Finding the right blend

 

"Our job as  teachers is to make complicated matters simple for our learners.  This thought is not new and we need to keep this more  in mind when teaching online. Don't massage your ego by making learning much more complicated for your students."

Blended learning can't be  just simple  hodgepodge of traditional and modern ways of teaching. (When I write modern, I mean virtual, online, smart learning and everything that comes in between.) On the contrary, blended learning must be a well-structured combination of approaches and methodologies that fit into the learning goals. However, the pandemic has forced the educational system to convert its educational agenda to online teaching or anything that is not traditional or  face to face teaching. 

That sounds tricky, right? Indeed it is -- when resources are scarce and both teachers and students were never readied for this eventuality. All we know now is that everyone needs to shape up to be part of this new ball game and let necessity be the mother of  the invention called blended learning in times of the pandemic. 

So, where are we heading with blended learning? This is one tough question which requires an award-winning answer. I, myself, may not able to offer definite answers, but here are a few thoughts I can share based on what I have learned from the experts: 

1. The journey to real blended learning will not be easy.  Expect a lot of speed bumps and potholes along the way that can lead to frustrations of teachers, of parents and mostly of students. The journey requires a lot of flexibility. 

2. Educators need to prepare a plethora of methodologies and tricks to be able to reach their learners. It may require going back to the correspondence style of learning i.e, learners receive learning materials to be completed and returned to the teacher afterwards. 

3. The most important part of the lesson is feedback from learners and feedback can only be achieved by actualizing the  dynamic model of communication , which means that whatever method of communication it would be, it should not stop until understanding is achieved. There will be a lot interference along the way and that is ok. That is normal. 

4. A minute of online learning is not equivalent to a minute of face to face learning. Anyone who thinks so is a fool. 

5. Our job as  teachers is to make complicated matters simple for our learners.  This thought  is not new and we need to keep this more  in mind when teaching online. Don't massage your ego by making learning much more complicated for your students. 

6. Always put yourself in the shoes of your students and also think of their parents. Don't give them projects you are sure they can't do (With they, I am referring to both students and parents) Yes, parents always end up doing the crazy homework you gave your students. 

7. What learners need to learn are life and study skills.  During the times of the pandemic, they need to learn to be independent learners and they also need to level up as learners.  Otherwise, they will be left behind.  Give them the tools and let them do the job. Motivate them to learn on their own. 

8. Remember the classic adage: different strokes for different folks. If something doesn't work with some students, it doesn't mean you were a bad teacher. forgive yourself and  blame it on that saying. However, learn to be eclectic and flexible. Maybe you can opt to adapt the À La Carte model. 

9. Always be guided by your objectives. Objectives are not only meant for display or something required of you. Your methodologies   and assessments will always depend on your objectives. 

10.  Give your learners simple tasks instead of giving them so much to do. Remember that both of you are new in this learning environment and you should nurture each other along the way. 

Here's a quote I found on the internet:

Good luck to all of us.