FLEXIBLE LEARNING

ENVIRONMENT
DYANE RHEA B. BANA-AY
College of Education
LESSON OUTCOMES
uDescribe a flexible learning environment and
the different platforms used for flexible learning

uRecognize how innovative teachers use online

resources and educational sites and portals for
online distance learning

uReflecton the use of technology and on its

relevance and appropriateness
DISTANCE LEARNING
u form of learning without a face-to-face contact
with the teacher and delivered via
telecommunications.
u Past: involved correspondence courses wherein the
student corresponded with the teacher via mails
u Present: delivered via computer – based media thus
called online learning or e-learning.
u made classrooms borderless and learning
boundless
u Enhanced by the emergence of web 2.0 tools
which made collaborative learning easier and
faster
LESSON 1 - ONLINE DISTANCE
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITIES
OF LEARNERS
u Lesson Outcomes:
1. Identify flexible learning through online
communications (synchronous/
asynchronous modality)
2. Describe flexible learning environment
that enhances collaboration with the use
of technology tools
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
u The present generation of learners has
access to information at their fingertips
u 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.
u Then they bring these back to the class
for further discussion until perhaps
resolutions are agreed.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
u They can search the web and discover a
breadth of information related to the lesson.
u 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.
u That is why they can sometimes learn more
than what is confined in the four corners of
the classroom.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
u Every chance or corner becomes a learning
space
u Learning takes place anywhere; makes
learning environment flexible
u Students can possibly continue to join class
sessions even of they are not physically
around
u Learning space becomes virtual or
mediated
ONLINE DISTANCE
LEARNING
u not a new concept
u Some schools, higher education institutions
in the country, and educational agencies
such as the Southeast Asian Ministers of
Education Innovation in Educational
Technology (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) provide
this mode of learning.
u allows flexibility in learning to a certain
extent
 THE DIFFERENT PLATFORMS
ufree programs designed for
• Moodle educational purposes
• Google u features are patterned after the
classroom instructional activities of a teacher
• Edmodo in a physical classroom
u you can actually hold a lesson,
• Schoology
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 (Modular Object Oriented
Dynamic Learning Environment)

u created by Martin Dougiamas, founder

and CEO of Moodle
u an open source software
u a Learning Management System (LMS) that
supports teaching and learning
• An image map
that we created
patterned after
the previous LMS
format of SEAMEO
INNOTECH.
Online distance
education classes
are conducted
using this.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM

u a free service for teachers and students

u an LMS platform that is accessible google
account
u you can create classes and perform your
roles and functions as a facilitator of learning
EDMODO

u created by Nic
Borg, Jeff
O’hara and
Crystal Hutter in
2008
u apps that can
integrate well
with classroom
activities
SCHOOLOGY

• another LMS founded in 2009 by Jeremy

Friedman, Ryan Hwang, Tim Trinidad, Bill
Kindler
MOOCs (Massive Open Online
Course)
u a model for delivering learning content online
to any person who wants to take a course
u allows one to pursue learning even outside of
university or higher education formal structure
u 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.
u allows interconnectedness among peoples in the
world to discuss and share recent developments in
their common field of interest
MOOCs

u EDUCAUSE - nonprofit association with the

mission is to advance higher education
through the use of information technology

u Please view URL:

