Journal 9- Blended Online Learning

Remix Teaching through Blended Online Learning

In this conference, Janine Campbell explains the concept of blended online learning, its role in her classroom, and the impact it has on the learning development of her students. She describes blended online learning as a flexible online media to deliver content, particularly instructional content. She goes on about how it is a means used not as a replacement for teachers; rather, its goal is to enhance the learning of students.  Moreover, it is a combination of traditional and digital methods for learning and communicating(2012).

I found this conference to be incredibly informative. Campbell shared some neat ideas as to how she incorporated digital media for the Art course she teaches. She provided reasons why teachers should consider using such method for instructional purposes, as well as, provide questions that teachers should ask themselves before using blended online modes. Such questions include-- which system does the teacher want to use to deliver the instructional content and how? Another question asks what students will learn? When these questions were answered, teachers gathered tools necessary to effectively implement blended learning and have the students provide them with the end product online. 

Students would upload their own artwork onto the class's gallery online where other students within the class could view and critique the work in a tactful manner; this is said to build digital citizenship which Campbell believe is a critical life skill. During the time students are critiquing others, teachers use the time to analyze the result and then provide feedback as well. Campbell mentioned that blended online learning gives students control of their own learning and offers them the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Moreover, parents are welcomed to view the works of these students and know what it is that they are doing in class whether in the class or online at home.
 
Though I am very skeptical and struggle to use technology to its maximum potential, Campbell’s take on the use of technology for blended online learning somewhat alleviates my anxiety towards the concept. The learning management system she and her school are using is the Moodle. Moodle provides the students access to view previous work in case they missed it. Moodle enables her to create courses where her students would go to in order to retrieve instructions.

Campbell makes it clear how implementing the use of technology provides various beneficial methods for learning; I would certainly incorporate blended online learning for the sake of offering students an alternative means to learn rather than the old fashion teacher-student method. Also, teachers having to take a great deal of paperwork with them home and possibly encountering trouble with missing assignments are freed from such things occurring due to the blended online approach. With blended online learning, teachers will always have the names of the students attached to each assignment which eliminates any inconveniences. Teachers could grade and provide feedback to students in a timely manner.

Perhaps, the only issue I would have regarding the idea of blended online learning is that one would need access to a computer with internet in order to complete given assignments. Students without those components could lag behind.  

Reference:

Rodriguez, J. (2012, October 30). Remix Teaching Through Blended Online Learning | K12 Online Conference. K12 Online Conference. Retrieved November 14, 2012, from http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=1126