EDUC80 Technology for Teaching and Learning 1

Flexible Learning Enviroment

Part 1

Week 7: October 5 – October 11, 2020 | 1st Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

Introduction
Distance learning is a form of learning without a face-to-face contact with the
teacher and delivered via telecommunications. In the past, this involved
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correspondence courses wherein the student corresponded with the teacher via
mails. This turned out to be beneficial since universities added students without
having to construct classrooms while they enjoy being able to work anytime and
anywhere at their convenience. With the advent of newer technologies, distance
learning 1 delivered via computer - based media thus called online learning or e-
learning This made classrooms borderless and learning boundless. This was
enhanced by the emergence of web 2.0 tools which made collaborative learning
easier and fun!

Intended Learning Outcomes

 Identify flexible learning modalities through online communications

(synchronous asynchronous modality)
 Described flexible learning environment that enhances collaboration with
the use of technology tools

Online Distance Education and Communities of

Learners

TRY THIS!
Fill out the KWL chart below on what you know and what you want to
know about online distance education..

What I Know What I Want to Know What I Learned

Flexible Learning Environment

Learning nowadays is viewed differently. The present generation of learners has

access to information at their fingertips. The teacher is no longer seen as basically
the dispenser of knowledge but rather as one who expertly directs the learners to
take their own track in searching for answers to questions raised inside the
 classroom. Then they bring these back to the class for further discussion until
perhaps resolutions are agreed. They can search the web and discover a breadth of
information related to the lesson. They even have the patience to stay in front of
the computer for an unusually longer time in search for more articles and
multimedia materials that simplify a challenging topic. That is why they can
sometimes learn more than what is confined in the four corners of the classroom.
Every chance or corner becomes a learning space. It is clear that learning takes place
anywhere and this adds to the concept of flexibility in the learning environment.
With technology, students can possibly continue to join class sessions even if they
are not physically around. The learning space becomes virtual or mediated. The
library is not only a physical structure where they can read published books but has
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also become virtual.

Online Distance Learning

Online distance learning is not a new concept. Some schools, higher education
institutions in the country, and educational agencies such as the Southeast Asian
Ministers of Education Innovations in Educational Technology (SEAMEOINNOTECH)
provide this mode of learning. It allows flexibility in learning to a certain extent.

The Different Platforms

The flexible mode of learning uses a platform such as moodle, Google Classroom,
edmodo, schoology, etc. These are free programs designed for educational
purposes. It has features that are patterned after the instructional activities of a
teacher in a physical classroom. When you use this, you can actually hold a lesson,
post questions for discussion, hold an online chat discussion, give assessment
activities and provide references or links to other online materials, features relevant
to instruction and facilitating of learning.

Moodle

Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder and CEO of Moodle. MOODLE
stands for Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment which is an
open source software. It is a Learning Management System (LMS) that supports
teaching and learning.

Google Classroom and Edmodo

Classroom is a free service for teachers and students. It is an LMS platform that
is accessible through your google account. You can create classes and perform your
roles and functions as a facilitator of learning. In 2008, edmodo was created by Nic
Borg, Jeff O'Hara, and Crystal Hutter.

Martina (2015) compared edmodo and google classroom in her blog. Although she
discussed several commonalities, there are apparently differences but with
technology, things evolve in so short a time. What is clear is that they created apps
that can integrate well with classroom activities. The decision lies in the teacher who
will determine what works best in her teaching and learning context. Both are
amazing tools that can be explored.
 Schoology
Schoology is another LMS founded in 2009 by Jeremy Friedman, Ryan Hwang, Tim
Trinidad and Bill Kindler.

You can actually create your own online distance education learning system using
any of these platforms.

MOOCs

Another recent modality to learning is the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). It
is a model for delivering learning content online to any person who wants to take a
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course. It allows one to pursue learning even outside of university or higher

education formal structure. Those who are working can enrol in MOOCS with no
limit on attendance. As long as you are willing to learn, you can engage in an area
of discipline and learn. It allows interconnectedness among peoples in the world to
discuss and share recent developments in their common field of interest.

EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association with the mission is to advance higher

education through the use of information technology. The link herein provides a
succinct video explaining about MOOCs. (Please view URL:
https://library.educause.edu/topics/teaching-and-learning/massive-open-online-
course-mooc.)

Synchronous and Asynchronous

In the flexible learning mode, the activities can be done in two ways: (1) synchronous
and (2) asynchronous.

An online chat at real time is a Synchronous session. Course participants meet in a

virtual classroom and discuss a topic in the lesson. So wherever they are situated in
the world, they agree on a scheduled session and log in to join the live class. The
LMS has this feature. The teacher called as the online tutor facilitates the discussion.
Ideas are posted in an actual live class. One cannot lecture and take all the time in
explaining. In this mode, the course participants are made to be engaged in the flow
of discussion that is why, the online tutor has to plan out the instruction guide in
facilitating the discourse.

Using the Skype in holding a live class is another example. Members of the class
log-in in their Skype account at a given time to join the video conferencing.

Another important feature is the Asynchronous session. This is when questions or

tasks are posted and course participants answer the question or post their reply at
any time most convenient to them. They can still participate in the discussion by
replying to the post. One advantage is that you can take your time when replying.
The LMS mentioned in this lesson has a feature that can allow an asynchronous
session.

In the image map, there is a column of icon' labeled as LIVE CLASS and FORUM. If
you click the LIVE CLASS it will lead you to enter the virtual classroom to attend the
synchronous session while the icon labelled FORUM is responsible for allowing class
participants to join the asynchronous sessions.
 If you do not use any of the learning management system, asynchronous discussion
can be in the form of a blog or even a video blog (vblog). A topic of great
importance is discussed by the bloggers who can be the teacher or any of the class
members. Since it is openly accessible, anyone from the class, once informed about
it, can respond or comment on it and which can also be responded to by the other
bloggers. The process creates a thread. This is like an actual face-to-face discussion
online chat but the response and comments posted
may take a short while. Nevertheless, revisiting the FORUM or the BLOG is needed
to read the reaction of others.

Blended Learning
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Another way of handling flexible learning is by combining modalities of instructional

delivery. Blended learning is a combination of a learning activities wherein a part of
the lesson is delivered online while the other part is handled in actual physical
setting of a classroom.

Kinds of Blended Learning

1. Model 1: Face-to-Face Driver

In the face-to-face model, the teacher delivers the curricula most of the time and
utilizes online learning at certain times with the purpose or augment of provide an
alternative experience. Instruction is provided in a computer laboratory or assigned
tasks are uploaded online.

2. Model 2: Rotation

In a particular course or subject, students rotate on a fixed schedule between

learning online in a one-to-one, self-paced learning environment and being inside
the classroom with a face-to-face teacher. This is the model that is in between the
traditional face-to-face learning and online learning.

3. Model 3: Flex

This model uses an online platform that delivers most of the course. Support to
learning is provided as needed through on-site support or by an online tutor who
facilitates the tutorial or small group sessions. Sessions can be arranged into
synchronous or asynchronous. Course participants may work on their tasks at any
convenient time as long as it is within the confines of the course duration.

4. Model 4: Online Lab

The online-lab model uses an online platform in delivering the course but located
in a physical classroom or computer laboratory. Since the lessons are in modular
format and available in the online program, teacher assistants supervise these
classes. However, they may not provide the needed expertise if learners seek
assistance. Furthermore, students who are enrolled in an Online Lab model of
blended learning may be enrolled in a traditional classroom courses at the same
time and therefore have block schedules.
 5. Model 5: Self-Blend

The self-blend Model is a system provided by the school where the students can
choose the courses they would like to have in addition to their tvnical brick-and-
mortar classroom classes. This model is always remote - a major difference from the
Online Lab.

