DRAFT: Blended Learning

Task Discussion

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  Maria Droujkova   March 16, 2013, 7:03 p.m.

  This is my favorite ad for the Learning Management System called Canvas. It has a flamethrower - what's not to love? A parody of Apple 1984 ad. (And yes, it's a nice lightweight LMS appropriate for this assignment.)

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCIP3x5mFmw

  Another open LMS to check out is Assistments: http://www.assistments.org/

  I liked the part about using the same tool in face-to-face vs. online learning. I plan to take this question further, into using the manipulative alone, in small groups, and in large groups too. 

• 
  MgnLeas   March 17, 2013, 1:07 p.m.
  In Reply To:   Maria Droujkova   March 16, 2013, 7:03 p.m.

  Thank you for these. I am interested in Assistments. I like that the students get immediate feedback. Also, as far as using this in  the classroom, it would free up more time to teach and learn. Less time would be wasted on going over the homework. I could see in the morning what the students struggled with and have problems to go over before they even come in.

• 
  Lisa Ritt   March 16, 2013, 9:50 a.m.

  Hi - Great Task on Blended Learning!

  I like thinking about possible obstacles to think about in advance. This is such an important task for teachers when preparing a lesson. On trying to enhance this task: I think you've picked a subject that as an educator is extremely important in keeping students engaged on several levels.

  can I request similar to Gina & Sue here in that I feel a bit overwhelmed to look for an outlet for creating a class. Is there a website you can show as an example possibly? Is there a particular subject or format you may want to see? I DO like being creative so if you'd like to keep it wide open, I am happy with that as well but I would LOVE any example.

  Next- I love how you mention manilpulatives being virtual and NOT...Maybe trying to really compare and contrast how each manipulative works and why you may or may not like one or the other or why you think its important to do both.

  Maybe, could we even explore coming up with trouble shooting material for blended learning.

  Thanks !

   

   

   

   

   

• 
  SueSullivan   March 9, 2013, 5:41 p.m.

   

  I think that your question "who does it involve" is wonderful, as it prompts the teacher to consider all of the possible audiences that might benefit from blended learning (as well as their strengths and weaknesses).

  I'm very indecisive, so I'd like more specifics regarding an outlet online to create a class that would be used for members of our ED565 class.  I'd like to create a class forum to discuss blended learning teaching challenges, much like a discussion board - would this be ok?  That said, I don't even know where to begin to look for sites that would host such a forum; any advice would be appreciated.

  I love your closing paragraph that asks us to find both virtual and non-virtual manipulatives, and find one that could be used with both online and non-online students.  Your question is challenging as it makes a teacher address different types of student environments, but, as educators, it is essential that we learn how to do this - great question! 

• 
  Gina Mulranen   March 9, 2013, 10:08 a.m.

  Blended learning is a great topic to explore and there are so many different angles you can take on this topic. I really like the opportunity to look into online community like P2P to create a class and post an assignment. Are you giving directions on the type of assignment that we will be posting? Are we posting an assignment where students recieve computer-based or computer delivered learning? I think you might want to be more specific when writing up the directions for this part on what type of assignment we should be posting in the class we create. Maybe we can incorporate those virtual manipulatives in the last part of the assignment! (Just an idea.) I also wanted to learn more about the MOOC (from the Ed Tech Terms assignment - Week 1) so I think this is a great avenue for blended learning. You could also incorporate that term into your tech week assignment if you are interested in us persuing it more.

  I really like the assignment that involves the online and in-class manipulatives. I often have to find virtual manipulatives that resemble an activity that I did in class for my cyber students and it always takes a lot of creativity to make sure the students are receiving the same type of instruction. Just restating my idea, I think it would be neat to post our lesson involving the virtual manipulative in the online class we create in part 1.

  I also really like that you are bringing in issues relating to blended learning in your assignment. When posting this part of the assignment, I would include a video or article to help get the juices flowing for us when we are thinking about what type of issues to research online.

  Your assignment really hits on so many different parts of blended learning, especially those that I personally want to look into when teaching cyber classes and onsite classes. I teach Algebra 1 onsite and through Adobe Connect (virtual classroom) and this topic is one that I think can really apply to my goals to enhance my virtual instruction. Looking forward to a great tech week with your blended learning assignments!