LisaD
15-07-2009, 02:10 PM
I recently read an article on the web about the advantages of "Blended Learning."
ED: Blended learning helps boost achievement
Meta-study concludes students can benefit greatly from online learning -- and blended learning environments appear most effective
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=59695
This made me think about how Activclassroom teachers receive professional development and if "blended" is being used in for their own training and if it is indeed "smoother" than traditional face to face methods.
Here are some thoughts and/or questions?
What part of the professional development works best in a face to face (group) situation? Advantages/Disadvantages.
What part is better done individually or via the web?
I've seen the folllowing work:
Overview webinar: Teachers attend individually or in groups for an hour "ish" overview. Good for general goals and getting a clear "vision" of what could/should be happening in the Activclassroom?
Self-paced courses: Like Activlearning (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.17567). Good for getting the basics down but at their own pace and schedule.
Web-based videos: (Like the Activtips (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.1147)). Good for specific ideas for developing lessons.
Downloading, dissecting, and evaluating existing lessons: Good to see what others are doing. Even better when they can see them in action (like the Teacher Features (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.1135))
Could then face to face be reserved for developing better lessons in small groups and then sharing the ideas with the entire group? Shorter sessions and scattered throughout the year? Or for individualized help?
Just some ideas. And everyone learns differently. Would love to know how districts use (or not) a blended professional development plan for their Activclassroom teachers.
ED: Blended learning helps boost achievement
Meta-study concludes students can benefit greatly from online learning -- and blended learning environments appear most effective
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=59695
This made me think about how Activclassroom teachers receive professional development and if "blended" is being used in for their own training and if it is indeed "smoother" than traditional face to face methods.
Here are some thoughts and/or questions?
What part of the professional development works best in a face to face (group) situation? Advantages/Disadvantages.
What part is better done individually or via the web?
I've seen the folllowing work:
Overview webinar: Teachers attend individually or in groups for an hour "ish" overview. Good for general goals and getting a clear "vision" of what could/should be happening in the Activclassroom?
Self-paced courses: Like Activlearning (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.17567). Good for getting the basics down but at their own pace and schedule.
Web-based videos: (Like the Activtips (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.1147)). Good for specific ideas for developing lessons.
Downloading, dissecting, and evaluating existing lessons: Good to see what others are doing. Even better when they can see them in action (like the Teacher Features (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.1135))
Could then face to face be reserved for developing better lessons in small groups and then sharing the ideas with the entire group? Shorter sessions and scattered throughout the year? Or for individualized help?
Just some ideas. And everyone learns differently. Would love to know how districts use (or not) a blended professional development plan for their Activclassroom teachers.