Week 7 Blog

Blog#7
3/2 -3/9
7 Keys to Blended Learning

Even though this blog entry was about running a blended learning environment using Microsoft's version of their LMS (MS Classroom) exclusively, there were several tools they mentioned that can be used in the flipped/blending learning environment that can be applied to other LMS platforms. The blog also suggested several strategies one should implement when running a blended/learning environment. I found some strategies that I am going to implement in my Moodle and in my classes as I continue to plan and design a blended learning environment in my Spanish curriculum for next year. The article suggested seven keys that can be effective in blended learning:

1. Making participatory learning expectations clear - The blog states that blending environment should encourage students to be self-directed because it claims that "21st century jobs are fundamentally self-directed and education must adjust to that". The blog provided examples on how to make certain expectations clear. For example, students may think online learning is only to be done at home. To make this expectation clear, one can explain what is expected of them at home and in class.
2. Create a digital textbook for student reference - The blog suggests that students learn more when they are the authors of their own book. In other words, students can create their own content by writing and collaborating online, developing interactive content and creating cartoons, videos and podcasts. One method I thought was interesting was students creating their own rubrics and assessing themselves. This affords the students the opportunity to not only assess themselves but to also take ownership of their own learning.
3. Clarify grading overview - The blog mentions teachers take advantage of video annotation and quizzing tools. They give several options that I have used already and I agree video annotation is a great tool even if used in the classroom. One option I find interesting are the video platforms that allow the user to reflect, discuss and take notes during the video. This is a different approach from TEDed and Edpuzzle where the video stops and the student just answers a question. This tool allows the student to reflect, take notes and think more profoundly about a topic rather than just answering a multiple choice question.
4. Set up an online presence for to share instructional resources - Basically, it recommends an LMS that is easily accessible from multiple devices so that the activities and resources are readily available.
5. Select a screen-casting tool to record instructional videos - One of the most important features is to select a screen-casting tool that is reliable and it recommends several choices one can choose from.
6. Create class videos online for easy access across devices - The blog also suggests hosting videos that are created online. The blog recommends using YouTube and other methods of accessing videos if teachers/students don't have access to YouTube.
7. Implement engaging classroom activities - Finally, the blog suggests ways to implement hands-on activities. This key was interesting because I did not think of including any hands-on activities for the online portion of the blended instruction. It recommends sites like Minecraft, Padlet, collaborative apps for student groups and forum based applications. Implementing these activities will give a nice mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning for the course.

This was a good read considering we have been taking online classes and have read some articles on blended learning. This blog entry applies to what we have been learning and practicing in this program. As I went through the keys, I found that I am currently incorporating many of the things in the Moodle course that I am designing and look forward to implementing some of the other keys that were suggested.