This weeks blog post and weekly topic is about blended learning. Blended learning can also be called a mixed-mode course. A portion of the learning is done the traditional face to face ways of instruction then switching to a wed-based way of learning. With the rise of technology kids need to be able to know how to work a computer effectively and they can become more online independent and technologically literate. Their exposure to the internet helps them explore and learn new things all on their own. This type of learning can be effective for any kind of student. Some students need that face to face interaction while others like to work alone. It also helps teachers stay engaged with their students by getting immediate feedback and it shows where they fall with the rest of the class. Blended learning is new and is also now called 21st century learning! My philosophy on blended learning is very mixed. I like how different approaches to learning are taken, however, I feel like the whole online thing can be confusing for some children. But then again, with this day in age, children now how to use an IPhone by age 1. I will probably try to incorporate some technology in my future classroom, but keeping it simple is my specialty.
We have used blended learning effectively in Ed Tech by using our blogs to express our feeling and opinions. There was only a couple face to face interactions that I have personally attended, but they are always available for anyone who feels like they are struggling. It has also helped me when it came to other online classes. Now knowing how to use Blogger, and different sites, (like YellowDig) have really made me into a better student. I never knew how to use hyperlinks, upload photos, or input audio. The cool tools have also helped me by allowing me to remember which ones I can use for my major project. Feedback from my peers have pushed me to complete all of my assignments and I love to hear what they have to say. I also love looking at other peoples blog posts and especially their major project progress posts. I love to see what others have chosen to complete. Again, this class is mostly an online class, however blended learning is shown through and has really helped me get through this course.
The most striking thing that I took away from Stacy's presentation was her definition of all of the models. There are six different models of blended learning. Face to face driver, rotation, flex, online lab, self-blend and online driver. Each of these is a different way that teachers can teach a course. Stacy says not to get hung up on these. There is always alternate ways to learning material. Choosing one may be effective but there is so many others. If teachers have their lesson plans already planned for the day, chances are they will not change them. Teachers need to understand that children are all different an need different models of teaching. This weeks topic was very interesting to me and I liked learning more about it very much.
For this weeks Major Project Progress treat, I chose to do everyone's (typical) favorite, chocolate chip cookies. These happen to be my favorite as well so I was extra excited to make these for myself. I live with a big family so, I should not just say myself. Anything people make is usually gone in a couple days. If you do not put your name on things around here, you'll never see them again. However, I did hide some in my special stash. They came out so good! Each week I get better and better with learning how to bake. I become more creative and like to show off to my family that I can actually do something! I was so proud of myself.
Getting the ingredients together for these cookies, were a little more troubling, just because I actually made them from scratch. Every other time I have baked something, I usually play it safe and use a boxed or bagged mix.I had to make sure that I had all of the ingredients before actually starting the process. I must have been either very intrigued or very bored that day, but I managed to follow all directions and I accomplished yet another task of baking the perfect cookie.
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