Session Description
Online learning is frequently promoted as a flexible approach to education, with learning described as happening “anywhere at anytime.” This suggests that online learning has the potential to be more accommodating, more accessible, and more equitable than face-to-face or blended alternatives.
In this presentation, I examine and problematize the claim that flexibility is widely beneficial. I do so by examining the literature and showing that flexibility is neither universal nor neutral. Who is and who isn’t able to take advantage of flexibility inherent in these courses? What restricts flexibility and how? What does it mean for learners to participate in flexible courses?
This presentation is aimed at learners, faculty, and administrators, and its goals are:
- To improve understanding of flexible learning to enhance online learning practices; and
- To demonstrate the value of critical perspectives in educational technology research.
Presenter(s)
Dr. George Veletsianos
Canada Research Chair of Innovative Learning and Technology
Associate Professor
Royal Roads University
Victoria, BC
His current research involves “flexible” online learning, the experiences of harassment that faculty face online while he contemplates about future digital practices and technologies.
Session Type
Invited Speaker
Audience
Learners, Faculty, and Administrators
A recording of this presentation is available.
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