UNIT 6: Flexible Learning Environment

The flexible learning environment was the emphasis of Unit 6. Shureville et. al (2008) implies that flexible learning is a set of educational philosophies and systems focused on providing adequate choice, convenience, and personalizations to fit the learner. Flexible learning, for instance, give students the leeway to choose where, when, and how they learn. It is an approach that provides students with opportunities to access information and expertise, contribute ideas and opinions, and correspond with other learners. Moreover, it enables educators to respond to a variety of learners' abilities, needs, and interests. With the advancement of technology and modernity, the application of flexible learning has expanded online -- including a wider array of subjects.

The unit has incorporated areas that are essential to further increase our knowledge about this learning material; Online Distance Learning, Online Distance Education and Communities of Learning, Online Researches, Educational Sites, and Portals, and Technology Tools for Collaborative Work.

Making an e-Portfolio was also one of the activities that we had for this Unit (Activity 14 B). We realize that this activity is the application of all of the preceding unit's learnings. Our grasp of the entire subject matter — technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge — was put to the test. To be honest, we struggled with this activity (where in fact, it would have been the easiest). We have a lot of drafts and changes, and a new suggestion comes in every day. It just goes to show that we don't have a specified goal. Perhaps, it can also be because of the shear from previous activities in which we evaluated the work of others, but now we're in the position where our work is being evaluated. Despite the setbacks, we were able to remind ourselves that the essence of this activity is collaboration and the building of productive relationships. As a result, rather than raising pride, we fill in the gaps of one another. We worked together to make our work beautiful since each of us has different areas of expertise; some are skilled at technological aspects, some at content delivery, others are good at aesthetics, and so on. Thankfully we succeed in the end.

Above all, we've been made aware of our weak points. And it is this that we aim to improve day by day. As students, these challenges that we have experienced are our stepping stones to our profession. As future educators, we are brought into the reality of openness and being adaptive to unexpected situations. Indeed, learning is a lifelong process.