The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion.
–Abraham Lincoln, December 1, 1862
–Abraham Lincoln, December 1, 1862
E2CCB CTE Online Learning Exploration
"Disruptive Innovation" according to Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen, is one that introduces more convenient and affordable products or services that over time transform sectors. Online learning, and to be more specific "hybrid" learning is the disruptive innovation in education. In fact, Christensen predicts that by 2019 half of all K-12 classes will be taught, at least in part, online. This short module will begin the exploration of how to introduce "disruptive innovation" to Career and Technical Education.
Learning Targets
- I can distinguish between different models of online learning.
- I can identify areas of my classroom practice that could move to an online platform.
- I can begin to plan for my own learning in the transition to online instruction, including the use of Edmodo.
Learning Resources/Resources/Learning Experiences
Let's begin our investigation of this "disruptive innovation" with a quick review of what is meant by online learning. Watch the video below by clicking here or by clicking on the image below. To assist you, a handout of the presentation is here so that you can take notes.
Exploring Edmodo
Edmodo is a FREE learning management system that can be used to create either a blended learning or flipped classroom environment. Some of the features of Edmodo include:
- Place to assign and turn in work
- Calendar to help students with important dates
- A place to post messages
- Quizzes and polls
- Parent communication
- Ability to form small groups
We will learn more about Edmodo by working within Edmodo itself! An Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Edmodo group has been created just for this purpose. Follow the directions using this handout to join a group (NOTE! You may need to create an account first!) and then use the group code m3asdc to join! See you there!
Supplemental Readings
Blended Learning
Clayton Christensen: Why Online Learning is Ready for Disruption, Now : Article from 2011 on Christensen's views and research regarding online learning as a disrupting innovation for education.
Blended Learning: Combining Face to Face and Online Learning Education: An Edutopia article from 2011 that includes tips for planning a blended classroom.
Four Benefits of Blended Learning: A TeachThought blog post on why blended learning will benefit our students. A companion piece on Five Reasons to Learn via Video Conferencing is also helpful to think about.
Blended Learning: Combining Face to Face and Online Learning Education: An Edutopia article from 2011 that includes tips for planning a blended classroom.
Four Benefits of Blended Learning: A TeachThought blog post on why blended learning will benefit our students. A companion piece on Five Reasons to Learn via Video Conferencing is also helpful to think about.
Flipped Classroom
Flipping the Classroom: An article from a Vanderbilt University instructor that is helpful for defining the flipped classroom model.
The Biggest Hurdle to Flipping Your Class: An Edutopia article that is helpful in thinking about a flipped classroom.
Research Says...Evidence on Flipped Classrooms Still Coming In: A March 2013 ASCD article on current research about flipped classrooms.
The Biggest Hurdle to Flipping Your Class: An Edutopia article that is helpful in thinking about a flipped classroom.
Research Says...Evidence on Flipped Classrooms Still Coming In: A March 2013 ASCD article on current research about flipped classrooms.
Edmodo
Edmodo Teacher Hub is a wiki dedicated to helping teachers maximize Edmodo use with their students. Some great tips on how to use Edmodo and teacher stories are included.
22 Great Tips on Using Edmodo in Your Classroom is actually a blog that links to other sites outlining how teachers have used Edmodo in their classrooms. Check it out to get some great ideas!
My Flipped Math Class and Edmodo is one teacher's journey using Edmodo - including screenshots of how they set up assignments, etc.
22 Great Tips on Using Edmodo in Your Classroom is actually a blog that links to other sites outlining how teachers have used Edmodo in their classrooms. Check it out to get some great ideas!
My Flipped Math Class and Edmodo is one teacher's journey using Edmodo - including screenshots of how they set up assignments, etc.
Discuss and Network
As you watch, read and reflect on the resources provided in this brief overview, consider sharing your thoughts with a wider network. The IES Team hosts a Model Schools Google+ Community that has discussion areas for both Blended Learning and Flipped Classrooms. We have created documents to assist you with creating a Google account and then creating a Google + account if you do not already have one.
Since we have started a CTE Edmodo group - consider posting your thoughts and questions in the general area in that group! Or post it within your Center or Subject Area small groups that you will be assigned to.
If you are on Twitter, consider using the hash tag #e2cte to share your thoughts and ask questions. To learn more about Twitter, see our "A-Twitter About Education" online course. While we are no longer offering professional development credit, the course is open to anyone who would like to learn more about Twitter.
Since we have started a CTE Edmodo group - consider posting your thoughts and questions in the general area in that group! Or post it within your Center or Subject Area small groups that you will be assigned to.
If you are on Twitter, consider using the hash tag #e2cte to share your thoughts and ask questions. To learn more about Twitter, see our "A-Twitter About Education" online course. While we are no longer offering professional development credit, the course is open to anyone who would like to learn more about Twitter.
Professional Development Badges
Digital badges are one way to motivate students in online learning as well as to ensure that they are "mastering" the key concepts and skills of the course. This is something that we can investigate further as we explore what grading and assessment look line online. To get a sense of that this looks like, consider completing the requirements for a digital badge for this module.
We have created a series of badges that you might consider working on to guide your inquiry during this overview session. Choose from one or all to complete based upon the descriptions listed.
Click here to see the professional development badge opportunities.
We have created a series of badges that you might consider working on to guide your inquiry during this overview session. Choose from one or all to complete based upon the descriptions listed.
Click here to see the professional development badge opportunities.