Aaron Mueller has sent me down the proverbial rabbit hole,
posing some questions in his opening reading review assignment that have me
considering a number of possibilities for educational reform within my own
practice. Specifically though, as I
connect the dots from the brainstorming, I've found myself beginning to focus
more closely on the concept of blended learning -- looking to expand digital
options which complement the physical classroom.
The school I work at is not a particularly digitally-savvy
school. Actually, the district I work in is struggling to
implement a technology plan in general.
We've been left behind in terms of keeping up with trends and
technological advances while funding went elsewhere, and it's very discouraging
to see what we could be doing, and how far behind we have gotten.
Thankfully, our district is also aware of our deficiencies,
and they're trying to rectify things.
There's been a major overhaul of the technology infrastructure in the
schools, and there is definitely potential in the system now in place. Getting teachers the professional development
necessary to maximize that potential is now key to generating some success.
The blended learning model has particular appeal for me
because it suggests that rather than a wholesale switch to online, digital
learning, schools might consider classes where the digital learning
opportunities act as a supplement, or foil to the learning undertaken in the
physical classroom. Our district runs a
number of classes which take place wholly online; the reviews have been very
mixed, with a significant portion of the students finding themselves overwhelmed
and without proper support. The blended
learning model allows for a combination of face-to-face and online learning,
which seems a much more rational approach.
As well, I would like to explore the use of social media as a learning
tool and how I can make use of my students' obsession with being connected.
Good first blog post! It can seem like a rabbit hole that we descend into once we start exploring and looking at possibilities doesn't it? A good bit of context and a valid critique of whats happening in your district, with some interesting ideas to explore. I look forward to coming along for the ride!
ReplyDeleteI agree Kelly about it being a bit like a rabbit hole and admit I felt the same way at the outset of this process. However, I've spent a little time in your Library and it looks and feels like a place of authentic learning and inquiry so that is a great start. I would never have guessed that your school is a bit behind in terms of technology from what I've seen in your Library, but I have to agree about the District's technology plan and the frustration around implementing technology and not even being certain it will work as it is designed to. It seems to me that at the high school level the blended learning model can do wonders for students to add flexibility and allow for awesome learning experiences. Best of luck.
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