Blended Instruction E-Learning

Northbrae P.S. Parent Council – Nov. 2013

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What is Blended Instruction E-Learning?

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education:Blended learning uses digital learning tools within a classroom setting where students are face-to-face with each other and their teacher. Blended Learning can use just a few digital tools or it may use a wide array of tools, courses and resources. These digital learning tools are part of the provincial Learning Management System.

Unlike e-learning classes where students are not in a traditional classroom with their teacher and classmates, blended learning occurs within the context of a face-to-face classroom.

As you can see, blended learning is an excellent extension of the classroom learning environment.

Classroom Learning Blended Learning Face to face interaction with teacher Full group lessons Small group lessons or tutorials Individual conferences Marked assignments and rubrics

Face to face interaction with teacher Full group lessons Small group lessons or tutorials Individual conferences Marked assignments and rubrics Digital course materials Online discussions E-mail Instant messages News announcements Online calendar Dropboxes Online grade tool Rubrics

Mr. Tuckwood’s ClassAccess to technology is critical for blended learning, but it does not necessarily need to be a 1:1 technology device to student ratio. In my class we will be doing a 3:1 tech to student ratio. This enables students to collaborate with each other and work in similar leveled teams on any given task.

Focus Areas In Mr. T’s Class

Writing: Through blended learning, students will increase their quality and quantity of writing while also learning the writing process in a much more interactive and enjoyable way.

For example, using the digital storytelling app “Toontastic”, students learn the integral story elements of character, setting, plot, problem, climax, and solution, all while animating and dictating their story orally. The app enables each student to control the characters movements to match their dictation. And, all this can be directly linked to regular teacher instruction with the teaching of the different story elements, and also having each child write their script before dictating it on the iPad.

Sharing Learning Online-enhances confidence

-increases motivation to learn

-enables students to see other similar projects created by students in other parts of the world

After creating their digital stories, students can then broadcast them to ToonTube and share their original creations with other Toontastic users around the world. Publishing their works in this fashion gives the students instant gratification and confidence in their creations.

Other Benefits of Blended Learning

21st Century Learning

Students can access assignments and projects at home or anywhere with internet access.

Assignments can be submitted to a cloud or dropbox. Students can create an electronic portfolio of all work

created and store indefinitely. Online discussions and blogs can be used in the classroom

and with other online students around the globe. Students learning English can use translating programs to

assist in comprehension. Students can move through online activities at their own

pace.

The Costs…Not So Bad!

Mini iPads can be purchased through the school board for a discount of 10% off retail prices. Approximately $299 each.

Each purchased app can be uploaded to 30 iPads! This enables one central computer to store all the apps and update all iPads weekly.

$50 per year maximum price for purchasing apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a computer at home?Students do not need a computer! They can use tablets, smart phones, iPods, iPads, or any device with internet capabilities. If you don’t have access to the internet at home, you can use the London Public Library on Huron St.

Will students lose face to face interaction with the teacher?Students will continue to experience the importance of face to face interactions and conferences with their teacher. In fact, they will also have online conferences and peer conferences during projects. The benefit of blended learning is that it incorporates technology and classroom resources.

Are the resources private and secure?All student and teacher accounts are accessible with a username and password. It must be entered to access the e-Learning resources.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, Blended learning is not a replacement for a teacher, but instead an extension of the classroom. Students today are growing up in a technology laden society and we as educators need to incorporate appropriate technologies and mediums into the schools. If we are not doing this, we are not giving our students the educations they deserve and require to be successful outside the classroom walls.

Links and Contact Information

For more information on the use of iPads and Blended E-Learning visit the sites below or email me at m.tuckwood@tvdsb.on.ca

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/elearning/blend.html http://www.schrockguide.net/ipads-in-the-classroom.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xMqJmMcME0

http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/elearning/BlendedLearning.aspx