Author: zejunchen (Page 1 of 2)

Feature Photo by Madiha Jamal on Linked In

 

AI Tools in Education:

Predictive technologies and AI are becoming increasingly prominent in education, impacting everything from personalized learning to administrative support.

Platforms like DreamBox (for math) and Knewton (acquired by Wiley) use AI to tailor lessons to each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace. The systems analyze data from students’ interactions, adapting the content and providing real-time feedback. These adaptive learning platforms make it possible for students to learn at their own speed, improving engagement and mastery. These tools can also identify when a student is struggling, providing more support, or suggesting intervention to teachers before issues become more serious. 

Another example of AI learning tools is Duolingo for language learning and MATHia by Carnegie Learning. They are AI-driven tutoring systems that provide immediate feedback and explanations. Duolingo uses AI to tailor the difficulty of lessons based on user performance, making it engaging and efficient. These systems offer a supplement to traditional teaching, allowing students to receive additional support outside class hours. They can help reinforce concepts and improve practice frequency, and because of their accessibility, they make learning more flexible.

Tools like Gradescope and Edmentum use AI to help grade assignments, particularly multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Some, like Turnitin, also use AI for plagiarism detection. Automated grading tools can save educators significant time, allowing them to focus on instruction and student support rather than administrative tasks. AI-based grading can also provide faster feedback to students, helping them understand mistakes and learn more effectively.

Systems like Civitas Learning use predictive analytics to identify students at risk of dropping out or struggling academically. By analyzing a range of data points (e.g., attendance, grades, engagement), these tools generate alerts for educators to intervene proactively. This predictive analytics can transform academic advising by making it more data-driven. Educators and counselors can better identify students who need support, potentially improving retention rates and helping students achieve better outcomes.

Voice recognition tools like Google Speech-to-Text and Microsoft’s Immersive Reader assist students who may struggle with reading or writing. These tools transcribe spoken words to text, helping students with disabilities access content more easily. These AI-driven speech recognition enhances inclusivity, ensuring that students with disabilities or language barriers have the resources they need. This can improve confidence and participation in class, helping all students learn on a more level playing field.

Some universities have implemented AI teaching assistants, like Jill Watson at Georgia Tech, a virtual TA developed with IBM’s Watson. Chatbots like Ivy are also used for administrative tasks, such as answering student questions or helping with enrollment. Virtual assistants reduce administrative burdens and ensure students can get quick answers to basic queries, improving communication. This frees educators to focus on more complex student needs and creates a more responsive environment.

 

Benefits of AI in Education:

AI can create personalized learning paths that adapt to each student’s individual needs, abilities, and progress. By analyzing student data, such as performance on assessments or response times, AI systems can provide content that targets each learner’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, if a student struggles with fractions in math, an AI-powered tool can provide additional exercises, explanations, or hints specifically for that concept. 

AI supports self-paced learning, allowing students to advance through material at their own speed, reducing stress and enhancing engagement. Those who grasp concepts quickly can move on to more challenging material, while those needing more time can revisit topics without the pressure to keep up with a set pace.

Many AI tools can provide immediate feedback, which helps students understand mistakes in real-time, reinforcing learning more effectively than delayed feedback. Instant feedback helps students course-correct and retain knowledge more effectively than waiting days or weeks for a teacher’s response.

AI can automate grading for objective assessments like multiple-choice or short-answer questions, freeing up teachers to spend more time on instructional planning, personalized support, and one-on-one interaction with students. This can reduce teacher burnout and improve the overall quality of instruction.

AI-driven systems can automate tasks like attendance tracking, generating progress reports, and managing student data, making administrative processes smoother and less time-consuming. Some schools even use AI chatbots to answer common questions from students, allowing teachers to focus on instruction rather than repetitive tasks.

With AI handling routine tasks, teachers have more time to support students emotionally and academically. They can focus on creative lesson planning, student engagement, and mentoring, all of which add value beyond what AI can offer.

AI enables adaptive learning environments that can adjust the difficulty, type of content, and delivery method based on real-time analysis of student engagement and comprehension. This kind of adaptability can help maintain student interest and keep them challenged at the right level.

