Blend it up!
The exciting and developing universe of learner-centric methods
balances the traditional classroom approach and the constantly evolving technology-based learning.
- Synchronous (real time)- More traditional where the instructor and learner are participating at the same time. It can be online or in class, but it requires both parties
- Traditional or live instruction
- Virtual classroom- online at the same time
- Interactive or streaming video classroom
- Main advantages of synchronous learning
- Instructors interact with multiple students in real-time, making group activities possible
- Instructors can explain certain concepts when students are struggling
- Students can get immediate answers about any aspect of the learning process
- Main disadvantages of synchronous learning:
- Both the student and the instructor have to adhere to time schedules
- Much of the training depends on the quality of the instructor
- Students may not receive individual attention if other students are also in need
- The learning pace is set by the instructor, not the students
- Asynchronous (different time)- The instructor - or online courseware- and the learner are in different places and working in a self-paced environment.
- Online info via website
- Online Instructional materials
- Threaded discussion online
- Offline materials or tests
- Books
- Main advantages
- Learners can study at any time and any pace, according to their own needs
- Students have the ability to go back to pieces they need to brush up on
- There is the opportunity to review outside resources to aid instruction
- Main disadvantages
- Limited access to an instructor and/or getting answers in real time
- Some students may struggle without constant guidance and interaction
- Not all instruction is best suited for self-paced learning
Tools to promote engagement in a blended classroom
- FlipGrid- Bring the back row to the front row with video
- Where to put it all- Google Classroom, Edmodo
- Video Clips- http://MovieClips.com, http://www.wingclips.com/
- Instructional Videos for Content- http://watchknow.org, https://www.khanacademy.org/, http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/
- Interactive Elements- http://library.collaborizeclassroom.com, http://padlet.com
- Content Holder/ Learning Management System- Google Classroom, Edmodo
- Online Content/ Courseware- Odysseyware, iTunes U, CK-12