Flexible Learning Environment

I. LESSON TITLE:

Online Distance Education and Communities of Learners

II. LESSON OVERVIEW

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 the student corresponded with the teacher
via mails. This turned out to be beneficial since universities added students
without having to construct classrooms while they enjoy being able to work
anytime and anywhere at their convenience. With the advent of newer
technologies, distance learning is delivered via computer - based media thus
called online learning or e-learning. This made classrooms borderless and
learning boundless

III. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

 Identified flexible learning through online communications (synchronous/

asynchronous modality)
 Described flexible learning environment that enhances collaboration with

IV. LESSON CONTENT

Flexible Learning Environment

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 Then they bring these back to the class for further discussion until
perhaps resolutions are agreed. They can search the web and discover a breadth of
information related to the lesson. They even have the patience to stay in front of the
computer for an unusually longer time in search for more articles and multimedia
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.
Every chance or corner becomes a learning space. It is clear that learning
takes place anywhere and this adds to the concept of flexibility in the learning
environment. With technology, students can possibly continue to join class sessions
even if they are not physically around. The learning space becomes virtual or
mediated. The library is not only a physical structure where they can read published
books but has also become virtual.

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
(SEAMEOINNOTECH) provide this mode of learning. It allows flexibility in learning to
a certain extent

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
to instruction and facilitating of learning,

Moodle
Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder and CEO of Moodle,
MOODLE stands for Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment which
is an open source software. It is a Learning Management System (LMS) that
supports teaching and learning.

Google Classroom and Edmodo

Google Classroom is a free service for teachers and students. It is an LMS
platform that is accessible 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.

Martina (2015) compared edmodo and google classroom in her blog. Although she
discussed several 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 the
teacher who will determine what works best in her Coaching and learning context.
Both are amazing tools that can be explored.
Schoology
Schoology is another LMS founded in 2009 by Jeremy Friedman, Ryan
Hwang, Tim Trinidad and Bill Kindler.
You can actually create your own online distance education learning system
using any of these platforms.
MOOCs
Another recent modality to learning is the Massive Open Online Course
(MOOC). It is a model for delivering learning content online to any person who wants
to take a course. It allows one to pursue learning even outside of university or higher
education formal structure. Those who are working can enroll in MOOCS with no
limit on attendance. As long as 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 developments 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. The link herein provides a
succinct video explaining about MOOCs. (Please view URL: https://library.educause.
edu/topics/teaching-and-learning/massive-open-online-course-mooc.)

Synchronous and Asynchronous

In the 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 wherever 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 in explaining. In this mode, the course participants are made to be engaged
in the flow of discussion that is why, the online tutor has to plan out the instruction
guide in facilitating the discourse.
Using the Skype in holding a live class is another example. Members of the
class log-in in their Skype account at a given time to join the video conferencing.
Another important feature is the Asynchronous session. This is when
questions or tasks 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 by replying to the post. One advantage is that you can take your time
when replying. The LMS mentioned in this lesson has a feature that can allow an
asynchronous session.
.
If you do not use any of the learning management system, asynchronous discussion
can be in the form of a blog or even a video blogger. The process creates a thread.
This is like an actual face-to-face discussion an online chat but the response and
comments posted may take a short while. Nevertheless, revisiting the FORUM or the
BLOG is needed to read the reaction of others.

Blended Learning
Another way of handling flexible learning is by combining modalities of instructional
delivery. 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 certain times with the purpose to augment of
provide an alternative experience. Instruction is provided in a computer
laboratory or assigned tasks are uploaded online.
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 in
between the traditional face-to-face learning and online learning.
3. Model 3: Flex
This model uses an online platform that delivers 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 sessions. 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 an 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 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 deliver curricula.
Students remotely work on their program most of the time. If ever there is a
face-to-face component, it is made optional or if ever it is required for the
students to go to the physical learning environment such as in school, then it
can be extracurricular activities augmenting the curriculum

Planning and managing blended learning experiences are very similar to

planning and managing a brick-and-mortar school with courses or subjects
integrating technology. It needs to be system-wide as the school makes a plan,
develops guidelines for students to follow for the use of technology in a blended
format and provide a resource guide. A lot of preparation is needed in designing a
blended format. Technology has to be prepared. The back-end and front-end
infrastructures of blended learning have to be put in place as well as the content in
varied multimedia formats. Teachers and teacher’s assistant who will act as online
tutors and assistants need to be pedagogically capacitated.