6. Model 6: Online Driver

The online-driver model utilizes a platform and a teacher that delivers the curricula.
Students remotely work on their program most of the time. If ever there is a face-
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to-face component, it is made optional or if ever it is required for the students to

go to the physical learning environment such as school, then it can be
extracurricular activities augmenting the curriculum

Planning and managing blended learning experiences are very similar to planning
and managing a brick-and-mortar school with courses and subjects integrating
technology. It needs to be system-wide as the school makes a plan, develops
guidelines for students to follow for the use of technology in a blended format and
provide a resource guide. A lot of preparation is needed in designing a blended
format. Technology has to be prepared. The back-end and front-end infrastructures
of blended learning have to be put in place as well as the content in varied
multimedia formats. Teachers and teachers assistant who will act as online tutors
and assistant need to be pedagogically capacitated.

Online Communities of Learning / Social Networking

When we consider online networking, internet users immediately refer to Facebook.

Everybody seems to have a Facebook account and uses this to communicate. If in
the teaching and learning situation, you work on information, date and collaborate
with classmates, friends, teachers and other members of society, ther. social
networking can also be appropriately employed as an educational tool.

What is Networking

When productive relationships are cultivated, networking works best. A network is

defined as that group of individuals who communicates and connects on a regular
basis. If an individual has a personal network of people, one can tap on the potential
contacts for social, educational or professional purposes.

They say that there is a great need to connect because whom one knows matters
Sometimes one needs to link with them because they have what one needs.
However the challenge is how to shift the network from people who can provide
the favors into establishing the relationship that will entitle him or her to be called
a “friend”, one who can be trusted as a collaborator in working on an assigned task
by the teacher.
 Social Networking Platforms

Different ways to communicate with friendscan be through the internet or mobile

devices. One can have a personal page where a profile can be built in a social
networking site. Though this site, one can contact friends or share resources and
interests. Communication through a chat format can either be one-on-one or in a
group. Topics bej therefore read by many or it allowing one to have a certain priva
a group. Topics being discussed can be posted and made known therefore can be
read by many or it can be discreet through a direct chat – a feature allowing one to
have a certain privacy on matters considered as such.
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Social networking services have been evolving for more than a decade. Initially,
social networking services allowed users to construct their personal profile so other
contacts may know the relevant information about them. At present, these now
evolved to sharing of multimedia resources. Even having immediate and direct
contact with friends in real time is easily accessible through these sites.

There are varied platforms available where one can create a personal account. some
of these popular social networking sites include Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flicker,
Youtube, and LinkedIn among others.

Facebook apparently is the biggest social networking site founded in 2004 based in
Menlo Park, California. The most popular social network apparently is Facebook.
Used by most people, it allows users to post their profile, blogs, pictures and videos.
Facebook lets one share status updates, news articles with friends and family.
Although it started as a way for college students to connect and socialize, it
expanded its services allowing people ages 13 and up to use a Facebook account
for personal or even business reasons.

Twitter does not only provide social networking service but it also gives online news.
Breaking news has taken a new twist with this social network website. Friends or
colleagues may tell that they saw the breaking news on Twitter.

Twitter is the site where users post and interact with messages called “tweets,"
restricted only to 140 characters, Only registered users can post tweets, but those
who are not can only read them. One of the main features of Twitter is it enables
people to post their thoughts immediately. Founded in 2006, Twitter is based in San
Francisco, California, United States.

LinkedIn is another social networking website for work. When one is trying to find
a job and may not have contacts, LinkedIn helps one search for career connections.
It may contain one's resume for potential employers to see. The website lets one
upload his educational qualifications, skills, work history, and relevant experiences.
One's connections can even endorse and this helps employers who can message
the one concerned and talk about the possibility of employment. Launched in 2003,
this is a popular social site in the professional world.

Google + is designed to be a total communication social network. Launched in 2011,

Google is its parent and it is more advantageous if it is kept as a browser for users
are connected even if they are outside Google+ site. Users can make friends and
remained up to date with old friends without leaving their Gmail account.
 To distinguish connection, Google+ creates circles and the four standard circh refer
to friends, family, acquaintances and those being followed. Users can actuall. create
as many circles as they intend.

