For this response post, I have focused on Dylan’s blog post #1 about Digital Learning and Privacy.
Dylan, I can really relate to your experience, as I also started university during the Covid-19 lockdowns. That sudden shift to fully online and asynchronous learning was a huge adjustment for me as well, and like you, I had to figure out how to make it work. It’s impressive how you’ve embraced distributed education, and I agree that it can actually enhance learning in certain ways.
I appreciate the way you laid out both the positives and negatives of distributed education. The flexibility and accessibility it provides are great, but it’s true that the lack of social interaction and structure can be tough. I’ve also found that switching between learning modes, like asynchronous and in-person, is key to finding what works best depending on the situation.
Your emphasis on digital literacy, especially in a tech-focused field like computer science, is so important. It’s great that you’ve been able to build a presence on forums and collaborate with others online. Good luck with your last term, and I’m sure your skills will serve you well in the future!