What constitutes the best combination of online and face-to-face learning experiences?
Truth is, you can't. Just like in an exclusive face-to-face classroom, there is no one best combination of traditional practices much less for the newer world of blended learning. I think we can all agree that elementary is "a horse of a different color"...in many ways, but I will keep it related to blended learning in this post. :-)
Elementary teachers establishing a blended learning environment is more about gradual implementation. First, the teacher must be comfortable and knowledgable with the online component that is being used. I will use Edmodo for example since this is a website I am comfortable with and could constitute as a type of learning management system at a lower level.
When I first start the school year with Edmodo I gradually introduce to the students how to use Edmodo, usually with a question or poll that they can respond to. As the year progresses, I have the students take more control of their Edmodo profile. At this point in the year I have literature circles exclusively online through Edmodo. I am able to create small groups and each student in the group has an assigned literature role that rotates every time we read a new chapter. (I use the literature roles from Super Teacher Worksheets website - which charges a yearly membership fee, but is completely worth it) I read aloud a chapter book during class and they are responsible for preparing their literature role post on paper first. The students will then have time to post to their group on Edmodo during class time or even at home. The idea is to create discussion completely on Edmodo; learning how to respond to questions, form opinions, all while maintaining Netiquette. The main idea being that learning doesn't just end at 2:05, the discussion continues at home.
The best combination of online and face-to-face learning experiences really depends on the teacher and students. What the teacher is comfortable with and gradually including more through the year. Also, we must consider what the students are ready for. A lot of time, preparation, and training goes into elementary students using online components - not just using, but using successfully.
Hi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you said, "The best combination of online and face-to-face learning experiences really depends on the teacher and students" and also agreed that there should be a combination of teaching between online and f2f. It's more interesting when the student is able to continue the discussion at home. This keeps students more interested.
Thank you for sharing.
Muneer
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to hear the actual timeline that it takes to get procedures etc established for the age group you are teaching (4th grade?). I can imagine once the students grasp the concepts and get into the flow of say--Edmodo--it is absolutely worth all of the effort! I love the way you incorporate strategies to convey the idea that learning doesn't stop when the bell rings. And who knows, maybe the students find this way more engaging than traditional "homework!"
Great topic.
--Meghan S
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what your thoughts were on the following:
How much time should a "content area" teacher spend on teaching students how to use programs like Edmoto or Prezi before they can be expected to create an effective project?
I mean, in an ideal world we would have a business class or computer skills class on campus where students could learn how to use the tools...and then the content area teachers could allow for the students to apply that knowledge.
I think that if the teacher has the time (and patience) it would be nice to have the teacher "teach" the program. However, in a world (say that in a dramatic voice :) )where there aren't enough hours in a school day, it will be a difficult task to squeeze in "non curriculum" lessons.
Thanks for the post.
mike