It is expected that within the next 10 years 50% of high school courses in the US will be delivered in a virtual environment. It is a coming wave and young teachers or those going into teaching need to graduate with the right skill set. Already over 3 000 000 K-12 students are participating in blended learning - a combination of in class and virtual instruction.
http://www.innosightinstitute.org/innosight/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Rise-of-K-12-Blended-Learning.pdf
http://www.innosightinstitute.org/innosight/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Rise-of-K-12-Blended-Learning.pdf
This is a fabulous article, Heidi! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this trend in education as it is something I am attempting in my own classroom with my Collaborize Classroom site.
ReplyDeleteIn the article by Horn and Staker, they discuss the 6 models of blended learning currently being used. I believe there is an emerging variation on the “Face-to-Face” model, which still values the teacher as the primary deliverer of content and designer of curriculum. However, in this spin on Model 1, an online learning platform is used to complement traditional in-class work. The online learning platform can be used to introduce multimedia, facilitate student driven projects and support discussions related to curriculum. It does not replace in-class time, but rather replaces traditional homework with dynamic collaborative discussions and group work.
Teachers can, however, play an active role in deciding how and to what extent computers, technology and online learning platforms integrate with their current curriculum. It is my belief that the teachers who embrace rather than resist technology can have an influential voice in deciding how it is blended into the educational setting as this trend continues.
Great points Caitlin. The teacher's role in choosing the right technology is crucial. Collaborative digital tools allow high level discussion. This is what I value most. Our discussions on certain topics can continue on for several days as students respond to ideas. Collaborative tech allows deep thinking.
ReplyDeleteThere is a tsunami of change coming in education and teachers who choose to stick their heads in the sand or attempt to remain blissfully unaware of the scope of that change are going to find themselves at a complete lost. This new world of education is exciting. I encourage everyone to ride the crest of the wave!
Some wonderful ideas shared and I fully agree with all. My hunch only lies in the fact that beside choosing the right technology there is also a need to appreciate the value of "student thinking options" during or across collaborative technology use as few learners are slow and take their space to come up to the expected level.
ReplyDeleteAs it was described by "Tsunami of change" it has to have some precautionary measures before it cause destruction which becomes out of control. Innovation through collaborative technology sounds promising but how far it is facilitating the learning process is a matter, needs to be assessed or research.