This class couldn't have come at a better time! Our school is looking at implementing the flipped classroom approach as well as some blended classrooms (part online learning/part face to face) next year. The superintendent is hoping I can have an instrumental part in this process, but even though I am currently enrolled in online learning I haven't had a lot of other experience with it. I do think online learning is a great way to provide students with individual attention as well as allow them to work at their own pace. I am also excited about the flipped classroom approach where you post your lessons online (usually in the form of a video) and the classroom time is used to work on their homework or answer any questions students may have. I see numerous benefits and drawbacks to both of these methods of learning a lot of which I have experienced in the past year with my own online learning.
I do think group work is one of the hardest things to accomplish in online learning. For us adults, in the masters program, it is hard to find a time where we can all meet. We are all trying to juggle jobs, families, and school. I like being able to complete assignments when I have time and not try to work around someone else's schedule and yet I know the importance of collaborating with your classmates as well. I would assume that this type of collaboration would also be hard for students to accommodate, but if you were to adopt the blended classroom format the group work could be done during class time instead.
I also feel that self-motivation is the key to being successful in online learning. This is an area I am rather confident in as I have a hard time relaxing when I have things on my to-do list. I do worry about this area with my students. A lot of them lack motivation already. I worry that if given too much leeway they will procrastinate and not get things done on time. On the other hand, those students who like to work at their own pace, this gives them the opportunity to complete assignments when they want to.
I am excited to learn more about the best ways to facilitate online learning. Hopefully, this new knowledge will help me to successfully implement online learning in our school next year.