Youtube is an American video-sharing website where users can upload, view and
even share video clips or multimedia productions. It is a free social network site to
join and use. Since it is owned by Google, YouTube prefers a Google account to
make it easier and streamlined. Some people think that YouTube is not a social
network. It is such as it allows the users to share personal videos, view other
uploaded multimedia clips and make connections with friends and acquaintances.
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Just like with other social networking sites, users can either make their videos private
or public. Based in San Bruno, California, the service was created in February 2005.

Pinterest is another social media tool that like YouTube, is often thought of as
otherwise. Pinterest was designed as a catalogue of ideas or project ideas by its
founder Ben Silberman. This is an excellent choice for those who have a passion for
creativity. Users must have an account to use Pinterest. An email account or a
Facebook account can be used in signing up to Pinterest, and if users will use
Facebook, their wall would be ready to post pins without linking with Facebook.

Instagram is a platform where users share visual stories. This system allows users to
post photos with captions allowing followers to like or comment on one's posts.
Photos shared have a wide range of coverage - trips, food, business products. Since
the site is free, advertisers can use instagram to reach a wide and are follower base.
Instagram account can be private or made public. It is the best social networking
site for photography

Tumblr is a networking site that combines social media and blogging. Its main goal
is to simplify social media and blogging. Users can post whatever they like such as
photos, videos, quotes, music, links. This is a social media that makes it very easy
and straight forward search just about anything.

MySpace is another popular social networking website where members can make
friends, post blogs and photos, videos. It was acquired by Specific Media in 2011
and based in Beverly Hills California. MySpace had its dose of crisis but came back
stronger and rebranded to focus on music. Personal users can use MySpace to keep
up their favorite artists, have an update on the music industry, see what their friends
are listening to, and connect with people who have similar music preferences. It is
a fitting social networking website for music.

Flickr (pronounced "flicker”) is an image and video hosting website that was created
by Ludicorp in 2004 and acquired by Yahoo. It offers massive online photo storage.

Bebo is a social networking website with the backronym “Blog Early, Blog Often”. It
was invented to answer the question what the name meant. It was founded by
husband-and-wife team Michel and Xochi Birch in January 2005 at their home in
San Francisco.
With the fast development and vast coverage of innovations that address the
mediated communicative needs in the virtual reality, it is expected that there will be
 more interactive features of social networking sites that will be readily available for
the users in the upcoming days.

The Benefits of Using Social Networking Sites

Using social networking websites opens an array of benefits for users. The world
has become a global village through connectivity. The connection has transcended
space and borders. Getting connected to family and friends is now just a few clicks
away. It is an easy access to keeping in touch with friends, or keeping tabs on family.
It provides opportunities for making friends with others who share similar interests
and passion.
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A major advantage of social networking websites is that they provide information.

News and views of others around the world can be easily accessed instantly at one's
fingertips. It easily allows one to transmit information or update contacts on what
one thinks or how now feels.

Social networking websites can support learning or augment educational activities.

Young learners are well-acquainted with social networking sites and regard them as
just a part of the day-to-day activities and school-related discussions. Even after
school period, learners can continually connect as they collaborate to accomplish a
task or homework using a social networking website. Announcements on
assignments or instructions for the upcoming work can be conveniently delivered
to concerned individuals through the social networking sites.

The Dangers of Using Social Networking Sites

Just as there are benefits of having an account in a social networking site or using
it in the teaching and learning contexts, there are risks to consider as well. coachers
as well as parents are wary of youngsters using social networking sites due to many
negative publicity and real incidents connected to the wrong use of social
networking websites.

