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  Week 4:  Creative Learning in Authentic Contexts with Advanced Educational Technologies.   Rustam Shadiev, Wu-Yuin Hwang and Gheorghita Ghinea (2022, April).  25 (2).  Educational Technology and Society . Article One:  Creative Learning in Authentic Contexts with Advanced Educational Technologies In an era where innovation and adaptability are crucial, the role of creativity in education has become more vital than ever. The editorial by Shadiev, Hwang, and Ghinea (2022) emphasizes how creative learning, when embedded in authentic contexts and supported by advanced educational technologies, fosters innovation and problem-solving skills among learners. The authors highlight the importance of creativity not just as an output but as a dynamic process influenced by cognitive, environmental, and technological factors. One of the key takeaways from this editorial is the role of authentic learning environments in nurturing creativity. These environments, which cl...

  Week 3: Reflection on  Special Issue:  Systematic Reviews of Research on Online Learning .  Article One : The  Special Issue of the Online Learning Journal (March 2023, Volume 27, Issue 1)   The March 2023 Special Issue of the Online Learning Journal provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of online learning, particularly in response to the rapid digital transformation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The articles examine various aspects, including course design, learner engagement, online assessment, collaboration, and the role of moderators in asynchronous discussions (Doo et al., 2023; Wright et al., 2023). One of the most intriguing insights is the shift from a heavy emphasis on learner engagement to a broader focus that includes course development, technology integration, and instructor training. This evolution reflects a growing recognition that the success of online learning is not solely dependent on student engagement but...

Week 2 Blog Post: This week, we were asked to read and reflect on three articles from Special Issue: Systematic Reviews of Research on Emerging Learning Environments and Technology. Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D). Article 1: Exploring Social Media in Faculty Professional Development Key Takeaways from the Reading This systematic review by Dennen, Choi, and Word (2020) explores the role of social media in faculty professional development (PD) in higher education. The study reveals that professional learning networks (PLNs) and online communities of practice (CoPs) offer faculty members opportunities to engage in informal and collaborative learning beyond institutional boundaries. Key findings highlight that social media-supported PD is still in its early stages, with Twitter and Facebook being the most utilized platforms. However, challenges persist in sustaining faculty engagement and ensuring effective participation, particularly for novice users (Dennen ...