Lesson 10 in Technology for Teaching and Learning 1
- 2. Learning Outcomes • Describe a flexible learning environment and the different platforms used for flexible learning. • Recognize how innovative teachers use online resources and educational sites and portals for online distance learning. • Reflect on the use of technology and on its relevance and appropriateness.
- 3. Introduction Distance learning is a form of learning without a face to face contact with the teacher and delivered via telecommunications. In the past, this involved correspondence courses wherein the student correspond with the teacher via mails. This turned out to be beneficial since universities added students without having to construct classrooms while they enjoy being able to work anytime and anywhere at their convenience. With the advent of newer technologies, distance learning is delivered via computer-based media thus called online learning or e-learning. This made classrooms borderless and learning boundless. This was enhanced by the emergence of web 2.0 tools which made collaborative learning easier.
- 4. Online Distance Education and Communities of Learners • Flexible Learning Environment Learning nowadays is viewed differently. The present generation of learners has access to information at their finger tips. The teacher is no longer seen as basically the dispenser of knowledge but rather as one who expertly directs the learners to take their own track in searching for answers to questions raised inside the classroom. Every chance or corner becomes a learning space. It is clear that learning takes place anywhere and this adds to the concept of flexibility in the learning environment. With technology, students can possibly continue to join class sessions even they are not physically around. The learning space becomes virtual or mediated. The library is not only a physical structure where they can read published books but also become virtual.
- 5. Online Distance Learning • Is not a new concept. Some schools, higher education institutions in the country, and educational agencies such as the South East Asian Ministers of Education Innovation in Educational Technology (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) provide this mode of learning. It allows flexibility in learning to a certain extent.
- 6. The Different Platforms The flexible mode of learning uses a platform such as moodle, Google classroom, Edmodo, schoology , etc. These are free programs designed for educational purposes. It has features that are patterned after the instructional activities of a teacher in a physical classroom. When you use this, you can actually hold a lesson, post questions for discussion, hold an online chat discussion, give assessment activities and provide references or links to other online materials. Features relevant to instruction and facilitating of learning.
- 7. Moodle • Was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder and CEO of Moodle. MOODLE stands for Modular Object Dynamic Learning Environment which is an open source software. It is a Learning Management System (LMS) that supports teaching and learning.
- 8. Google Classroom and Edmodo • Google Classroom is a free service for teachers and students. It is an LMS platform that is accessible google account. You can create classes and perform your roles and functions as a facilitator of learning. In 2008, Edmodo was created by Nic Borg, Jeff O’ Hara, and Crystal Hutter
- 9. Schoology • Is another LMS founded in 2009 by Jeremy Friedman, Ryan Hwang, Tim Trinidad and Bill Kindler.
- 10. MOOCs Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). It is a model for delivering learning content online to any person who wants to take a course. It allows one to pursue learning even outside of university of higher education formal structure. Those who are working can enroll in MOOCS with no limit or attendance. As long as you are willing to learn, you can engage in an area of discipline and learn.
- 11. Synchronous and Asynchronous In the flexible learning mode, the activities can be done in two ways: Synchronous and Asynchronous. Synchronous sessions -are lectures and course lessons that occur live through video conferencing software. Specified times when students and instructors “meet” online to discuss course content, answer questions. This most closely mimics the in-classroom environment, because it creates a sense of speed and intimacy that helps build a classroom community. -refer to real-time educational activities that are often complemented with asynchronous learning activities, so students can complete assignments on their own schedule.
- 12. Synchronous and Asynchronous Asynchronous sessions -is a general term used to describe forms of education, instruction, and learning that do not occur in the same place or at the same time. The term is most applied to various forms of digital and online learning in which students learn from instruction—such as prerecorded video lessons or game-based learning tasks that students complete on their own—that is not being delivered in person or in real time. Yet asynchronous learning may also encompass a wide variety of instructional interactions, including email exchanges between teachers, online discussion boards, and course-management systems that organize instructional materials and correspondence, among many other possible variations.
- 13. Blended Learning • Another way of handling flexible learning is by combining modalities of instructional delivery. Blended learning is combination of a learning activities wherein a part of the lesson is delivered online while part is handled in actual physical setting of a classroom.
- 14. Online Communities of Learning/ Social Networking When we consider online networking, internet users immediately refer to Facebook. Everybody seems to have a Facebook account and uses this to communicate. If in the teaching and learning situation, you can work on information, data and collaborate with classmates, friends, teachers and other members of society, then social networking can also be appropriately employed as an educational tool.
- 15. Social Networking Platforms • Facebook- The most popular social network use by most people, where it allows users to post their profile, blogs, pictures and videos. Facebook lets one share status updates, news articles with friends and family. • Twitter- does not only provide social networking service but it also gives online news. Breaking news has taken a new twist with this social networking website. Friends or colleagues may tell that they saw the breaking news on twitter. • LinkedIn- is another social networking website for work. When one is trying to find a job and may not have contacts, LinkedIn helps one search for career connections. It may contain one’s resume for potential employers to see.
- 16. Social Networking Platforms • YouTube- is an American video-sharing website where users can upload, view, and even share video clips or multimedia productions. It is a free social network site to join and use. Since it is owned by Google, You tube prefers google account to make it easier and streamlined. • Pinterest- is another social media tool that like You tube, is often thought of as otherwise. Pinterest was designed as a catalogue of ideas by its founder Ben Silberman. This is an excellent choice for those who have a passion for creativity. • Instagram- is a platform where users share visual stories. This system allows users to post photos with captions allowing followers to like or comment on one’s post. Instagram account can be private or made public. It is the best social networking site for photography.
- 17. Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites
- 19. Connecting with friends and having an active life on social networking websites have its rewards. However, when one is not taking precautionary steps, there is also imminent danger. It is more beneficial if you understand both its potential and its pitfalls. When used properly and in the right measure, it can bring more benefits. Only then can social networking sites lead to one’s growth and ensure a productive social life.
- 20. Task Sheet #13 • Study the following infographic. A. Write an essay on the “Profile of a Modern Teacher”. How do you appraise your views on the characteristics, behaviors or practices as one who is preparing to become a modern teacher?
- 21. B. Fill out the KWL chart below on what you know and what you want to know about online distance education.