Reflection 2.2: Methodologies of the Online Instructor

1. Reflecting on the information covered in this module so far, how might your instructional methodologies need to change in an online or blended learning environment?



The reading this week was very interesting. I especially enjoyed learning about the different types of blended learning models and reading the school profiles to see what has actually been implemented.

My instructional strategies in the past and for much of this last school year have incorporated technology, but were also what I consider to be quite traditional. I’ve used Promethean flipcharts/Keynotes/PowerPoints/etc. for directed instruction in which I lectured and students took notes. However, I also used online assessments and discussions through Moodle and later Schoology. I’ve also encouraged writing/project creation/student collaboration through Google tools and find it to be a great resource to give students access in a variety of online settings without worrying about specific platforms or operating systems.

As this most recent year progressed, I made the attempt to put more customized resources (using iPad/computer screencasting tutorials) online for students and also gave students formative quizzes in which they could retake until they achieved mastery with a concept.

I see a blended learning classroom as one in which the teacher acts as a facilitator or guide rather than as the talking head in front of the classroom. In a blended learning classroom, I think whole class or small group instruction is still very important. However, based on the results of student assessments, participation, or activities, I can plan for targeted interventions, strategic lessons, or ways to provide challenges.

2. What skills and strategies might you improve or expand upon in order to best support student learning in a blended or online environment?

Providing the interactive support, strategic lessons, and opportunities for challenge was my goal for this year, but it became overwhelming with data to manage and also getting students to focus when provided the opportunity to learn online. Some of my students took to the online classroom within the “brick and mortar” walls very positively, while I had to closely monitor others to successfully complete quizzes and review content. A few would actively find other (very off task and inappropriate) websites or games to visit when they were supposed to be working on activities in math and science.

I want to learn how to best monitor assessments, especially as I add “subjective” grading components to my quizzes so I can have students explain their thinking. I also want to learn how to make the blended learning opportunities engaging for all my students. How do I effectively manage all these components, especially with multiple grade levels and subject areas? Finally, how do I provide the right balance of online learning for my middle school students.