In order to create this diagram, I utilized Google Drawings because I am interested in learning more about this tool. Prior to inputting information into the diagram, I created a chart and took notes as I read about the two learning models. This helped me organize my ideas. Once I was ready to transfer my thinking to my Google Drawing, I first entered the beliefs and underlying goals of each method. I followed this with details of each model. I chose to take the viewpoint of a teacher, focusing on the key elements that make learning fall into each of these categories. I imagine myself referring to this diagram in the future to both remind myself of the goals and expectations of each model, as well as to inform colleagues, students, and families.
I am returning to the classroom after a 3-year hiatus, and most likely will be returning via 100% virtual learning. I see this moment as an opportunity to really dig into what online learning has to offer and to implement personalization and student choice like never before. During this course, I have learned the definitions of blended and online learning. I thought I knew, but it turns out I had some misconceptions. For example, I thought blended learning was simply the combination of some distance learning, and some face to face time at school. It turns out blended learning is so much more than that (and can be conducted completely within the walls of a brick-and-mortar learning hub.) Prior to the current situation I find myself in, my ability to personalize instruction was limited. It was limited by time constraints (having to fit learning into the schedule) as well as my own lack of understanding of what personalization truly is. Now, we will have a high level of flexibility to give students the opportunity to have choice in how, what, and where they learn.
Upon embarking on virtual teaching, my instructional methodologies will be flipped completely upside down. I will need to create instruction from the ground-up, rather than try to fit a typical face-to-face learning schedule into an online experience. Specifically, I plan on focusing on the 5 phases of personalized learning as outlined in iNACOL’s article “Mean What You Say: Defining and Integrating Personalized, Blended and Competency Education.” These phases include:
Assessment
Teaching and learning
Curriculum choice
Radical departure from typical education models
Education beyond the classroom
Throughout module 1, I have explored the learning activities and resources with a lens of not only a teacher but as a learner. How are the modules organized? How are the assignments designed? Which resources are we offered? In doing so, I have strengthened my skills for designing online instruction which provides rich resources for students to explore. This course has had required readings but we have also had access to additional readings, research topics, and learning opportunities if we choose to pursue them. This supports the iNACOL Standards for Quality Online Teaching standard B-11, which says quality online instruction must provide students with “resources that enrich the course content.” This is a practice I will continue over into my own online instruction so that students can explore topics they find interesting and pursue new information even beyond the requirements of the course.
Post Reflection:
After completing this course and applying what I have learned in my own classroom, I see just how vital these experiences were. I was able to see, from the student perspective, which elements and tools were the most helpful in a digital learning environment. I also have the 5 phases of personalized learning posted near my work station, to remind me as I plan instruction. One thing that has been particularly useful is remembering that online learning will not look like face-to-face learning. Many of our curriculum materials were designed for a brick-and-mortar school experience, so I am spending my planning time translating these materials into something that is more appropriate for online learning. Luckily, I have much stronger skills for doing this after completing the Leading Edge Certification course.