By analyzing data trends, AI can help educators identify students at risk of falling behind or struggling with specific concepts. Teachers can then proactively offer additional support or interventions, potentially improving student outcomes and preventing issues before they escalate.

AI can support different learning styles by offering multimodal content—such as video, text, and interactive simulations—that caters to various preferences. Visual learners, for example, might benefit from graphical explanations, while auditory learners might find value in narrated content.

 

Challenges of AI in Education: 

Implementing AI in education requires substantial investment, including software, hardware upgrades, and maintenance. Low-income schools may struggle with costs, but partnerships, subsidies, and open-source tools could increase access. The digital divide may widen if only well-funded schools can afford AI, so investments in digital infrastructure are necessary to ensure all students have internet and devices. Privacy concerns arise as AI requires large data access; strict policies like FERPA help protect student information, and schools should partner with trusted, security-compliant vendors.

Teachers often lack AI training, risking underuse or misuse. Schools should offer professional development to help teachers understand AI’s technical aspects and integration into teaching. Over-reliance on AI could reduce face-to-face interaction, essential for social skills, so AI should complement—not replace—human connections. AI algorithms may carry biases and lack transparency; thus, schools should use tools with explainable insights, regular audits, and ensure human oversight.

AI adoption requires a cultural shift and trust. Open communication about AI’s benefits and limitations, along with involving teachers in decision-making, can ease concerns and show that AI enhances rather than replaces traditional teaching.

 

Ethical Considerations of AI in Education: 

Integrating AI in education offers benefits but also raises ethical concerns, especially around data privacy, transparency, and bias. AI systems require access to sensitive student data, making strict adherence to data protection laws (e.g., FERPA, GDPR) essential. Schools should clearly communicate data usage to students and parents, limit data collection, and vet AI vendors to ensure security.

Ethical Considerations When Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Assistive Technologies in Education

AI often operates as a “black box,” where decisions are hard to interpret, so schools should prioritize tools with explainable algorithms and maintain educator oversight to evaluate AI recommendations critically. Bias is another challenge, as algorithms may perpetuate inequalities; thus, schools should partner with vendors who audit for bias and ensure data diversity. There’s also a risk of over-relying on AI, so educators must balance AI insights with their professional judgment, using it to support—not replace—human decision-making.

For accountability, clear roles must be defined to address AI-related issues, and schools should create an appeals process for students. Establishing AI ethics committees and providing ethical training for educators and students can foster a responsible, inclusive, and fair AI environment in education.  

 

Future Directions in EdTech: 

In the next 5-10 years, emerging technologies like AR/VR, blockchain, IoT learning analytics, 5G, and personalized platforms are set to transform education. For example, AR/VR will enable immersive learning experiences, allowing students to explore virtual environments, conduct experiments, and engage in 3D content, deepening understanding and retention. 

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Immersive Learning 

Blockchain can revolutionize credential storage by giving students secure, lifetime-controlled records, simplifying applications and building trust in digital credentials. IoT devices, such as wearables and sensors, provide data on student interactions, enabling adaptive learning environments and supporting students’ specific needs. 5G and Cloud will make high-quality educational content accessible worldwide, enhancing equity by connecting underserved areas. Lastly, Adaptive Learning Platforms will adjust content in real-time based on students’ needs, creating hyper-personalized learning journeys.

These technologies promise more immersive, accessible, and customized education, shifting teachers toward mentorship roles and preparing students for a digitally literate world that values critical thinking and lifelong learning.

Feature Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Open Pedagogy: 

Open Pedagogy is an educational approach that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and the sharing of knowledge, where both educators and students actively participate in the creation, adaptation, and distribution of learning materials. Rooted in the principles of the open education movement, it encourages the use of open educational resources (OER), but goes beyond just content to engage students in the process of knowledge creation.

Students are not just consumers of knowledge but co-creators. This might involve contributing to openly accessible textbooks, creating public digital projects, or engaging in peer-led learning activities. Open Pedagogy promotes clear, accessible processes in the classroom, giving students insight into how materials are developed and encouraging open communication.

Instead of limiting learning to the classroom, Open Pedagogy often encourages interaction with broader communities, allowing students to contribute knowledge that benefits society as a whole.

