Learning Online

VLE The VLE is an online software tool that provides students with controlled access to learning materials specific to their course. Moodle Hub Open Tools Open tools are free, accessible tools available on the internet in a way where you can use them to collaborate, to share, to create, and to present material in any way you want. - Multimedia production ( Audacity ) - Presentation tools ( Prezi ) - Collaborative writing tools (Google Docs, Wiki, Mediawiki) - Reflection tools (Wordpress, Pebblepad ) - Collaboration tools (Hangouts, Skype) - Interactive tools ( Socrative , Poll Everywhere , Nearpod) - Social tools (Twitter, Facebook so on) Also: Screen Casting, Learning Objects OER - Open Educational Resources a list of web links to common OER repositories: Merlot - MERLOT is a curated collection of free and open online teaching, learning, and faculty development services contributed and used by an international education community. Open University’s OpenLea...

According to Digital Literacy Skills Audit I identified the following weaknesses: - working with VLE (available tools, setting up an electronic submission area) - using Google Docs - setting up a wiki for working on a collaborative writing exercise ( I've been experiencing the need in this activity for a while but lacking skills) - creating quizzes or tests online As for resources for boosting digital literacy skills I selected Microsoft Digital Literacy Educator's Guide to Social Media is also very useful I also found curious a visualisation of conversations on Twitter. I can relate to the story of Borders College embedding blended learning as I work in a VET sector myself. Useful links: The Benefits of Creating an Online Learning Space 8 Examples of Transforming Lessons Through the SAMR Cycle So, what have I gained? Mostly information about in what direction I should move in order to embed technologies in the learning process.

1) Constructivism Technologies you chose: Video recording of learner activity, Reflective logs (blog), Practical activities, Simulations How you might use them: I could use video recording of students' conducting their first lessons at school and then analyse them together Neil's feedback: There are a wide range of technologies that can support a constructivist pedagogy. Technology enables learners to be more involved in their own learning, to get personal feedback on their performance, and to source and use learning materials suitable for their level, competence and needs. 2) Social constructivism Technologies you chose: In-class mobile voting, Collaborative writing, Interactive lecture, Discussion forums, Reflective logs (blog), Social media, Video conferencing How you might use them: I would post on my blog some questions and let students discuss in the comments Neil's feedback: Social constructivism suits the digital age and digital technologies well. It is a use...

I want to try these: Nearpod Google classroom

Blended learning can be used to support a wide range of pedagogical approaches commonly used in the VET sector including constructivism, social constructivism, and problem-based learning. A constructivist approach is based on learners constructing their own knowledge and meaning through experience . This includes learners engaging in real world activities, building on their prior knowledge and experience, developing relevant skills and independence and working with teachers as facilitators instead of instructors, and using formative assessments to inform future learning needs. Case study 1: iObserve, a video recording app Social constructivism is a hypothesis that states that individuals learn as a result of social interaction and collaboration with others. And it's evolved from Vygotsky's Activity Theory and the notion of the zone of proximal development. Social constructivism is exemplified by online courses such as blended learning essentials, where learners ...

The following words from Step 1.8 reflect my attitude to blended learning completely: "We know that our students have changing expectations with respect to technology because they've been born into the digital age. It quite naturally is a part of their life. But we have to remember that doesn't mean they know how to use it for learning. They can read, but we know very well that doesn't mean they know how to learn from a book. So it's up to the teachers and trainers to work out how to help our students make the most of technology". Have you found any useful idea or insight that you can make use of to enhance your own learners’ experience? Examples of activities that illustrate five of the benefits of blended learning – flexibility, active learning, personalisation, learner control, feedback. 1. Flexibility. Get learners to search the internet to find the answer to a very specific question before a f2f session, and compete to see who gets the best an...

Got fascinated with the possibility of creating an online glossary. It can turn out useful for presenting new vocabulary. Video tutorial on a glossary activity Working with glossary module on Moodle Blended Learning Glossary

I've just started MOOC Blended Learning Essentials because working as a foreign language teacher for 10 years I've been feeling the need to enhance and extend the learning environment and I think technology is the key to my problem. I'm integrating the digital learning tools into my lessons but I want to use them to their full potential. Summarising the video here are the advantages of blended learning: - It allows us to use resources from across the world in our own teaching. - It makes lessons interactive. - Modern learners are much more comfortable with learning tools than with textbooks so they can be more independent in their studies. - Students can learn not only in the classroom, also they can follow the work afterwards in open learning spaces, on the bus on the way home, or at midnight from the VLE. - Students can submit the works from wherever they are. I found this link quite interesting and persuasive: Five Reasons Why You Should Go Digital ...