). While this study and its findings are derived from an externally applied survey of Canadian higher education institutions (HEI’s), the author’s proposed further analysis of open-ended comments and written feedback from the survey questions to help identify trends and complimentary information when applied to online learning and digital technology.

In this research study, a survey administered by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) over the course of three years (2017 – 2019) had the qualitative responses examined and categorized to search for patterns of discernible importance when considering emerging aspects of online learning in the post-secondary educational space including OER’s (open educational resources), technological influence on pedagogy, and student support for technological proficiency. The study, however, does not offer specified solutions for the factors discussed. Instead, the research suggests that the resulting data may be examined and used to better inform the trajectory of institutions that have just as much variance in their usage of online technology as they do commonly used practices. Nuanced research of this nature, focused on Canadian HEIs at a time of widespread engagement with digital learning due to COVID-19, can provide evidence that researchers, faculty, and administrators interested in digital learning efforts need (Veletsianos et al., 2021).

My research has centered on the impact of technology on digital learning environments and studies such as this one provides the opportunity to see how broad yet important the many components of technology can be when used to augment educational experiences. I anticipate that further research will expand my view and understanding of digital learning in terms of practice, implementation, and adaptation.

Veletsianos, G., VanLeeuwen, C. A., Belikov, O., & Johnson, N. (2021). An Analysis of Digital Education in Canada in 2017-2019. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 22(2), 102–117.

 

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