Reflection 5: Blended Learning

This week was all about blending...oooo we are blending! Blended learning!!! Below is an excellent video explaining the basics surrounding blended learning.




So what is blended learning... well, blended learning basically combines the best of both worlds. Blended learning combines face-to-face instruction (teacher and student) with a digital independent study. Blended learning allows for increased differentiated instruction because lessons can be tailored to suit every student's needs. Students have instruction from their teachers combined with independent study/exploration on technological devices. In our current classrooms, our students are consumed by their electronics and cell phones. This is how they communicate with one another and this is how they learn, so why not bring it into the classroom to suit their learning style. Blended learning allows for the teacher to work with small groups while the rest of the class works individually.

Blended learning can look different in every classroom. It all depends on how the teacher wants to implement it. Blended learning allows for both the students and the teacher to create online content and upload it for student use at home when they are completing homework or whenever they are on their mobile devices. Therefore, there are no more excuses for "I didn't do my homework because I didn't understand it." The teacher is there every step of the way as a result of technology. Everything is accessed technologically. Below is an excellent video explaining blended learning in a particular classroom.

"The focus is on the teaching and learning part and then on the digital tool."




Now, blended learning and technology integration, another topic we discussed this week are different from one another. This chart that we looked at in class explains the differences. "Blended learning always involves tech integration, but tech integration is not always synonymous with blended learning!" 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8vdwp9JN_Z8cVk3QWlHYl9TMjQ/view

Therefore, blended learning focuses on four things: Pace, Place, Path and Time. Below is another video explaining the differences and similarities between the two.




Consequently, while completing the math mindset modules for this week a major idea stuck out to me. The concept of Ideas vs. Memorization. In a video by Jo Boaler, she states that students need to stop trying to memorize math and all the small details because they are making it harder for themselves to learn. Math is only about a few general big ideas and if our students can comprehend these ideas over memorizing them then they will have fewer struggles in math. As well, if a student is only memorizing something this does not last. Once the lesson is complete or the test is taken the student forgets it. Whereas if a student actually comprehends and understands the underlying point and big picture, the concept will last.

It is imperative as future teachers that we teach to our student's unique learning styles, we differentiate to suit every learner, we incorporate technology whenever we can and we focus on the big concepts and leave behind the old fixed classroom/fixed brain. Our classrooms need to be based on a growth mindset in order for our students to succeed and achieve everything that they can!

Thanks for checking out my blog this week,
Cheers!

Courtney