MODULE 4

Flexible Learning Environment

Lessons in the Module:

 Online Distance Education and communities of learners
 Online Resources, Educational Sites and Portals

Desired Learning Outcomes

1. Described a flexible learning environment and the different platform used for
flexible learning
2. Recognized how innovative teachers use online resources and educational sites
and portals for online distance learning
3. Reflected on the use of technology and on its relevance and appropriateness.

Introduction

Distance learning is a form of learning without a face-to-face contact with the

teacher and delivered via telecommunications. In the past, this involved
correspondence courses wherein student corresponded with the teachers via mails.
This turned out beneficial since universities added students without having construct
classrooms while they enjoy being able to work anytime and anywhere at their
convenience. With the advent of new technologies, distance learning delivered via
computer-based media thus called online learning or e-learning. This made classrooms
borderless and learning boundless. This was enhanced by the emergence of web 2.0
tools which made collaborative learning easier.

Lesson 1 – Online Distance Education and Communities of Learners

Flexible Learning Environment

Flexible learning is a method of learning where students are given freedom in how,
what, when and where they learn. Flexible learning environments address how physical
space is used, how students are grouped during learning and how time is used
throughout teaching.
 Learning nowadays is viewed differently. The present generation of learners has
access to information at their fingertips. The teacher is no longer seen as basically the
dispenser of knowledge but rather as one who expertly directs the learners to take their
own track in searching for answers to questions raised inside the classroom. They can
search the web and discover a breath of information related to the lesson. They even
have patience to stay in the computer for an unusually longer time in search for more
articles and multi media materials that simplify a challenging topic. That is why they can
sometimes learn more than what is confined in the four corners of the classroom.

Online Distance Learning

Online distance learning is not a new concept. Some schools, higher education
institutions in the country, and educational agencies such as the Southeast Asian
Ministers of Education Innovations in Educational Technology (SEAMEO-INNOTECH)
provide this mode of learning.

The Different Platforms

The flexible mode of learning uses a platform such as Moodle, Google
classroom, Edmodo, Schoology etc. These are free programs designed for educational
purposes. It has features that are patterned after the instructional activities of a teacher
in a physical classroom. When you use this, you can actually hold a lesson post
questions for discussion, hold an online chat discussion, give assessment activities and
provide references or links to other online materials. Features relevant instruction and
facilitating of learning.

Moodle
Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder and CEO of the Moodle.
MOODLE stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, which is
an open source software. It is a Learning Management System (LMS) supports teaching
and learning.
Google Classroom and Edmodo
Google Classroom if a free service for teachers and students. It is an LMS
platform that is accessible in google account. You can create classes and perform roles
and functions as a facilitator of learning.
In 2008, Edmodo was created by Nic Borg, Jeff O’ Hara and Crystal Hutter.

Compared Edmodo and Google Classroom, despite of its commonalities, there

are apparently differences but with technology, things evolve in so short a time. What is
clear is that they were created as apps that can integrate well with classroom activities.
The decision lies in the teacher who will determine what works best in his or her
teaching and learning context. Both are amazing tools that cam be explored.

Schoology
Schoology is another LMS founded in 2009 by Jeremy Friedman, Ryan Hwang,
Tim Trinidad and Bill Kindler.

Schoology is a virtual learning environment and social networking service for K-

12 schools and higher education institutions that allows users to create, manage, and
share academic content. Also known as a learning management system (LMS) or a
course management system (CMS), the cloud-based platform provides tools needed to
manage a virtual classroom lesson.

Schoology services include attendance records, online grade books, tests and
quizzes, and homework drop boxes.
Canvas by Instructure
Is a popular learning ecosystem among colleges and universities. Some of its
clients are The University of Utah and the University of Central Florida. It dubs itself as
the world’s fastest-growing learning management platform. The LMS is part of its digital
learning solutions that include powerful course assemblers, dashboards, test engines,
and more.

The platform’s modules allow educators to organize course work and content into
units. The Outcomes feature combines state-wide assessment and grading rubrics that
allow administrators to align with existing standards. It even includes a comprehensive
assessment management function specifically for K-12 school districts. The LMS also
includes Gradebook and Speed Grader, two of the most flexible and efficient grading
tools in the market.
D2L Brightspace
D2L, formerly known as Desire2Learn, is not new to the online education market.
Their platform Brightspace is one of the first LMS and still remains as one of the most
well-known platforms around. It is perfect for institutions looking for solutions targeted
towards blended learning and competency-based education (CBE). CBE courses let
students demonstrate their skills and allow them to attend a custom set of courses
based on their competencies. The Brightspace ePortfolio is a customizable feature
where students can upload, organize, share, and reflect upon their work. Combined with
the Prior Learning Module, the platform determines the students’ strengths and
weaknesses for a tailored learning experience.