 

Traditional versus Open Pedagogy: 

Traditional teaching often focuses on delivering information to students through textbooks and lectures, with students being passive recipients. In Open Pedagogy, students take on an active role in creating, adapting, and sharing content.

Moreover, traditional methods rely on fixed materials like textbooks or syllabi that are rarely changed. Open Pedagogy, on the other hand, uses OER, which can be adapted and modified by both educators and students to fit specific needs.

Additionally, traditional education tends to emphasize individual work and evaluation. Open Pedagogy encourages collaboration among students, and often across institutions or with external communities.

While traditional assignments tend to be private (e.g., essays submitted to instructors), Open Pedagogy often has students create work that is publicly shared, fostering a sense of contribution to a larger body of knowledge.

Feature Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Empowerment Through Open Pedagogy: 

Open Pedagogy empowers students by giving them agency in their learning. When students create content that has real-world applications, it fosters a deeper sense of purpose and relevance. They also learn critical skills in collaboration, digital literacy, and creative problem-solving. By contributing to publicly available resources, students see themselves as contributors to society, not just learners in a classroom. Teachers can rethink their roles as facilitators of knowledge rather than sole authorities. Open Pedagogy encourages instructors to collaborate with their students, fostering an environment where they can learn from student contributions and new insights. Educators can also adapt and share resources freely, ensuring that learning materials are continuously improving and more accessible to all.

 

Open Educational Resources: 

The passage highlights the benefits of Open Educational Resources (OER), including the elimination of costly textbooks, which reduces the financial burden on students. OER allows educators to access high-quality, customizable materials that can be adapted to fit their teaching styles and students’ needs. It encourages collaboration among educators and institutions to improve and share resources. OER can be updated regularly to reflect current knowledge, ensuring that learners always have access to the latest information. Additionally, OER promotes inclusivity by allowing the incorporation of diverse perspectives into the curriculum.

Open Educational Resources (OER) have the potential to significantly transform the educational landscape by providing free and openly licensed educational materials that anyone can access, use, modify, and share. The widespread adoption of OER can impact not only how education is delivered but also who can access it and how knowledge is created and shared.

 Open Educational Resources 

 

 

Equitability and Accessibility: 

The passage explains that Open Educational Resources (OER) remove cost and geographical barriers, providing high-quality educational materials to learners from all economic backgrounds, especially in low-income or underserved areas. OER can be adapted to meet diverse learner needs, making them more inclusive for individuals with disabilities, non-traditional learners, and those in different languages. OER promotes lifelong learning by offering open access to educational resources beyond formal settings. It also empowers educators from marginalized communities to create culturally relevant content, promoting equitable representation in education.

 

Global Trends in OER: 

The passage outlines the global rise of Open Educational Resources (OER) driven by the need for accessible, affordable, and adaptable learning materials. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and Brazil are promoting OER through policies and initiatives, with institutions like MIT and the UK Open University pioneering OER repositories. UNESCO advocates for OER to meet Sustainable Development Goal 4, leading to international collaborations. A growing trend is the localization of OER in countries like South Africa and India, ensuring materials are culturally and contextually relevant. Digital platforms like OpenStax and advances in AI are making it easier to distribute and adapt OER, with some institutions implementing “Z-degree” programs (zero textbook cost degrees) and states integrating OER into K-12 education. OER promotes equity by reducing educational costs, especially in low-income regions, and has seen increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in developing countries where resources are scarce.

The Future of OER in Higher Education by Lindsay Josephs

 

Challenges of OER:

Firstly, the biggest hurdle is funding the ongoing creation and maintenance of OER. While initial grants or government support may drive creation, sustainable models for keeping materials current are still being debated.

Secondly, ensuring the quality of OER remains a concern. Since OER can be created by anyone, there are challenges in maintaining rigorous academic standards, though initiatives are emerging to provide peer review or accreditation.

Thirdly, many educators and institutions still lack awareness or understanding of how to use OER effectively. Training teachers to adapt or create OER is essential for its widespread adoption.

Lastly, in regions with limited internet connectivity, even freely available OER can be challenging to access. Investments in infrastructure and offline solutions are crucial for such areas.

