Digital Classroom... Whats That?

This week in class I chose to present on blended learning and how it can help students, teachers, and schools. I first learned about blended learning in my CI 407 class. In this class we had to create an online Moodle course for topic of out choice. I really liked the idea of blended learning because the students still get to experience online learning but they also get to work with the teacher face-to-face when they need to. This is a great way for students to learn on their own through discussions, experiments, and research. I chose to do more research on this topic because of my great interest in blended learning. 

What is Blended Learning? 
A formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control over time, place and or pace. 

Why a Digital Classroom?
Having a digital classroom is great for all students, it gives them many different teaching strategies and opportunities to learn. Digital classrooms are great for all students in a way. Some students need more of a blended classroom where they can still go to classes and talk face-to-face with their teacher. There are also some students who work better at their own pace who could handle all online classes and no face-to-face teacher contact. I have seen a lot of digital classrooms through my practicums and observations. It is great that these students are getting a head start on preparation for college and the career field. Many college classes have turned to the online setting where students have the ability to be at home in their pajamas but yet still at school. 

I personally like online classes where things are due weekly to keep me working and on task. I have taken online classes where all 15 weeks are uploaded at once and you work at your own pace. In this setting, I tend to push each week back and end up working on all 15 weeks within the last few weeks of the class. Each student learns differently, and I now know that these classes are not made for me. I really love the idea of an online class, but the teacher has to know what they are doing and take the time to create the class so that each student can understand what is being asked of them. The teacher also needs to be available most of the day to be able to be there for their students and answer any questions that they may have as they work. It is also great when the teacher checks in and keeps things up to date so that the students always know where they are in the class and how they are doing.  

"Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way."

- George Evans