THS Tech Weekly
Week of September 9, 2013
Online Learning
Flipped classroom, blended classroom, Moodle, Blackboard, Schoology, Edmodo....whew! There are many different varieties and flavors of online learning. This week's Tech Tips will be to clarify a few things related to teaching and learning online.
Flipped Classroom Model
In the traditional classroom, the teacher delivers the information in class while the students practice outside of class as homework. In the flipped classroom model, that practice is reversed so that the student watches or reads content outside of class time and practices in class where the teacher is on hand to offer guidance as needed. Here is an infographic on the flipped classroom model. Vital to the model is the teacher's ability to create or curate content and compile it in a learning management system. Just as important is the ability for students to view or read t from home.
Blended Classroom Model
Often seen as a first step in online learning, the blended classroom offers a blend of both face to face and online learning opportunities for students. Blended learning is a great first step in getting started with online learning. Here is an Inforgraphic on Blended Learning
Learning Management System(s)
Any learning online is best facilitated with the use of a learning management system. When you hear about Blackboard, Schoology, Edmodo, etc. what you are hearing about is a particular brand of a learning management system. All have their benefits and drawbacks - but for consistency, THS has adopted the Moodle learning management system. Having a way to share and collect digital information can be so helpful. We have several experienced "Moodlers" here at THS and will be offering courses in October for anyone interested in learning more.
Professional Development Online for You
THS teachers may take online PD on technology topics this semester. There will be three modules - each worth 2 CPE credits - offered through our Moodle site. These will be totally self-paced and asynchronous (which means you can do them when you have time - no set schedule except for a final deadline). More on these at our next Tuesday meeting, September 17th..
Learning Modules for Students
I am in the process of developing Information Literacy modules for students. These will be offered online and can be used as a part of any research project. Topics will include: finding and evaluating sources of information, citing sources, and plagiarism. If you have a topic you would like included that is related to research and information literacy, please let me know.