 

Opportunities of OER:

OER encourages collaboration across borders, allowing educators to share, remix, and improve resources collectively. This fosters a culture of open knowledge sharing and innovation in education.

The adaptability of OER allows educators to customize content to suit their teaching needs and students’ learning preferences, promoting a more personalized approach to education.

In many developing countries, OER presents a unique opportunity to bridge the educational divide, providing access to quality materials where they are otherwise unavailable.

 

Understanding Creative Commons Licensing: 

The passage emphasizes the importance of Creative Commons (CC) licensing in Open Educational Resources (OER) by providing a legal framework for using, adapting, and sharing content while respecting creators’ rights. CC licenses offer transparency, ensuring that educational materials can be freely shared and modified. Different CC licenses define specific permissions, such as allowing commercial or non-commercial use, the creation of derivatives, or the requirement to share adaptations under the same terms.

There are six main CC licenses:

1. CC BY (Attribution) allows use, adaptation, and commercial use with attribution.
2. CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike) requires derivatives to have the same license.
3. CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivs) allows sharing but no modifications.
4. CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial) allows adaptations for non-commercial purposes.
5. CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) adds the same license requirement to non-commercial adaptations.
6. CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs) is the most restrictive, allowing sharing but no changes or commercial use.

For instance, an educator might use a CC BY-SA license for a textbook to allow adaptations with the condition that modified versions remain open. Understanding these licenses ensures legal compliance and ethical use of OER in creating, adapting, or sharing educational content.

 

 

Examples of Applying CC Licenses Responsibly: 

I might create an open-access textbook and license it under CC BY-SA to allow for wide usage and adaptation by educators globally, with the condition that any derivative works are also shared openly.

If I create educational videos or interactive learning tools, I might opt for CC BY-NC-ND, allowing them to be shared as-is for educational purposes but preventing commercial use or alteration.

In an international collaborative educational project, I might use CC BY-SA to ensure that all contributors can freely adapt each other’s work while maintaining the spirit of open sharing.

 

Attributes of Open Pedagogy: 

The passage explains that Open Pedagogy fosters inclusive and participatory learning by focusing on collaboration, transparency, student-centered learning, reflective practice, and accessibility. These practices encourage teamwork, clear communication, and student involvement in content creation and real-world problem solving. Reflective learning helps students understand how they learn, while accessibility ensures that materials are available in multiple formats to meet diverse needs. Together, these approaches create a more equitable, engaging educational environment that empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

 

 

 

 

 

Feature Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Nothing that we wear, from our shoes to T-shirts, come in a ‘one-size-fits-all’. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)  has allowed students with different learning styles to succeed in their studies, by creating flexible learning environments; thus catering to the diverse needs of all students. The goal of UDL is to make learning accessible to everyone by offering multiple ways for students to engage with the material, express what they have learned, and access content. It focuses on the importance of removing barriers in the students’ learning process to ensure that every student, regardless of background, ability, or learning style, can grow and thrive academically.

The principles of UDL- engagement, representation, action and expression- allow educators to design lessons and create learning environments that can address the variability of all learners. This is particularly important in diverse classrooms where students may have different learning styles, cultural backgrounds, physical or cognitive disabilities, or language barriers.

In physical classrooms, UDL principles can guide in the design layout of classrooms, the instructional materials, as well as the teaching strategies. For example, seating arrangements can be flexible and lessons can be in the form of lectures, group work or hands-on activities.  In online or hybrid settings, the use of digital tools allow for greater customization of learning experiences. For example, teachers can offer content through videos, podcasts, and text-based materials, and students can submit assignments as written reports, videos, or even through creative media. Platforms can be designed with accessible navigation, screen reader compatibility, and options to adjust font sizes and contrast for those with visual impairments.

UDL’s flexibility and accessibility ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed, creating a richer, more equitable learning environment in both physical and digital contexts.

 

UDL: An Introduction  published in the  National Education Association

Universal Design for Learning is about building curricula, not retrofitting.

 

 

Accessibility in Online Settings:

In order to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities or learning needs, accessibility  in online learning settings is essential. Though online platforms offer flexibility, without accessibility, many students face significant barriers to learning.

