Category: edci339

One of the AI tools i looked into was Quizlet, this was a study guide I used a lot for years, and I found out last semester that it now has AI so I decided to investigate it a little bit. I started by uploading some of my old psychology notes (from PSYC 339) since i wanted to see how much it had changed. With that, Quizlet had created a AI practice test. I noticed there was a caution at the bottom my screen which said “This product is enhanced by AI and may provide incorrect or problematic content.”. The caution basically proved to make its point, while the AI generated questions were useful, I found that some of the info it extracted from my notes wasn’t totally correct. I became a little more careful and skeptical when it comes to studying with QUizlet AI. An article i found created by Emilia David, mentioned how she experienced some problems with Quizlet AI, and how the questions were nonsensical and improperly phrased (The Verge, 2023).

Although AI has definitely helped with Quizlet’s functionality and performance, and for most the time it helps with assisting students with study materials, there is some documented problems. When I create my own flashcards or study with a group, there isn’t any obvious technological problems since it is in person, which brings me back to thinking the AI learning experience can be unreliable at times. I acknowledge how AI can save a lot of time and you can create it how you want it, however it still lacks the context and critical thinking that humans offer.

As of right now, I feel the AI is a useful addition in Quizlet, however I wouldn’t completely rely on it for in-depth understanding where precision is crucial.

Refrences:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/9/23826191/quizlet-generative-ai-chatgpt-education

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rayravaglia/2023/08/10/quizlet-embraces-ai-and-chatgpt-to-transform-the-experience-of-studying/

The more i read about this week for ECDI 339, I have gained more insight on open learning. I read a decent amount about open learning’s potential, which emphasized a lot on access, cheaper education and overall creativity, the Common Wealth and Learning introduction and Open Education Resources (OEP) mentioned this. But it makes me think about the digital divide that exists today, if it’s really good why isn’t it widespread throughout society?

When i read “Open Pedagogy: A Response to David Wiley” there was the “5 R’s” (Retain, Reuse, Revise, Remix, Redistribute content) which went into a lot of detail and made lots of sense to me. I didn’t originally think about the hidden costs of resources that are free, such as a concern for privacy, but Wiley dove into that concern. I started to wonder if open learning is really open if injustices aren’t addressed after Cronin fought for social justice in open pedagogy. Sharing resources is only one aspect of it, another is inclusion, which i think is something really motivating that has true potential to improve education everywhere.

Wiley’s article on OEP, demonstrated how encouraging teamwork can transform education and set new opportunities of creative learning. Open learning sounds fantastic, and has the ability to reach everyone. With further work, open learning seems to be heading in the right direction! I’m eager to see how far we can push it.

I read some of “Openness and Praxis” and I found a concept that caught my eye which was “context collapse” that Marwick and Boyd mention in references. All aspects of our lives kind of collide together in one area, online. I was surprised by how much this spoke to me. If I’m being honest, I’ve never really been too comfortable learning or simply interacting online through technology. Conversations tend to feel more organic in a classroom for me, however I learnt some more about openness in this article. We may feel obligated to share everything online, but you can choose what you’re comfortable with!

I also watched Jon Dron’s video “How Distance Changes Everything”, he mentioned there is 3 aspects to intrinsic motivation in the classroom, which is autonomy, competence and relatedness (15:06). I think these 3 key points he mentioned really made sense to me. He emphasized on community and that struck a chord with me the most, it served that learning depends on connection, even if it’s online.

Overall, there are so many different way to build a connection with our community online, especially in this class since we have this blog. I’m aiming to be more open about how I participate in open learning environments now and in the future, but also keeping in mind of some methods that protect my privacy too! I’m very excited to learn more from others and through this course!