Online Communities of Learning / Social Networking

When we consider online networking, internet users immediately refer to
Facebook. Everybody seems to have a Facebook account and uses this to
communicate. If in the teaching and learning situation, you work on information, data
and collaborate with classmates, friends, teachers and other members of society,
then social networking can also be appropriately employed as an educational tool.

What is Networking
When productive relationships are cultivated, networking works best. A
network is defined as that group of individuals who communicates and connects on a
regular basis. If an individual has a personal network of people, one can tap on the
potential contacts for social, educational or professional purposes.
They say that there is a great need to connect because whom one knows
matters. Sometimes one needs to link with them because they have what one needs.
However, the challenge is how to shift the network from people who can provide the
favors into establishing the relationship that will entitle him or her to be called "a
friend'. one who can be trusted as a collaborator in working on an assigned task by
the teacher

Social Networking Platforms

Different ways to communicate with friends can be through the internet or
mobile devices. One can have a personal page where a profile can be built in a
social networking site. Through this site, one can contact friends or share resources
and interests. Communication through a chat format can either be one. on-one or in
a group. Topics being discussed can be posted and made known therefore read by
many or it can be discreet through a direct chat - a feature allowing one to have a
certain privacy on matters considered as such.
Social networking services have been evolving for more than a decade.
Initially, these social networking services allowed users to construct their personal
profile so that other contacts may know the relevant information about them. At
present, these have now evolved to sharing of multimedia resources. Even having
immediate and direct contact with friends in real time is easily accessible through
these sites.
There are varied platforms available where one can create a personal
account. Some of these popular social networking sites include Facebook, MySpace,
Twitter, Flicker, Youtube, and LinkedIn among others.

Facebook apparently is the biggest social networking site founded in 2004

based in Menlo Park, California. The most popular social network apparently is
Facebook. Used by most people, it allows users to post their profile, blogs, pictures
and videos. Facebook lets one share status updates, news articles with friends and
family. Although it started as a way for college students to connect and socialize, it
expanded its services allowing people ages 13 and up to use a Facebook account
for personal or even business reasons.
Twitter does not only provide social networking service but it also gives online
news. Breaking news has taken a new twist with this social network website. Friends
or colleagues may tell that they saw the breaking news on Twitter.
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, United States.
LinkedIn is another social networking website for work. When one is trying to
find a job and may not have contacts, LinkedIn 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. One's connections can even endorse and this helps
employers who can message the one concerned and talk about the possibility of
employment. Launched in 2003, this is a popular social site in the professional world.
Google + is designed to be a total communication social network. Launched
in 2011, Google is its parent and it is more advantageous if it is kept as a browser for
users are connected even if they are outside Google+ site. Users can make friends
and remained up to date with old friends without leaving their Gmail account.
To distinguish connection, Google+ creates circles and the four standard
circle refer to friends, family, acquaintances and those being followed. Users can
actuali create as many circles as they intend.
Youtube is an American video-sharing website where users can upload, view
and even share video clips or multimedia productions. It is a free social network site
to join and use. Since it is owned by Google, YouTube prefers a Google account to
make it easier and streamlined. Some people think that YouTube is not a social
network. It is such as it allows the users to share personal videos, view other
uploaded multimedia clips and make connections with friends and acquaintances.
Just like with other social networking sites, users can either make their videos private
or public. Based in San Bruno, California, the service was created in February 2005.
Pinterest is another social media tool that like YouTube, is often thought of as
otherwise. Pinterest was designed as a catalogue of ideas or project ideas by its
founder Ben Silberman. This is an excellent choice for those who have a passion for
creativity. Users must have an account to use Pinterest. An email account or a
Facebook account can be used in signing up to Pinterest, and if users will use
Facebook, their wall would be ready to post pins without linking with Facebook.
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. Photos shared have a wide range of coverage - trips, food, business products.
Since the site is free, advertisers can use Instagram to reach a wide and are follower
base. Instagram account can be private or made public. It is the best social
networking site for photography
 Tumblr is a 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. This is a social media that makes it very
easy and straight forward to search just about anything.
MySpace is another popular 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. MySpace had its dose of crisis but came
back stronger and rebranded to focus on music. Personal users can use MySpace to
keep up with their favorite artists, have an update on the music industry, see what
their friends are listening to, and connect with people who have similar music fitting
social networking website for music.
Flickr (pronounced “flicker”) is an image and video hosting website that was
created by Ludicorp in 2004 and acquired by Yahoo. It offers massive online photo
storage.
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 at their home in
San Francisco.
With the fast development and vast coverage of innovations that 60 mediated
communicative needs in the virtual reality, it is expected that there will be more
interactive features of social networking sites that will be readily available to the
users in the upcoming days,