To ensure accessibility in online learning, all digital platforms and materials should adhere to standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

For students with visual impairments, using legible fonts, appropriate text sizes, and high contrast will be helpful to them. Another element to consider is to ensure compatibility with screen readers and providing alternative text for images. Furthermore, providing content in multiple formats (text, audio, visual) and including captions and transcripts for videos and audio to accommodate hearing impairments. Moreover, adding customizable features (e.g., adjustable text size, color contrast) and making sure all platform functions are accessible via keyboard navigation.

Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Utilizing assistive technologies such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and braille displays to support students with disabilities. To ensure everyone has equitable access to digital resources,  tools like accessibility checkers to scan content for issues and leveraging built-in accessibility features in Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard, Canvas, or Moodle. By implementing these strategies, educators can create inclusive learning environments that support diverse learners.

In my own learning, accessibility plays a vital role in ensuring I can engage with materials in the format that best suits my learning style. For example, having the option to read transcripts or use text-to-speech software can enhance my focus and retention of information. In teaching, accessibility is key to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can participate fully. By considering accessibility upfront, I can design courses that prevent students from facing unnecessary challenges due to their individual needs. Tools like closed captioning, alternative formats for assignments, and flexible assessment methods can help ensure that every student has a fair opportunity to succeed.

Accessibility in online learning is not just about complying with standards—it’s about creating equitable learning environments where all students can thrive. By incorporating tools and strategies like closed captioning, screen reader compatibility, and UDL principles, educators can ensure that digital resources are accessible and inclusive, supporting diverse learners in meaningful ways.

 

Ethical Challenges of EdTech: 

Even though EdTech  offers benefits such as personalized learning and increased engagement, it also raises ethical concerns. Key issues include privacy and data security, where student data collection, risk of data breaches, and lack of informed consent are things that are concerning. Equity and access issues include the digital divide and potential bias in algorithms that can create unequal learning opportunities. Surveillance and autonomy challenges arise with student monitoring and over-reliance on technology, which may harm student trust and critical thinking skills. The commercialization of education is another issue, where for-profit motives and advertising can conflict with educational goals.

In order to balance benefits with ethical concerns, educators should put in place strong privacy policies and ensure EdTech  providers comply with laws like FERPA and COPPA. Digital equity should be encouraged by providing devices, internet access, and other  low-tech alternatives for those students who lack resources. Transparency is important by informing students and parents about data collection and offering technology use choices. Schools  must ensure  fair use of AI tools by regularly auditing for bias and ensuring transparency. Limit surveillance and respect student autonomy by using monitoring tools sparingly and balancing tech with traditional learning methods. Lastly, evaluate the educational value of these digital tools to avoid adopting platforms that prioritize commercial interests over student learning.

While EdTech enhances learning, educators must also prioritize ethical considerations such as privacy, equity, and transparency to create a fair and respectful learning environment for all stakeholders.

 

Ethical Considerations in Digital Interactions:

Digital interactions, whether in learning or social settings, involve ethical considerations such as privacy, respect, inclusivity, and responsible information sharing. Participants in online communities must engage thoughtfully and ethically.

Respect other people’s privacy and use secure practices to protect our own personal data.

Use clear, respectful language, and avoid  harmful or offensive content.

Ensure that online spaces are accessible, culturally sensitive, and welcoming to all.

Be honest and truthful in your online representations and take responsibility for your digital actions, and report harmful behavior.

We must actively discourage harassment and uphold a zero-tolerance stance toward harmful behaviors.

Engage constructively with one another, share accurate information, and contribute positively to the online community.

Lastly, always think carefully before posting, use empathy, stay informed about digital etiquette, set personal boundaries, and fact-check information. When everyone interacts ethically, a safe, inclusive and respectful environment will be formed.

 

Applying UDL and Accessibility Principles: 

Reflecting on a learning environment I have been part of as a student, it addressed some principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility, but there were areas for improvement.

Some of the courses used various instructional materials (lectures, videos, readings) to cater to different learning preferences. There were diverse participation methods, including group discussions and individual assignments, engaging different learner types. Students could submit assignments in different formats, allowing autonomy in knowledge expression.

