Category: Interactive Learning Resource

After reading through the Pod 12 Interactive Learning Resource on macro and microeconomics, I have gained a strong understanding of the basics of economics, as introduced in their resource. Overall, there were many strengths and the entire resource was well-written with very few grammatical or spelling errors, it was easy to read and flowed well through each point. The resource was designed to specifically include ELL learners and single parent learners, and it was easy to see how this resource would benefit both of those contexts. With no time limits and an entirely online delivery, it would be easier for learners to take the course at their own pace and are able to learn anywhere, so I think that was very well planned out. I particularly think that the use of technology through videos, diagrams and PowerPoint slides creates a cohesive and engaging resource where learners can interact with the material in ways that benefit them. These technology choices were rationalized well, particularly the idea that videos can be replayed as benefitting all learners in understanding the complex topics in economics. I also have to say that each essential question and corresponding section provided learners with the information needed and well supported them in achieving success, so the alignment of the course was very well done.

While the resource has many strengths, I do have some constructive feedback concerning the structure and presentation of the resource itself. I found myself somewhat confused about how the learners would be assessed, because although we were given the breakdown and explanation of the assessment plan, I’m not sure where those activities actually are in the resource. To me, it seemed that each heading for each section are the essential questions, but I am unsure whether I missed something and those are questions are directed to the learners? I understood that there was a quiz as a summative assessment but again, I am not sure how it will be delivered to the learners. The assessment activities were the only section that I found confusing to navigate as it seems as though they are not in the document itself, which is one suggestion to perhaps consider. For example, if there was another page for the summative quiz and formative assessments, it would help to separate the content from the assessments, which may help to clarify what the learners will need to complete. Similarly, I am interested to know how each activity is interactive as they are mostly video resources, so are learners going to interact with each other or with the video itself only? I wonder if the video activities could encourage more learner interaction by providing a space to annotate or comment section to post questions and discussions of each activity. Lastly, I personally had difficulty understanding how the grades were going to be assigned, as I didn’t quite understand how two grades divided by two would achieve the result, although that may be a misunderstanding on my part, I would suggest perhaps clarifying the breakdown more.

Overall, this resource was well-written and enjoyable learning experience that encompassed videos and visual aids. I can see how an ELL or single parent learner would succeed in this course and how it engages learners in thinking about macro and micro economics. As a learner, this resource gave an in-depth and engaging examination of micro and macro economics that encompassed multiple forms of technology, appropriate learning outcomes, and strong learning assessments.