A new model of learning

A colleague and I have been working on developing a project for an ICTPD (regional) application we want to make.  It is centred on developing a model of blended learning in which teachers are working together across schools.  The term ‘blended learning’ can be interpreted many different ways, but if we say that is a blend of online  and face to face learning.  The model we propose bridges the gap between distance and face to face learning, while also providing a scalebale alternative to the current model used by the eLearning clusters.

We want to explore blended learning as a means of providing greater flexibility and choice for students.  In essence being able to provide students with personalised learning in which they have real choice, not only in what they do and when, but also how they do it.

Many teachers are already developing blended learning with their students, but we are taking a step further by looking at it across schools as part of a joint delivery model (don’t like that term, but it works for now).  Students would have two face to face lessons with their home school teacher and two periods flexible learning time.  So for instance, Classical Studies could be taught by two teachers in different schools working collaboratively to develop the online side of  learning for students in both schools (and therefore providing students with plenty of opportunity to collaborate as well), while each teacher still meets the needs of students by providing guidance during the face to face lessons.  What it does is take the best aspects of distance learning (flexibility, opportunity for self-directed learning) and combine it with the best aspects of face to face (ease of communication, teacher contact, one to one time).  It also develops teacher capacity by getting them to work and consuently learn together.  The teacher collaboration will be the most challenging aspect, of that there is no doubt.

We are not just thinking traditional subjects here, but integrated curriculum opportunities as well.

What is important is that the pedagogy doesn’t just replicate traditonal classroom practice.  That in fact it is developing learner centred opportunies that allow students to make their own decisions and really direct their learning.  I have heard the term ’self-directed’ learning used with reference to distance learning on occasion, but often it is just self management, rather than actually giving the students choices.

Watch this space…

View diagrams at wikieducator

Extended Thinking Part Two

Next Wednesday is the next scheduled event for the Cantatech Extended Thinking Programme.  It would be nice to do something quite different this time around so these are some of the options:

Maths Trail

A maths trail is a trail around a school or community. Students mark a map for others to travel around. Students make up  a maths problem about what they see at a spot they then number on the map. The questions could be as simple as “what polygon shapes make up the front of the hall?” or “How many rectangles can be made from the window panes in the entrance wall?” to more difficult ones on measurement (area, volume, speed) or trigonometry for older ones. For our groups perhap they could make up a maths trail around their school with6-10 numbered spots, questions and solutions. If the schools have digital cameras perhaps the students could photograph one (or more?) of their sites with their “best question” to show the rest of the groups.

Design a Game

Design a game to mimic a chosen real life situation.  The students make a choice about the situation and justify that choice. Perhaps the game would have to include
some set components?

The Combination Key

Based on Tony Ryan’s Thinker Keys, and in particular the Combination Key.  List the attributes of two dissimilar objects, then combine the attributes into a single object. Eg.  The telephone and a lounge chair.  Use the Arts as well as ICTs as a way to present

Dragons’ Den

Student groups are given the task of designing a best selling Christmas Toy. Students would need to present the design of the toy as well as have an idea of production costs, selling price and even profit margins.  It would be a good chance to integrate ICT into the presentation and design aspects.  A couple of Principals could be invited to be the Dragons on the panel and choose a top 3 (possibly).

Please make your choice below

Sustainability

Last week I met with my counterpart in Aorakinet to discuss the possible future of our clusters (and Westnet).  Without MOE funding their is danger that much of the momentum that we have gained may be lost.  There is also the vexing question of where to now?  Is it time for change.  Cantatech has been in existence since around 1994, but is it now time to start looking beyond the boundaries we have imposed on ourselves?  What about merging the South Island clusters into two so-called ‘Metaclusters’.  So Otagonet, Dunedinet, SILC form one cluster and Aorakinet, Cantatech and Westnet form another.  Within that framework three ePrincipals operate according to their skill sets, geography (for physical visits) and circumtance.  As the clusters slowly merge together these jobs may change condsiderably.

For me the biggest positive is ensuring sustainability – safety in numbers so to speak.  It also brings other opportunities:

• The possibility for richer collaboration between senior leadership, teachers and students
• Rationalising and broadening of the online programme
• Greater opportunity to develop elearning across all staff – mainly because of a shared online environment which will allow more teachers to connect with each other

It also brings challenges – how do you maintain that personal touch and sense of community that currently exists?

For me this is a ‘go slow’ move.  I would love to see it happen, and I think it needs to, but it can’t be rushed.

We will see what the Principals think at the next meeting.