Final Thoughts

I would first like to thank my teachers and fellow students for making this semester such a great experience. I was initially worried about how a fully online course would work out, but now I see that distance learning has great potential.

We have covered many topics and asked many important questions.  The answers to many of these questions are still being developed as technologies continue to emerge, and as the world adapts to the changes in communication and access of information.  Understanding what it means to be literate in today's world also means an understanding of the different mediums that transfer information. Older ideas of literacy has changed from books and newspapers, to telephone, radio, and TV, to the newer platforms of social media, open, and closed source technologies, blogs, and the huge influence of smart phones.

It is no longer necessary to go to a library to find information. Most of us can do it straight from our phones. The important idea now is to make sense of the expansive amount of data that exists, separating out what is useless, unneeded, or just plain wrong, and finding what is useful and relevant.

It is also important that we use and proceed with this information in an ethical manor. We are now integrally connected with one another, and simply treating others as you would like to be treated will make the world a much better place.

I see the internet moving in a direction that requires collaborative efforts.  The potential of open-source resources can only be reached when we are working efficiently with others.  This will promote innovation, and in turn a better world for everyone.  Better education and understanding of the world is the key to making this work.

I have been able to take a lot out of these classes. They have given me the idea to expand my tutoring business from my local environment, to a distance learning environment with the ability to reach a much larger audience.  My goal is to create a learning platform that keeps the communication value of face-to-face interactions, and adds valuable learning resources to stimulate, engage, and created enjoyment within the learning experience. I am looking forward to see what else I will learn as I continue through the program, as well as implementing ideas into my own educational platform. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" Nelson Mandela.