sábado, 24 de mayo de 2014

Week 04: Blended content and assignment

Content in a blended environment follows principles of this mode of learning. A blended environment can take advantage of content both in F2F as online. As content is widely available in online formats, F2F can be focused on reviewing and reflecting on it, in a direct dialogue with studentes. F2F is a very rich communication channel and gives blended learning a distinctive feature, not present in pure online settings.

According to text reviewed, first rule for blended learning is to integrate both environments, online and F2F, and not making two separate courses. Content has to fit, not duplicate.

Second idea is to have a uniform approach to course content, which can be first to introduce unit of learning, present content, then activities and assessment. Main idea here is to have order. Article cites Kaminsky and Currie saying that


Uniform approach to presenting the units of study not only makes sense, but helps reinforce learning. A common mode of organization is a hierarchical module—sections—lessons—supportive activities approach. Within each learning activity, uniformity also helps to guide students through the content


In addition to order, a learning approach is also needed, and it goes beyond a given environment (F2F, blended, online). In a student-centric approach, we ask what the student has to do to reach learning objectives. Based on Dee Fink, article presents a very interesting framework, based on three activities: getting information & ideas, experience and reflective dialogue. In each of these stages, online and F2F resources and activities can be used. For example, in reflective stage, a blog could be used for a written message, but F2F discussion and reflection  makes a very important contribution.


I liked also the idea, presented by the article, that technology extends classroom walls and thins structure of courses. It is not only vast information resources that can be accessed, but also experts and other people connected with class´ theme. As more connections are added to class, both in resources and personas, a more rich learning environment is created

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