Have a moan – the digital format of this unit feels very impersonal at a time when personal reflection is crucial to getting the most out of the learning on this unit. This seems illogical to me. Tutors gave an explanation for this, ie. their safety, which I understand however it seems counterproductive to what we are being taught relating to inclusive practices and critical pedagogy. I (and others) made a suggestion that we use breakout rooms in order to provide a more intimate space that might encourage pgcert students to feel able to talk honestly and safely on sensitive issues. I was however told that this is not something that will be happening on the unit. It seems then that counter to critical pedagogy theory we are required to stick to the format prescribed, no autonomy allowed on how we engage with our peers and/or unit content. We are to sit with our screens, digest information and feedback through our screens. This is also seems counter to inclusive practice theory. As a person with a dyslexia diagnosis I find digital formats difficult to engage with, long periods on the screen are tiring, typing responses is difficult and the discussion has often moved on before I have had chance to write my thoughts (as I was told during seminar 1 ‘I have spoken’ and should therefore not speak anymore to allow others to speak :-o). I feel there could be alternative ways to engage within this unit and we may be missing out on opportunities to meet with peers and tutors in person to have those ‘difficult conversations’ that necessarily arise from the content.

Positives – the content is very thought provoking and I feel I am learning new ways of thinking around critical pedagogy, disability, diversity, inclusion and equity. The fact there are a variety of resources, from text to visual and image based, is great and I am much more able to process information when there are visuals included. Thank you for this.