One major risk is making friends with strangers who may actually be a predator or
a cyberbully. No one initially recognizes the true nature of an acquaintance or one
who seemingly poses is a friend. Sometimes, a youngster gets bullied by others who
may not even be connected as friends in a social networking website. There are also
trolls who actually instigate conflict, misunderstanding or emotional response by
eliciting anger or ill feelings from other users through social media. They post
messages that are inflammatory or controversial. Topping these risks is also the
danger of users getting hooked on internet and may learn to ignore the real world.
Their ability to socialize is incapacitated as they devote hours or days on gaming or
using the computer manifesting abuse to themselves. That is why teachers and
parents or guardians are protective to the extent of disallowing youngsters to use
the internet and social networking sites without realizing that such act denies the
opportunity explore the educational potential it can serve.
 Safeguarding oneself when Engaging in Social Networking Sites

You need to understand and take precautionary measures to safeguard yourself in

social networking websites.

Networking can be confined and monitored within the school system. Student can
use social networking platforms designed for educational purposes that will allow
students to post, share and discuss insights gained from an activity. Some of these
sites are SuperClubs Plus, Learner Journey, ScuttlePad, among others. One
drawback. however, is that sometimes youngsters are not enticed to use these social
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networking platforms because they are not as attractive as Facebook or Twitter.

When young users prefer to use a social networking website that is outside of the
school, teach them to stay safe through some precautionary measures:
1. Social networking account has passwords and log-in details. Secure passwords
and keep them private.
2. Log out every time you use public computers.
3. Regularly check privacy settings of social networking websites so that only direct
friends or those particularly known can see the posts.
4. Online posts are saved and may become a permanent reputation. As you use the
internet, you leave a digital footprint which can be traced back to you.
5. Do not accept invites from contacts unless you know them personally or you are
sure of their identity.
6. Seriously consider the effect of possible posts on others before deciding to do
so. If posts (i.e. text, picture, video) could be considered offensive or humiliating
another person, then you refrain from posting or uploading it.
7. Using appropriate language is essential. The tone when communicating or
sending social networking messages should be respectful.
8. Better be safe than sorry. You should accept friends and connections when you
are sure of the person's identity. Personally meeting someone you only met online
is discouraged. Even if the sincerity of having a personal meeting looks convincing,
it would be better if you will be accompanied.
9. When there is an indication of harassment or abuse, it is advised that you report
this by clicking the report button of abuse. It is better still to talk to friends or trusted
adults about the case.
10. Bullying takes place even in social networking websites. Cyberbullying uses the
site's messages, updates, and other functions to harass, intimidate, humiliate, taunt,
or pick on the individual. When this happens, you can do the following actions:
a. ignore the behavior by not responding at all;
b. block the person;
c. click the report button of abuse; or
d. talk to a trustworthy adult about it. ,

Connecting with friends and having an active life on social networking websites
have its rewards. However, when one is not taking precautionary steps, there is also
imminent danger. It is more beneficial if you understand both its potential and its
pitfalls. When used properly and in the right measure, it can bring more benefits.
Only then can social networking sites lead to one's growth and ensure a productive
social life.
 TRY THIS!
In a group, discuss how you will respond to the cases presented. Discuss
among the team members the situation or dilemma and think of the best
advice your team can give and explain the reasons.

Situation 1: Meeting someone in person you met online.

A classmate met somebody online and was asked her phone number, and
address. She confides in you and you notice that she have been hooked in
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chatting with this ‘friend.' You know seems to have that there is a possibility
that she will be invited for a personal meeting. What advice would you
give?

Situation 2:

Your best friend and you do not seem to like a group of classmates. You
were asked to take pictures of them in activity and since you have the file,
your best friend chided you to distort their picture and post it on the
internet. What should you do?

Situation 3:

In your cooking class, you are talking to a classmate about finding a perfect
friend. So you asked him, “If you could cook up the perfect friend, what
special ingredients would you include? What is your friend like? What
qualities do you think are important for a friendship to be healthy?”

References
 Bilbao, Purita, at al. Technology for Teaching and Learning 1 (2019).
Lorimar Publishing House Inc.
 EDUCASE. https://library.educause.edu/topics/teaching-and-
learning/massive-open-online-course-mooc