Absorb LMS
was developed for large enterprises, small and medium businesses, and public
institutions. It is also perfect for schools and universities looking for a holistic learning
management system. Its core features are designed around a fast-paced learning
environment while maintaining engagement and better outcomes. Aside from creating
your own courses, Absorb LMS includes extensive eLearning Content Libraries. These
pre-made online courses allow you to publish classes right away. It also comes with
powerful features such as smart administration, learner engagement and experience
modules, integrations, and mobile applications.
CertCentral
is perfect for institutions that offer certificate training programs and continuing
education. Its seamless interface allows efficient course development and certifications.
The drag-and-drop layout allows you to quickly create content and customize it for
various courses. Aside from the core LMS features, it includes advanced functionalities
such as enhanced testing, custom certificates, compliance and security, and reporting
and analytics. It also integrates with Stripe so potential students can subscribe to
courses right away.

MOOCs
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). It is a model for delivering learning
content online to any person who want to take a course. It allows one to pursue learning
even outside the university of higher education formal structure. Those are working can
enroll in MOOCS with no limit on attendance. As long you are willing to learn, you can
engage in an area of discipline and learn. It allows interconnectedness among peoples
in the world to discuss and share recent development in their common field of interest.

EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association with the mission is to advance higher

education through the use of information technology.

Synchronous or Asynchronous
In flexible learning mode, the activities can be done in two ways (1) synchronous
and (2) Asynchronous.
An online chat at real time is a Synchronous session. Course participants meet
in a virtual classroom and discuss a topic in the lesson. So, whenever they are situated
in the world, they agree on a scheduled session and log in to join the live class. The
LMS has this feature. The teacher called as the online tutor facilitates the discussion.
Ideas are posted in an actual live class. One cannot lecture and take all the time
explaining. In this mode, the course participants are made to be engaged in the flow
discussion that’s why, the online tutor has to plan out the instruction guide in facilitating
the discourse.

Asynchronous session this is when questions or task are posted and course
participants answer the question or post their reply at any time most convenient to them.
They can still participate in the discussion replying to the post. One advantage is that
you can take your time when replying.

Without using any learning management system, asynchronous discussion can

be in the form of a blog or even a video blog (vlog). A topic of great importance is
discussed by the bloggers who can be the teacher or any of the class members. Since it
is openly accessible, anyone from the class once informed about it can respond or
comment on it and which can also be responded by the other blogger. The process
creates a thread. This is like an actual face-to-face discussion on an online chat but the
response and comments posted may take a short while.

Blended Learning
Blended learning is a combination of a learning activities wherein a part of the
lesson is delivered online while the other part is handled in actual physical setting of a
classroom.
Kinds of Blended Learning
1. Model 1: Face-to-Face Driver
In the face-to-face model, the teacher delivers the curricula most of the time and
utilizes online learning at a certain time with the purpose to augment or provide
an alternative experience.
 2. Model 2: Rotation
In a particular course or subject, students rotate on a fixed schedule between
learning online in a one-to-one, self- paced learning environment and being
inside the classroom with a face-to-face teacher. This is the model that is
between the traditional face-to-face learning and online learning.

3. Model 3: Flex
This model uses an online platform that delivers the most of the course. Support
to learning is provided as needed through on-site support or by an online tutor
who facilitates the tutorial or small group session. Sessions can be arranged into
synchronous or asynchronous. Course participants may work on their tasks at
any convenient time as long as it is within the confines of the course duration.

4. Model 4: Online Lab

The online-lab model uses online platform in delivering the course but located in
a physical classroom or computer laboratory. Since the lessons are in modular
format and available in the online program, teacher assistants supervise these
classes. However, they may not provide the needed expertise if the learners
seek assistance. Furthermore, students who are enrolled in an Online Lab model
of blended learning may be enrolled in a traditional classroom courses at the
same time and therefore have block schedules.

5. Model 5: Self-Blend
The self-blend Model is a system provided by the school where the students can
choose the courses they would like to have in addition to their typical brick-and -
mortar classroom classes. This model is always remote-a major difference from
the Online Lab.

6. Model 6: Online Driver

The online-driver model utilizes a platform and a teacher that delivers all
curricula. Students remotely work on their program most of the time. If ever there
is face-to-face component, it made optional of if ever it is requires for the
students to go to the physical learning environment such as in a school, then it
can be extracurricular activities augmenting the curriculum.

