Teaching in online and blended environments allow for personalization of a student learning path that optimizes the time spent by both the teacher and the learner. Despite its many benefits, utilizing blended and online environments for learning also requires understanding differences from the in-class structure, in order to navigate possible pitfalls and provide learners with an environment in which they can connect with content, the teacher, and their peers.
Another important aspect that differs between online and blended environments and the face-to-face classroom is the way in which discussions and collaborations take place. While in a face-to-face classroom these activities can flow very easily with little direction from the teacher, in an online or blended environment, learners may require specific prompts, clear expectations delineated, and time frames for responses to be made explicit for students. Discussions and collaborative activities in an online and blended environment create the opportunity for participation from all students, not just vocal ones, and allow students time to reflect before posting comments. These aspects of such discussions and collaborations can be an asset for learners provided that activities are designed appropriately by the teacher.
As a pre-service teacher, I look forward to utilizing the benefits of online and blended learning that allow for greater student personalization in learning paths, flexibility that allows for competency-based learning, and the benefits of utilizing online discussion and collaboration aspects of online and blended learning. I have already been able to see individualized learning path activities being used in a 3rd grade classroom for math enrichment that is geared towards students individualized needs. I have also been able to create technology tutorials for use when creating my online lesson project. Tutorials such as these could support students with using technology that they aren’t comfortable with yet, as well as demonstrating to student’s parents how to use different technologies to support their child. I find the flexibility that is demonstrated through student individualized learning paths to be exciting for student competency-based learning. My professional development goals are to explore the ways in which utilizing online and blended learning experiences can enrich student learning through personalization, collaborative activities, flexibility, increased time for one-on-one teacher/student interaction, and improved accessibility for the student to the teacher. Other resources
3 Comments
Lauren Haraburda
11/6/2022 03:57:27 pm
I really like this blog post! I love the way it is organized and you have some great information about pedgogy in online and blended environments. I love the embedded videos and images you included. This helped me understand what you were saying more!
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Elicia Moreno
11/6/2022 04:26:29 pm
Katrina, this is a great blog post! I think the setup and division of different topics really allows for an easy read. I also love the use of videos that really show how you are implementing these strategies within your lessons already! I also think it was great that you talked about building a relationship not only with the learner but with their parents as well.
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Dilnoza
12/14/2022 08:23:31 am
I enjoyed reading your blog post, Katrina! I agree with you that sometimes it can be challenging to make sure everyone has opportunities to be present, visible and there is a communication happening among all participants of this learning environment. Yes, variety of discussions and collaborations are great strategies to implement.
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AuthorHello, I am Katrina Stancombe, a senior at Indiana University finishing up an Elementary Education Degree with an additional license in Blended and Online Learning. Archives
December 2022
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