Getting Smart

As I perused the website Getting Smart this week I found many articles that mirror concepts we have discussed in class. Personally, I found this rather comforting, as it reinforces the idea that we are on track with the direction we are heading in regard to online educational practices. Many of the articles even offered suggestions as to how to utilize these concepts and why they are an improvement on old teaching applications.

In the article, 8 Trends Improving Student Options in Online Learning, author Tom Vander Ark discusses eight ways to improve online learning. Although all eight ideas are practical and relevant to the virtual world, three really stuck out to me as being especially beneficial. These were numbers 2, 3, and 4 on his list. Number two was project-based learning, which is stressed not only in our class, but also in most classrooms around the nation. Number three was personalized learning. This is another advantage of online education emphasized in our class discussions. Lastly, number 4 was a more interactive approach. The inclusion of technology provides a more engaging atmosphere for students and teachers – an element we have focused on many times throughout the course.

A second article I found reinforcing our course philosophy is 3 Ways to Implement Blended Learning in the Classroom by Rachelle Dene Poth. This article focuses on suggested ways to flip or blend your classroom. The first tip the author offers is using videos for instruction so that students can access learning outside of traditional class time. We explored this concept in class through the use of Ted-Ed videos. Another recommendation the author suggests is using game-based learning to practice or reinforce skills. This technique tends to engage students more so that simply having them complete an activity. We touched on this briefly in EDUC600. The third practice the author describes is the concept of extending discussions beyond the normal school day. This way, students are working through the thought process even when they are not technically within class time. This has been a huge part of our program throughout all three courses in our endorsement.

The final article I found pertains to competency-based learning and is simply entitled, Competency-Based Learning, by author Carri Schneider. Three focal points are outlined in the writing – the first being better pacing. In competency-based learning, students are encouraged to work through activities at their own speed, as opposed to trying to keep up with everyone else in the class. A second benefit is more personalized instruction. Students are better able to have their educational needs met through tailor designed lessons and curriculum instead of the standard, “One size fits all” mentality. The final point outlined in the article is student-led instruction. Here again, the author describes the advantage of breaking away from traditional teaching by allowing students to direct or guide the learning. All three of these concepts have been stressed throughout our studies in the form of readings, projects, and discussions.

One question I have is, How can we encourage students who are not generally self-motivated to want to participate in group discussions and activities? One disadvantage of online learning is that students do not have the luxury of face to face contact with others in their class. This sometimes makes it more difficult to develop working relationships. A second question I have is, What do we do about students who want to learn online, but do not have access to technology or the Internet? Many students in the inner cities are financially disadvantaged and not able to purchase the equipment they need to engage in online education.