https://library.educause.edu/topics/teaching-
and-learning/massive-open-online-course-
mooc
 SYNCHRONOUS AND
ASYNCHRONOUS
u flexible learning mode
u Synchronous
u an online chat at real time
u Course participants meet in a virtual
classroom and discuss a topic in the lesson
u they agree on a scheduled session and log
in to join the live class
u The teacher called as the online tutor
facilitates the discussion.
 SYNCHRONOUS
u Ideas are posted in an actual live class
u One cannot lecture and take all the time in
explaining.
u 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.
u Using the Skype in holding a live class is another
example.
u Members of the class log-in in their Skype account at
a given time to join the video conferencing.
ASYNCHRONOUS
u when questions or tasks are posted and course
participants answer the question or post their
reply at any time most convenient to them
u participate in the discussion by replying to the
post
u One advantage is that you can take your time
when replying.
 ASYNCHRONOUS
u In the image map, there is a column of icon
labeled as LIVE CLASS and FORUM.
u If you click the LIVE CLASS, it will lead you to
enter the virtual classroom to attend the
synchronous session
u while the icon labelled FORUM is responsible for
allowing class participants to join the
asynchronous sessions
 ASYNCHRONOUS
u If you do not use any of the LMS, asynchronous
discussion can be in the form of a blog or even
a video blog (vblog).
u A topic of great importance is discussed by the
bloggers who can be the teacher or any of the
class members.
u 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 to by other blogger.
u The process creates a thread.
 BLENDED LEARNING
u Another way of handling flexible learning
is by combining modalities of
instructional delivery

ua 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
u The teacher delivers the curricula most of
the time and utilizes online learning at
certain times with the purpose to augment
or provide an alternative experience.

u Instruction is provided in a computer

laboratory or assigned tasks are uploaded
online.
2. Model 2: Rotation
u 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.

u This is the model that is between the

traditional face-to-face learning and online
learning.
3. Model 3: Flex
u This model uses an online platform that
delivers most of the course.
u Support to learning is provided as needed
through on-site support or by an online tutor
who facilitates the tutorial or small group
sessions.
u Sessions can be arranged into synchronous or
asynchronous.
u 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
u uses an online platform in delivering the course
but located in a physical classroom or computer
laboratory
u Since the lessons are in modular format and
available in the online program, teacher
assistants supervise these classes.
u However, they may not provide the needed
expertise if learners seek assistance.
u 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
u 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

u This model is always remote – a major

difference from the Online Lab.
6. Model 6: Online Driver
u utilizes a platform and a teacher that delivers
all curricula
u Students remotely work on their program most
of the time.
u 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 learning such as in a school,
then it can be extracurricular activities
augmenting the curriculum.
u Planning and managing blended
learning experiences are very similar
to planning and managing a brick-
and-mortar school with courses or
subjects integrating technology:
u Itneeds 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:

1. Technology has to be prepared.

2. The back-end and front-end infrastructure
of blended learning have to be put in
place as well as the content in varied
multimedia formats.
3. Teachers and teachers assistant who will
act as online tutors and assistants need to
be pedagogically capacitated.
ONLINE COMMUNITIES OF
LEARNING/ SOCIAL NETWORKING

u 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
u Network - that group of individuals who
communicates and connects on a regular
basis
u If an individual has a personal network of
people, one can tap on the potential contacts
for social, educational or professional purposes.
u They say that there is a great need to connect
because whom one knows matters.
u Sometimes one needs to link with them
because they have what one needs.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
PLATFORMS
 FACEBOOK

u biggest social networking site found in 2004

based in Menlo Park, California
Ø Allows users to post their profile, blogs, pictures
and videos
Ø It lets one share status updates, news articles
with friends and family
Ø Allowing people ages 13 and up to use for
personal or even business reasons
 TWITTER

u 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.
u site where users post and interact with messages called
“tweets,” restricted only to 140 characters
u Only registered users can post tweets
u enables people to post their thoughts immediately
u Founded in 2006, Twitter is based in San Francisco,
California, United States
 LinkedIn
u Social networking website for work
u helps one search for career connections.
u It may contain one’s resume for potential
employers to see
u lets one upload his educational qualifications,
skills, work history, and relevant experiences.
u One’s connections can even endorse and this
helps employers who can message the one
concerned and talk about the possibility of
employment.
u Launched in 2003 – popular social site in the
professional world
Google+
u designed to be a total communication
social network
u 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
u Users can make friends and remained up to date
with old friends without leaving their Gmail account
u creates circles and the four standard circles refer to
friends, family, acquaintances and those being
followed. Users can actually create as many circles
as they intend.
 Youtube
u an American video-sharing website where users can
upload, view and even share video clips or multimedia
productions.
u free social network site to join and use
u prefers Google account (owner) to make it easier and
streamlined.
u It is a social network since it allows the users to share
personal videos, view other uploaded multimedia clips
and make connections with friends and acquaintances.
u Based in San Bruno, California, the service was created
in February 2005
 Pinterest