Online Communities of Learning / Social Networking

A network is defined as that group of individuals who communicates and

connects on a regular basis.
Social Networking Platforms

Social Networking Sites

Facebook apparently is the biggest
social networking site founded in 2004
based in Menlo Park, California
Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is an American
media magnate, internet entrepreneur,
and philanthropist. He is known for co-
founding Facebook, Inc. and serves as its
chairman, chief executive officer, and
controlling shareholder.
Twitter is the site where users post and
interact with messages called “tweets”,
restricted only to 140 characters. Only
registered users can post tweets, but
those who are not can only read them.
One of the main features of Twitter is it
enables people to post their thoughts
immediately. Founded in 2006, Twitter is
based in San Francisco California USA.
Founders: Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams,
Biz Stone, Noah Glass
LinkedIn a social networking website for
work. It helps one search for career
connections. It may contain one’s resume
for potential employers to see. The
website lets one upload his educational
qualifications, skills, work history, and
relevant experiences. Launched in 2003,
this is a popular social site in the
professional world.
YouTube is an American video- sharing
website where users can upload and
even share video clips or multimedia
productions. Based in San Bruno,
California, the service was created in
February 2005.
Founders: Jawed Karim, Steve Chen,
Chad Hurley
 Pinterest a social media tool that like
YouTube. It was designed as a catalogue
of ideas or project ideas by its founder Be
Silberman. This is an excellent choice for
those who have a passion for creativity.

Instagram is a platform where users

share visual stories this system allows
users to post photos with captions
allowing followers to like or comment on
one’s posts. Launched in October 6,
2010, and developed by Facebook.
Tumblr is a social networking site that
combines social media and blogging. Its
main goal is to simplify social media and
blogging. Users can post whatever they
like such as photos, videos, quotes,
music links.
Founded: 2007
Founded by: David Karp
Headquarters: New York
Myspace is a social networking website
where members can make friends, post
blogs, and photos, videos. It was
acquired by Specific Media in 2011 and
based in Beverly Hills California.
Founded: 1 August 2003
Founders: Tom Anderson, Chris
DeWolfe
Flickr is an image and video hosting
website that was created by Ludicorp in
2004 and acquired by yahoo. It offers
massive online photo storage.
Created by: Stewart Butterfield, Caterina
Fake
Bebo is a social networking website with
the backronym “Blog early, Blog Often.” It
was invented to answer the question what
the name meant. It was founded by
husband-and-wife team Michel and Xochi
Birch in January 2005

The Benefits of Using Social Networking Sites

 Using social networking websites opens an array of benefits for users. The world
has become a global village through connectivity. The connection has been
transcended space and boarders. It is an easy access to keeping in touch with friends,
or keeping tabs on family. It also provides opportunities for making friends with others
who share similar interests and passion.
A major advantage of social networking websites is that they provide information.
News and views of others around the world can be easily accessed instantly at one’s
fingertips.

Social networking websites can support learning or augment educational

activities. Young learners are well-acquainted with social networking sites and regard
them just a part of the day-to-day activities and school-related discussion. After school
period, learners can continually connect as they collaborate to accomplish a task or
homework using social networking website. Announcements on assignments or
instructions for the upcoming work can be conveniently delivered to concerned
individuals through the social networking sites.

The Danger of Using Social Networking Sites

Teachers as well as parents are wary of youngsters using social networking sited
due to many negative publicity and real incidents connected to the wrong use of social
networking websites.

One major risk is making friends with strangers who may actually be a predator
or a cyberbully. There are also trolls who actually instigate conflict, misunderstanding or
emotional responses y eliciting anger or ill feelings from other users through social
media. Their ability to socialize is incapacitated as they devote hours or days on gaming
or using the computers manifesting abuse to themselves.

Safeguarding Oneself when Engaging in Social Networking Sites

You need to understand and take precautionary measures to safeguard yourself

in social networking sites.

1. A social networking account has passwords and log-in details. Secure passwords
and keep the private.
2. Log out every time you use public computers.
3. Regularly check privacy settings of social networking websites. Only direct
friends or those particularly known can see the posts.
4. Online posts are saved and may become a permanent part of their online
reputation. As you use internet, you eave a digital footprint which can be traced
back to you.
5. Do not accept invites from contacts unless you know them personally or you are
sure of their identity.
6. Seriously consider the effect of possible posts on others before deciding to do so.
If posts (i.e. text, picture, video) could be considered offensive or humiliating
another person, then you refrain from posting or uploading it.
7. Using appropriate language is essential.
8. Better be safe than sorry.
9. When there is an indication of harassment or abuse, it is advise that you report
this by clicking the report button of abuse.
10. Bullying takes place even in social networking websites. Cyberbullying uses the
site’s messages, updates, and other functions to harass, intimidate, humiliate,
taunt, or pick on the individual. When this happens, you can do the following
actions:
a. Ignore the behavior by not responding at all;
b. Block the person;
c. Click the report button of abuse; or
d. Talk to a trustworthy adult about it.