However, there were limited accommodations for students with disabilities, such as a lack of closed captions and transcripts, as well as issues with small fonts and low contrast for visually impaired students. The platform wasn’t fully compatible with tools like screen readers, affecting students who relied on these technologies. Most assessments were written, lacking diversity in expression methods like verbal or creative projects. Moreover, these courses assumed all students had access to reliable technology, which disadvantaged some learners.

To improve and enhance the learning experience, all digital materials must meet accessibility standards, including captions, alt text, and screen reader compatibility. Provide more options for students to express knowledge through various formats, such as podcasts or infographics. Offer offline or low-tech resources for students with limited technology access. Last but not least, implement flexible deadlines to support students with personal or technical challenges.

Dr. Brady, an Oxford research fellow focused on curriculum development, explains the theory behind how the universal principles of design, used in fields such as architecture, might be applied to education to create more inclusive learning environments and support systems.

Feature Photo by Maya Maceka on Unsplash

To me, pedagogy is how teachers impart knowledge or concepts effectively to their students. Learning should be enjoyable. I learned and absorbed the most when my teachers or instructors go beyond delivering the content or  information. Good instructors engage their students and make the information applicable and relatable in real-world situations.  When students are involved in hands-on projects, group discussions, and self-directed learning, their level of understanding will deepen. A strong pedagogy allows students to be lifelong learners which can contribute to a vibrant and healthy society.

Networked pedagogy focuses on the interconnected nature of learning through the use of technological tools. This will enable collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and interaction beyond just the traditional walled classrooms between teachers and students. To me, this is the “smart way” of learning by providing access to diverse perspectives and resources. In education, sometimes  more is better. More minds will expand our own understanding about the world around us. In some courses I took, participating in online discussions with other students, attending webinars, study groups, and open educational resources (OERs) had definitely deepened and enriched my learning experience. Zoom is a convenient and effective way in facilitating real-time and asynchronous communication which supports different learning styles. Thanks to the advances of digital technologies, we now have a networked pedagogy that  has provided a more interactive, collaborative, and engaging learning environment.

 The learning theory that resonates with me is constructivism. It is a learning theory that emphasizes learners actively constructing their own knowledge through experiences, reflection, and engagement. I retained and learned best when the information is something that I had experienced before and can relate to. Moreover, constructivism encourages collaboration, reflection, and self-paced learning. Thus, I find this theory resonates with my learning approach, as it promotes critical thinking and meaningful engagement over rote memorization. As a teacher, I  would design activities that encourage exploration, collaboration, and personal reflection, which can foster a dynamic and empowering learning environment. 

The role of an online instructor goes beyond delivering the lesson content. The process itself is also important  to facilitate learning, fostering engagement, and creating a supportive virtual community. Key qualities of an online instructor is being able to communicate clearly across to the different learning styles of students and how he/she is able to respond to their questions. Moreover, their ability to use digital tools will increase the students’ level of engagement in the lessons. Instructors should also provide timely feedback, promote interaction, and be flexible to meet the unique challenges of online learners. Reflecting on my own personal experience, the ability to communicate promptly after the lessons ended is something that online instructors should be made aware of. Their responsibilities do not end when the online lesson concludes. I came across a question while I was doing an assignment and I had to email my instructor with my query. Unfortunately, I had to wait two days before he replied to my email. That was a frustrating experience.

Like everything in life, there are always pros and cons, online learning included. For me, I prefer face-to-face instruction because the deep sense of community and social intimacy cannot be duplicated in digital spaces or  on a computer screen. However, levels of flexibility and interactivity are the positives of online learning- flexible learning schedules, access to diverse resources, global collaboration, and the ability to learn at one’s own pace. However, there are the negatives of online digital space learning, such as feelings of isolation, digital distractions, technical issues, and delayed feedback from instructors that are not present in a face to face learning environment. 

To positively contribute to digital communities, it’s important to engage actively, communicate respectfully, share knowledge, follow digital etiquette, and provide constructive feedback. This proactive and respectful participation helps create a collaborative, supportive environment that enhances the overall learning experience.