The Benefits of Using Social Networking Sites

Using social networking websites opens an array of benefits for users. The
has become a global village through connectivity. The connection has transcended
space and borders. Getting connected to family and friends is now just a few clicks
away. It is an easy access to keeping in touch with friends, or keeping tabs on family,
It 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. It easily allows one to transmit information or update
contacts on what one thinks or how now feels,
Social networking websites can support learning or augment educational
activities. Young learners are well-acquainted with social networking sites and regard
them as just a part of the day-to-day activities and school-related discussions, Even
after school period, learners can continually connect as they collaborate to
accomplish a task or homework using a 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 Dangers of Using Social Networking Sites

Just as there are benefits of having an account in a social networking site or
using it in the teaching and learning contexts, there are risks to consider as well.
Teachers as well as parents are wary of youngsters using social networking sites
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. No one initially recognizes the true nature of an
acquaintance or one who seemingly poses as a friend. Sometimes, a youngster gets
bullied by others who may not even be connected as friends in a social networking
website. There are also trolls who actually instigate conflict, misunderstanding or
emotional response by eliciting anger or ill feelings from other users through social
media. They post messages that are inflammatory or controversial. Topping these
risks is also the anger of users getting hooked on internet and may learn to ignore
the real world. Their ability to socialize is incapacitated as they devote hours or days
on gaming or using the computer manifesting abuse to themselves. That is why
teachers and parents or guardians are protective to the extent of disallowing
youngsters to use the internet and social networking sites without realizing that such
act denies the opportunity to explore the educational potential it can serve.

Safeguarding Oneself when Engaging in Social Networking Sites

You need to understand and take precautionary measures to safeguard
yourself in social networking websites.
Networking can be confined and monitored within the school system.
Students can use social networking platforms designed for educational purposes that
will allow students to post, share and discuss insights gained from an activity. Some
of these sites are SuperClubs Plus, Learner Journey, ScuttlePad, among others.
One drawback, however, is that sometimes youngsters are not enticed to use these
social networking platforms because they are not as attractive as Facebook or
Twitter. When young users prefer to use a social networking website that is outside
of the school's system, teach them to stay safe through some precautionary
measures:

1. A social networking account has passwords and log-in details. Secure

passwords and keep them private.
2. Log out every time you use public computers.
3. Regularly check privacy settings of social networking websites so that
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 the internet, you leave 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. The tone when communicating
or sending social networking messages should be respectful.
 8. Better be safe than sorry. You should accept friends and connections
when you are sure of the person's identity. Personally meeting someone you
only met online is discouraged. Even if the sincerity of having personal
meeting looks convincing, it would be better if you will be accompanied
9. When there is an indication of harassment or abuse, it is advised that you
report this by clicking the report button of abuse. It is better still to talk
to friends or trusted adults about the case.
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.

Connecting with friends and having an active life on social networking

websites have its rewards. However, when one is not taking precautionary steps,
there is also imminent danger. It is more beneficial if you understand both its
potential and its pitfalls. When used properly and in the right measure, it can bring
more benefits. Only then can social networking sites lead to one's growth and ensure
a productive social life.