Discussion 2

Blended learning is becoming a very popular way to teach and provides and opportunity for student to get the online experience as well as the face-to-face physical contact with students and instructors. The concept of blended learning is to combine the traditional classroom instruction with the multimedia that is available through the Internet and open source software. Much of the research today is pointing to blended learning as being the most advantageous for students in any learning environment. Of course, the success of blended learning rests in utilizing the appropriate media for specific objectives and addressing different learning styles for maximum benefit.

·  Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these sections (Sections I to V in An Instructional Media Selection Guide for Distance Learning).

·  How could teachers/educators use the material/information addressed in these sections to help improve their online instruction or professional development?

Blended learning is a great idea! However, like everything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to this type of system. As time goes on, the acceptance of more blended learning may increase, but it will be slow as is anything in education. Full implementation of blended learning may take many years, especially where access to the Internet is still limited.

My preference is pure online learning because I don’t like to use time to travel and I also possess the self-motivation and discipline to take online courses. Students do need to remember that online or distance learning is NOT easier than face-to-face learning. There are many misconceptions about online learning and that is often one of the myths.

One of the major strengths of blended learning is that there is still physical contact, but it is mixed in with the online feature allowing students to accomplish many of the activities outside of the classroom. This often fits in to their schedule and promotes critical thinking skills. Another advantage can be the utilization of the “flipped classroom” where students can listen and comprehend course material at home and then use the classroom for pertinent questions and application of hands-on learning.

A weakness of blended learning comes in the form of social interaction between teachers and students, and students with other students. Psychologists are concerned that humans are missing out on physical contact and social interaction due to online or distance learning. I think it is important to balance the physical contact with the independence that comes with being online.
Professional development could certainly be helpful in assisting teachers with building their own websites to promote the blended learning features and increase the use of online materials. Exposure to the Blended Learning Model would help teachers understand how the different online components can be used to enhance student learning outside of the classroom, and help build the asynchronous section of their class. Many of the video creation applications may be taught so that the instructor can emphasize what outcomes students should accomplish. There are so many resources available that it would be very important to not just show teachers how to use it, but how it will improve student learning.

Perhaps, most importantly, professional development might be used to show teachers how to incorporate students’ productions into the classroom. Allowing the students to utilize the technology, they will gain technical skills for the real-world application and possible increase comprehension of materials.