Refelctive writing about BL

      It’s beneficial to me to take 5 weeks course which is the blended learning in Future Learn platform this semester. It’s about the technological pedagogy of teaching efficiently and effectively. And the doctors in this course are very professional and knowledgeable because they are come from Leeds University. I have learnt a lot during this course, and what’s more, it changes my understanding of teaching. I will use what I have learned in this class to improve my teaching. Thus, I must have to thanks my doctor who gives me this rare opportunity to learn.

Experience:   

       Blended learning is a natural development to the growing accessibility of e-Learning, online resources and the continued need for a human component in the learning experience. A blended learning approach ensures that the learner is engaged and driving his or her individual learning experience. But actually, before I attend to this class, I seldom use blended learning to improve my teaching efficiency. Now, I use it and benefit a lot.

      In traditional classroom, teachers are always talking the content and the students are just sitting in their chair. This is an out style way of teaching and there is no doubt that the efficiency of learning is not very good. In the course of Future Learn I learned many digital tools and how to use blended learning to help students to learn better.

In the past, I just use chalks, blackboard and PPT in my class to introduce the new knowledge to them. But now, from the Future Learn I know I can use other wonderful digital tools to aid my teaching such as Prezi, Youtube, Paddlet and so on. What’s more, I don’t know how to teach students or solve their problem when they are not in the class, and we only meet in the classroom. In fact, most students still have problems in learning, so it would be bad if they cannot study or be taught after class. Form the Future Learn, I know I can use blended learning to help them. For example, I can record my class and send the video to them later. Those who did not understand what I was teaching in the class can review the recording again. Or I can write the outline or main point of this class on Facebook, and if they have some questions about the knowledge I taught in this class, they can comment to me.

      In short, I use what I have learned in Future Learn to improve my teaching now. And the students also feel more interested in my class. They can learn whenever they want and wherever they are convenient, which is benefit for creating a good learning atmosphere.

Strength:

Just to be clear, I’m an eager proponent of blended learning. In my opinion, the pros of this approach firmly outweigh the cons, if we are putting the issue into perspective. The advantages include:

·         Advanced collaboration tools. Online discussions, quick messages and feedback from the instructor and peer students.

·         Increased accessibility. Courses can be accessed– any time from any location.

·         Improved communication. Better connection between lecturers and part-time students.

·         Assessment 2.0. Facilitated student evaluations with comprehensive online testing and granular reporting. Automatic grading offered by many learning systems is also a great relief for the teacher.

·         Personal approach. Caters to each student’s pace and learning style, creates a more comfortable environment for both slow runners and sprinters. If the learners are struggling with a particular topic, they can reach out to complementary web resources or get quick help from their instructor.

·         It’s just fun! Blended learning courses have proven to be more engaging for various student groups – from elementary school to post-graduates and advanced trainees.

Weakness:

      Every learning strategy has its pros and cons. These might include little or no “in-person” contact with the faculty member, feelings of isolations, a difficult learning curve in how to navigate within the system, problems with the technology, the need for the student to be actively involved in learning, and increased lead-time required for feedback regarding assignments. There are also different aspects, especially in the developing countries, such as providing the required funds to purchase new technology, lack of adequate e-learning strategies, training for staff members and most importantly the student resistance to use the e-learning systems.

l  Lack of a firm framework to encourage students to learn.

l  A high level of self-discipline or self-direct is required, learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind.

l  Absence of a learning atmosphere in e-learning systems.

l  The distance-learning format minimizes the level of contact, e-learning lacks interpersonal and direct interaction among students and teachers.

l  When compared to the face-to-face learning, the learning process is less efficient.

                                         

Ideas for improvisation:

      Blended learning offers the best of both worlds. Not only do you benefit from the implementation of a synchronous learning strategy, but also you have the chance to benefit from “go at your own pace” techniques that are part of an asynchronous learning strategy. So, the question is this: how do I develop engaging blended learning courses or modules that successfully merge these two approaches? How do I create blended learning environments that are informative, interactive, and immersive, without sacrificing flexibility?

l Clearly identify the blended learning course’s objectives.

l  Create a blended learning course outline and syllabus to keep your learners motivated and on-track.

l  Determine the blended learning course's level of interactivity.

l  Integrate group collaboration activities.

l  Develop communication and feedback guidelines.

l  Compile a list of resources and references.

l  Create an effective assessment plan.