u designed as catalogue of ideas or project ideas

by its founder Ben Silberman
u an excellent choice for those who have a
passion for creativity
u 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

u platform where users share visual stories

u allows users to post photos with captions
allowing followers to like or comment on one’s
posts
u Photos shared have a wide coverage – trips,
food, business products
u Since the site is free, advertisers can use
instagram to reach a wide and are follower
base.
u It is the best social networking site for
photography.
Tumblr

u a networking site that combines social

media and blogging.
u main goal is to simplify social media and
blogging
u Users can post whatever they like such as
photos, videos, quotes, music, links.
u a social media that makes it very easy and
straight forward to search just about
anything
 MySpace
u popular social networking website where
members can make friends, post blogs and
photos, videos
u acquired by Specific Media in 2011 and based in
Beverly Hills California
u Social networking website for music
u Personal users can keep up with their favourite
artists, have an update on the music industry, see
what their friends are listening to, and connect
with people who have similar music preferences
 Flickr and Bebo
u an image and video hosting website that
was created by Ludicorp in 2004 and
acquired by Yahoo
u offers massive online photo storage

u social networking website with the

backronym “Blog Early, Blog Often”.
u invented to answer the question what the
name meant
u founded by husband-and-wife team
Michel and Xochi Birch in January 2005 at
their home in San Francisco
 BENEFITS OF SOCIAL
NETWORKING SITES
1. Provide information - News and views of others
around the world can be easily accessed instantly
at one’s fingertips.
u easily allows one to transmit information or update
contacts on what one thinks or how now feels
2. Support learning or augment educational
activities
u part of the day-to-day activities and school related
discussions
u Continually connect as they collaborate to
accomplish a task or homework
u Announcements on assignments or instructions for
upcoming work can be conveniently delivered to
concerned individuals
DANGERS OF USING
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
u Making friends with strangers who may actually be a
predator or a cyberbully.
u Youngsters gets bullied by others who may not even
be connected as friends in a social networking
website.
u 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.
u Topping these risks is also the danger of users getting
hooked on internet and may learn to ignore the real
world.
 THE DANGERS OF USING
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

u Their ability to socialize is incapacitated as they

devote hours or days on gaming or using the
computer manifesting abuse to themselves.
u 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

u Networking can be confined and monitored within

the school system
u Students can use social networking platforms
designed for educational purposes that will allow
students to post, share and discuss insights gained
from an activity.
u Some of these sites are SuperClubs Plus, Learner
Journey, ScuttlePad, among others.
u 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.
 SAFEGUARDING ONESELF WHEN ENGAGING
IN SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

- Precautionary measures when using Social Media:

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.
 SAFEGUARDING ONESELF WHEN ENGAGING
IN SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

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.
 SAFEGUARDING ONESELF WHEN ENGAGING
IN SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

8. Better be safe than sorry. You should accept friends

and connections when you are sure of the person’s
identity. Personally meeting someone 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.
 SAFEGUARDING ONESELF WHEN ENGAGING
IN SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

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 behaviour by not responding at
all;
b. Block the persons;
c. Click the report button of abuse; or
d. Talk to a trustworthy adult about it.
u Connecting with friends and having an
active life on social networking websites
have its rewards.
u However, when one is not taking
precautionary steps, there is also imminent
danger.
u It is more beneficial if you understand both
its potential and its pitfalls.
u When used properly and in the right
measure, it can bring more benefits.
u Only then can social networking sites lead
to one’s growth and ensure a productive
social life.
CREDITS

Bilbao, PP., et al (2019). Technology for Teaching

and Learning 1
https://www.aeseducation.com/career-
readiness/what-are-the-4-cs-of-21st-century-skills
 END OF SLIDE

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