Using Google Classroom and OERs to improve the learning experience of students in higher education institutions

The first section will highlight web tool usage to teach online followed by a discussion on open education resource (OER) usage.

Facilitating online learning can be challenging and at the same time fascinating as it allows the instructor to explore a wide range of resources.  There are a number of web tools that can be used to facilitate online learning and one of these is Google classroom. This is an interesting platform as it allows the instructor to place learning materials, course notes, PowerPoint slides, and even video recordings on the google classroom platform. I have used this platform to a certain extent last year in my MG 302 class and it was very helpful. G-mail credentials can be used to access and create the google classroom. The google classroom can be used as an alternative when moodle is down. Assessments can also be conducted using the google classroom platform and the best part is it is free of charge both for the instructor and the students. The instructor has to share a code with the students which allow students to access the online classroom. Announcements made using the google classroom can be accessed by students using their g-mail. There are many other features that can be further explored which is just amazing. The only drawback is that students will need access to the internet and appropriate electronic gadgets. In comparison to moodle this platform does not offer a plagiarism checking system hence students can cheat on their assignments by copying. Teaching operations management which involves teaching calculations can be a challenge as well.

Open Education Resources (OER) has allowed instructors around the world to use, share as well as mix and match resources while teaching. There are a lot of opportunities for instructors and students as they can learn and gain access to notes and learning materials from some very prominent universities (Knox, 2013). OERs can be reused, and remixed (text and videos) as well as other teaching material can be contextualized to suit the learning needs of students (Hylen, 2021).

The best license is the CC BY where there is no restriction while using the resource. The instructor or facilitator can use, reuse, and remix without any restrictions. At times certain OERS can be difficult to access, for example, it will require the instructor to upload a teaching material before accessing the free OERS. OERS should be readily available so that it can be used to facilitate learning.

 

 

References:

Hylén, J. (2021). Open educational resources: Opportunities and challenges.

 

Knox, J. (2013). Five critiques of the open educational resources movement. Teaching in Higher Education, 18(8), 821-832.