Learning in a digital age/LiDA101/Digital technologies



This course is about learning on the Internet. Digital literacies are closely linked but not limited to digital skills. Consequently, this course will use a number of different online communication and publishing technologies to support your learning.

An open philosophy of inclusion
Learning in a digital age incorporates a wide range of online technologies and software applications. The OERu has a strong commitment to free and open source software because we believe that no learner should be denied access to learning for lack of funds to purchase a proprietary software license. Nor do we believe that you should be forced to sacrifice your freedoms in software choice.

The OERu course resources and interaction technologies are based entirely on free and open source software and you will be able to complete all the learning activities using open source applications without the need to purchase any software. You are free to use proprietary technology applications of your choice, but you can also use this course to explore and experiment with open technology.

Summary of technologies used on this course
You do not need a password to access the [ course materials]. However, if you want to post comments and /or receive instructions via email you will need to register an account on the [ course site] by clicking on the "head graphic" at the top of your screen.

Your registration login details will provide you with authenticated access to most of the course technologies hosted by OERu. In some cases you will need to register separate accounts for technologies that are run independently of the LiDA course.

The following table provides a summary of the main technologies used in this course.

Learn by doing
Some learners will be familiar with these technologies, while others will be using them for the first time. We use a learn by doing approach and you will be prompted in the course materials when to interact with these different technologies.

Initially the use of different technologies distributed on the web may be confusing. However, this is a course about learning on the Internet and once you have completed LiDA, you will become a competent user of these online technologies.

Have fun and enjoy the learning experience.