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Module 1: Virtual/Blended Learning Structures

This module assumes you know and can do the following: (click to open drop-down)

You and/or your district has selected an online learning management system (LMS)

WATCH ME FIRST

Click here to receive additional resources related to this module to put in your educator toolbox.

Competency

Use a learning management system and/or other online collaborative tools to organize and manage the blended learning environment. (Aurora Institute)

Learning Outcomes

Describe the structural components of blended learning.
Incorporate the structural components of blended learning in your online platform.

What I will DO in this module

Learn the different types of blended learning models.
Learn the components that make up each model.
Plan for the implementation of the components of blended learning into your learning management system (LMS).
Add the components of blended learning into your LMS.

LEARNING PATHWAY

Start with the pre-assessment (below) to determine your path.

Virtual _ Blended Learning Module 1.pdf

LAUNCH

LEARN ABOUT

Just what is blended learning? Watch this video and read this article
After watching the video and reading the article, think about your current teaching practice
1. - Where do you fall in the spectrum described in the video? Consider what it will take for you to move on the spectrum in order to truly teach in a blended environment.
  - Create a Google doc, or use another method of your choosing, to record your thoughts; use this doc throughout this module to track your learning/understanding about blended learning

THINK ABOUT

Blended learning can occur in a variety of ways. There are several models that are considered to be the standard when choosing to blend your classroom.
1. - Watch this video and read this article
  - Then, reflect on the models presented in the video and discussed in the article. How does blended learning differ from traditional brick & mortar-based learning?
  - Add to your Google doc or use another method to record your thoughts
Is blended learning appropriate for special education students? Read the information presented on this site.
Think about and record your thoughts on how prepared you feel you are to implement one of the blended learning models at this point.
1. - What is your confidence level?
  - Do you know the models well enough to choose one and begin implementing? (If so, go on to Module 2.)
  - If not, continue with this module

LEARN

LEARN ABOUT

Dig deeper into the blended learning models.

Following are links to the site, Blended Learning Universe where each blended learning model is looked at more closely.
- - While you visit each site, there will be videos and readings available (learner choice: choose your preferred mode to learn)
  - Use the reflection method you chose earlier to record what you find to be the components that make up each of the models: What makes them unique from each other? (Keep in mind what you learned about blended learning and special education students in the LAUNCH section.)
MAY DO: If you are working with a team, use a video conferencing tool to share your thoughts on the components of each model

REFLECT

FIGURE OUT

Now that you have had an opportunity to determine the structural components of each of the blended models, decide which model you will use with your students. After you have decided on the model (use your Google doc or other method to record your thoughts):
- - Think about which of the components of that model can be incorporated into your school's learning management system (LMS)
  - Determine which online tools/resources may be needed to incorporate the components into your school's LMS
  - Include the components and tools/resources in your LMS

MAY DO: If you are working in a team, get together to complete the bullets listed above

CHECKPOINT

Checkpoints include self-assessments, quick checks, peer feedback opportunities, etc. This is a way for you to determine if you are ready to move to the next module and/or if you would like to go deeper or return to previous modules for additional learning or practice.

Peer Feedback:

Connect with and share what you have learned about Virtual/Blended Learning Structures with a few of your peers. Ask them to take a look at what you have added to your LMS and have them provide you feedback on the structure. (Does the structure make sense? Is it easy to navigate? What questions might students have? What are some suggestions for improvement?)

PLAYLIST SELF-ASSESSMENT

If this is your final module, complete this self-assessment based on the learning you've engaged in throughout the playlist; compare your responses to your (pre)self-assessment from the "Start Here" section of this playlist (your responses were sent to your email).

CELEBRATION OF LEARNING

Congratulations on completing Module 1! Feel free to use your favorite social networking platform to share what you have learned and how you will implement it! Use these in your post: #BlendedLearning, @mbaea, #IAR2L, @TheCenter_Iowa, #IACompEd, @rreppert to help spread the word!