Open Learning is a philosophy of student education that
promotes and appreciates the practices of constructivism and connectivism (Grahm,
et. al, nd.). At it’s best an Open
Learning environment in the K-12 classroom blends face-to-face, computer
augmented and use online resources or activities (Harasim, 2011 as cited in
Grahm, et. al, nd). This understanding
of blended and open learning stands on the belief that knowledge should be free
and that students and educators should be able to contribute the collective
wealth of knowledge available.
I agree that there are many numerous positive outcomes to
blended learning environments and that with clear objectives (teacher created)
an open learning experience can be extremely inspirational. In Alaska with our hundreds of villages this
is only more apparent. Open learning
also helps teachers to fulfill the necessary requirements for technology
engagement in the CCSS and likewise the AKSS.
As I began researching safe and reliable sources of
information for K-12 teachers to use I ran into a several difficulties. Kahn
Academy is one source and we as a family have used it as times to help redirect
our own children with their homework.
This has stemmed mostly from the “That’s not how my teacher does it” wail of frustration we are often met with
around the dinner table. Kahn to the rescue! Somehow when he explains it to our
kids all things are right again with the world.
But since that resource has already been shared by others I wanted to
try and come up with something different.
AKTEACH is an online, homeschool, and blended educational
resource that is really starting to take off here in our state with numerous
benefits to students and families. Any
student can access this resource, however students must be enrolled in the
program so it isn’t something families can access independently. However, the benefits for learning our
many. Students can take one or all of
their courses through this program and can be in traditional brick mortar
classroom or be completely home-schooled.
To me this program really exemplifies the amount of virtual learning
that can take place in our state, especially in regards to STEM learning. If you haven’t checked out this program is
worth looking at. As a plus Dr. Grahm
will be the keynote speaker at the conference they are hosting next week here in Kodiak! Maybe I will see your Dr. Grahm. (Although I will be attending other PD oppurtunities).
TED Ed is another online educational platform resource that
teachers can use to provide access not only to educational videos and resources
but also to share teacher and student created animated videos emphasizing
learning topics. This platform provides
to create their own interactive lessons for classrooms all over the world.
Graham, et. al. (n.d.) Open learning in
k-12 online and blended learning environments. Retreived from: https://www.academia.edu/10311797/Open_Learning_in_K-12_
Online_and_Blended_Learning_Environments
Melissa, I really appreciated that you researched and found some open learning online resources. I would be interested to see how teachers use these in the classroom. I have heard of teachers using Kahn academy. I'm thinking it is used as supplementary? This brings me to think of something I have not considered before. That being the danger inherent in such programs. It doesn't matter how good the program is, for K-12 students, nothing could or should supplement a qualified teacher. As long as the teacher knows this and doesn't rely on these resources to teach for them. I like to think that all teachers want to best for their students, but we all know a teacher who doesn't, and would take the easy way out. But, again, if used appropriately, it is a wonderful tool!
ReplyDeleteSorry, this is Jessica Marks. It wouldn't let me create an account :)
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