LDT 523: Defining On-line and Blended Learning

 I would like to reflect on what I have learned about online and blended learning. Through this program I have gained new knowledges with information on these two types of learning. Unit two shares that your target audience has access to the internet. Some technologies are often used because they’re convenient or available, while others are used because they’re “cool” or “Cutting edge” (LDT Module 2, Feb 2022).

What is described as “online education” involves many different uses of technology to facilitate learning (McPherson, M.S, & Bacow, L.S., 2015). Students participate in learning activities remotely and accessible at any time. It can be synchronous (live classes) or asynchronous (pre-recorded.

Blended learning is face-to-face teachings with on-learning resources. Students attend class physically engaging with coursework and materials online. This allows for them to have a more integrated learning experience.

Online and blended learning are significant because they provide flexible learning opportunities that cater to diverse needs. They allow for integration of technology in education, which can enhance the learning experience and make it more accessible for all learners.

The advantages would be flexibility of students learning at their own pace and their own schedule. It makes it easier for one to balance education with personal and professional commitments. This allows for me to take my current on-line program at Arizona State University. I can schedule what other obligations around my learning.

Another advantage for me, is being able to access digital resources and tools to enhance learning and provide various ways to engage with the accessible resources. Educators can also tailor instruction to meet individual needs based on performance data and learning preferences.

The disadvantages for students may be the challenge of having access to reliable internet connectivity or devices needed. There are times when I have bad connectivity, or my internet service is super slow. It takes a very long time for me to upload videos. This is one challenge I face due to living on the Navajo reservation. It is so remote unlike the cities with technological advancements.

Another disadvantage would be the lack of in-person interaction which can lead to feelings of isolation for some learners. Not being able to collaborate or get immediate feedback from classmates can also be problematic.

If one does not discipline themselves or not be motivated, it may be difficult or hinder their learning outcomes.

I have learned to accept and continue higher education online and through blended learning which benefits are rewarding when learning new material to gain new knowledge and learning opportunities for me to implement in my teachings.

Online and blended learning can effectively meet the needs of learners by accommodating diverse learning styles. Individualization is crucial in varying preferences for how one may learn. Online platforms can provide videos, interactive exercises, and readings that cater to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners.

Students are able to progress through materials at their own pace. The lesson can be revisited if needed and videos can be rewatched. I watch some of the videos if I need clarification on what I am learning. This helps me with notetaking and to apply my teachings to assignments as needed.

Online learning can be designed to accommodate students with disabilities by incorporating features like closed captioning, alternative text, reading texts, and adjusting font sizes as needed.

 The primary difference between online and blended learning lies in the delivery and structure of the education. Online learning is the approach that is entirely digital, meaning that all instruction and interaction occur online. Students do not have any face-to-face classroom interaction.

They rely on virtual resources and communication.

Blended Learning is the model that combines online learning with traditional in class face-to-face instruction. Students attend class physically while engaging in online programs, which benefit from both modalities with its advantages. This hybrid approach allows for direct teacher-student interaction while also leveraging the flexibility and resources available online. 

In a classroom setting, I am able to assign students with online programs that align with individual progress monitoring. This allows for students to work on where they may weak and to work continuously on standard that need to be met at grade level. It also helps to continuously challenge them at a rigor level of learning. Students stay engaged to gain medals or meet goals which reward them. 

As students work with their individual laptops, I am able to work on various assessments or to reteach where students need intervention time with me. It allows for me to have individual time to address and reteach in areas of weaknesses. I am able to work on reading fluency and to have students work on all academic areas to scaffold.

 Through the teachings from this program, I plan to continue to implement what I learn into my teachings of Elementary Education and to help develop professional development courses needed to meet the needs of all diverse learners. 

The reminder of what we experienced from the pandemic was an awakening for me to continue to learn all that I can to provide the adequate tools necessary to be the best educator for the students I taught. It also allowed me to share my knowledges with colleagues so that we were teaching effectively. I ensured that I kept all students engaged with interaction tools and games online to provide engaging academic resources for all to succeed. 

In conclusion, online and blended learning approaches each have unique features, advantages, and challenges but both provide significant opportunities to enhance education with technological advancements. 

Just as Arthur T. Johnson (2015), Technological evolution produces small improvements over time until some paradigm shift changes the whole ball, game, and the slow improvement cycle starts over again.

  

Resources:

Johnson, A. T. (2015). The technology hype cycle. IEEE pulse, 6(2), 50Links to an external site.

McPherson, M. S., & Bacow, L. S. (2015). Online higher education: Beyond the hype cycle. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(4), 135-54.

Saykili, Abdulla, PhD (February 2025). Unit 2: Online and Blended Learning Technologies.

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