Technology is an integral part of of our educational system and innovation is occurring at an incredible speed. Online learning is becoming increasingly popular in today’s education. Innovation in technology is expanding the range of tools and strategies available to present educational learning opportunities to our students. Our focus as teachers, with regards to online education, is creating a more effective learning experience for our students that is easily accessible as well as being flexible for differentiated learning that can be self paced.
Online learning can be both formal and informal when utilizing the web. More and more schools are increasing educational opportunities through the web that include learning modules and resources for new skills to be acquired. A blended learning approach utilizes best practices of face to face teaching with online digital learning. Our goal as educators is to utilize the best teaching practices of traditional face to face teaching methods and online learning environments. Traditional teaching practices, generally whole group lesson instruction, can potentially result in a one size fits all education. With today’s new technology, we can utilize online learning and/or self paced learning. It is clear that technology in our classrooms is evolving and growing and it remains important to understand how to create an effective learning experience for our students that will incorporate traditional best practices with digitized learning components.
References:
Williams, J. K. (2008). The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs, by Curtis J. Bonk and Charles R. Graham (Eds.). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, 2006. 580 pages, hard cover. Academy of Management Learning & Education,7(1), 132-133. doi:10.5465/amle.2008.31413871
Scott,
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology is evolving education and that integrating technology in the classroom is a great addition to a solid and focused curriculum. Online learning provides students a choice or pathway that is easily accessible from anywhere they have access to the internet. Since the information is easily accessible, they do have the option of self-pacing their learning with the assistance of the teacher or educator. This self-pacing can really help certain students as they are able to spend more time on things they haven't mastered, and spend less time on things that they have mastered. Also, your introduction of the blended learning aspect is also interesting and informative. Blended learning has become ever popular lately and is a great way to increase the use of technology in the classroom. Connecting online and digital learning tools with face-to-face instruction can really help expand the students' minds and allow them to comprehend and understand material at a much higher level. The fact that we now can incorporate various types of digital tools directly into our lessons and assignments allows for a more well-rounded education. The resources available regarding online and digital learning are endless and incorporating them is a great step to improving your classroom.
I like the "one size fits all" example for why direct/ whole group instruction will not benefit all students. Technology will allow for teachers to differentiate assignments. Today's ELA classes can read the same book at different reading levels.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Nick in that students can also pace themselves more appropriately when they use technology.
Many online applications that schools are purchasing and using these days are adaptive. Students can go at their own pace and it adjusts the questions and activities based on student responses. Many even provide the student and teacher with specific feedback and next steps. However, I also think that face to face teacher to student interaction is irreplaceable. As smart as computers are, they cannot build relationships positive rapport and instill value like a caring teacher can. Technology should be used as a supplement to our instruction and support what we are already doing in the classroom.
ReplyDelete