Santiago City

Tel/Fax: (078)-682-8454 / 305-0957

www.northeasterncollege.edu.ph

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Course Code : D91

Course Name : Technology of Teaching in Learning
Course Schedule : MWF (6-7PM)
Course Facilitator : Perfecto M. Garcia III, LPT

TEXT OF REPORT
Topic : Unit IV. FLEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Reporter : Alambra , Alex A.
Arellano, Princess Dianne
Belay, Lyka
Cayago, Charmaine
Calautit, Racquel
Divina, John Mark
Ignacio, Flordeliza
Villarma, Shynny E.

MODULE 4: Flexible Learning Environment

Module Outcomes
1. Described a flexible learning environment and the different platforms 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 involve correspondence courses wherein the student
corresponded with the teacher via mail This turned out to be 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 newer 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 the emergence of web 2.0 tools which made collaborative learning easier.
LESSON 1: Online Distance Education and Communities of Learners

Lesson Outcomes
1. Identified flexible learning through online communications (synchronous and asynchronous modality)
2. Described flexible learning environment that enhances collaboration with the use of technology tools

 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. 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 (SEAMEO INNOTECH) 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 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 your 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 in the teacher
who will determine what works best in her teaching 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 [Massive Open Online Course]

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 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 fields of interest.

Synchronous and Asynchronous

 In the flexible learning mode, the activities can be done in two ways: (1) synchronous and (2)
asynchronous.
Synchronous learning refers to instructors and students gathering at the same time and (virtual or
physical) place and interacting in “real-time”.
For example: An online chat at a real time like Skype, Zoom and Google Meet.

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

Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching method widely used in online learning. Its basic
premise is that learning can occur in different times and spaces particular to each learner, as opposed to
synchronous learning at a same time and place with groups of learners and their instructor, or one learner
and their instructor. In asynchronous learning, instructors usually set up a learning path, which students
engage with at their own pace.
In the image map, there is a column of icon labeled as LIVE CLASS and FORUM. If you click the
LIVE CLASS it will lead you to enter the virtual classroom to attend the synchronous session while the icon
labelled FORUM is responsible for allowing class participants to join the asynchronous sessions.

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 blog (vblog). 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 to by the other. blogger.
The process creates a thread. This is like an actual face-to-face discussion or 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
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 or provide an alternative experience. Instruction is
provided in a computer laboratory or assigned tasks are uploaded online.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Model 6: Online Driver

The online-driver model utilizes a platform and a teacher that deliver all 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 a
school, then it can be extracurricular activities augmenting the curriculum
 Planning and managing blended learning experiences are very similar 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 teachers 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 allowing one to have a
certain privacy on matters considered as such. a feature

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 thends 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 circles refer to friends, family, acquaintances and
those being followed. Users can actually 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 You Tube videos, view other uploaded multimedia clips and
make connections with friends and acquaintances. Just like with other social networking
sites, users can either make the 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, 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 follower 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 Tumblr. 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 preferences. It is fining 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 Xochitl Birch in January 2005 at their home in San Francisco.

With the fast development and vast coverage of innovations that address the
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 for 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 world 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 danger 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 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 a personal meeting looks convincing, it would be better if you will be accompanied
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.

 With Your Peers...

In a group, discuss how you will respond to the cases presented. Discuss among the team
members the situation or dilemma and think of the best advice your team can give and explain the reasons.

Situation 1: Meeting someone in person you met online.

A classmate met somebody online and was asked her phone number and address. She
confides in you and you notice that she seems to have been booked in chatting with this 'friend.
You know that there is a possibility that she will be invited for a personal meeting.

What advice would you give?

 Situation 2:
Your best friend and you do not seem to like a group of classmates. You were asked to
take pictures of them in a school activity and since you have the file, your best friend chided you to
distort their picture and post it on the internet. What should you do?

Situation 3:
In your cooking class, you are talking to a classmate about finding a perfect friend. So you
asked him, "If you could cook up the perfect friend, what special ingredients would you include?"
What is your friend like? What qualities do you think are important for a friendship to be healthy?"

Lesson 2: Online Resources, Educational Sites and Portals

Lesson Outcomes
1. Identified educational sites and portals suitable to the subject area
2. Selected an appropriate resource portal or educational site in relation to the identified subject area

 Educational Sites and portals

A lot of information are found in the net. These can be explored and studied to determine their
relevance to the lesson There are concerned parties that host educational services through websites and
portals. Like a door, the portal opens to a virtual room where activities, tools, applications, articles provide
ideas and suggest ways on the use of technology tools.

One example that can be further explored is Educational Technology and Mobile Learning. This
blog site is a rich repository of tools and applications assembled and curated for teachers and educators by
teachers. They evidently understand the pedagogical needs, hence, the arrangement of categories with
corresponding suggested sites or tools and even applications for android or iPads. Tools, applications, ed
tech charts, books, links and many more are found in categories arranged by subject area or competency.

The administrator of this site allows users to download, print and share the materials just as long
as proper citation is done and that the materials are shared free of charge. If you are interested in
implementing Free Educational Technology in the classroom, the administrator highly encourages you to
share this blog site.
  What is the right mindset of a teacher in using the digital tool?
With the fast paced development of technology, educational sites, portals, or applications, change
is inevitable. Working on a particular tool at the moment will for sure change, as designers continually work
to upgrade the features and design the tool o integrate new aspects. This is expected. That is why, knowing
a digital tool and its features may not be enough because there is a tendency of it evolving through time.
As you prepare to become a teacher by learning how to utilize these digital tools, you need to have
the right mindset or a way of thinking how these tools can be effectively integrated in the lesson. A lot of
teachers may find it daunting Buse a technology tool in a lesson. The anxiety to explore the possibility can
be overwhelming, but for one who has the openness to learn and continuously study he features of the tool
can possibly lead to a more productive way of designing a technology-enhanced lesson.
Hold on to the positive attitude and openness to learn. Nurture the curiosity and sustain the
passion to improve practice. Persevere as you learn to adapt to the evolving digital tool.
Once you get the habit of exploring the tools perhaps taking one step at a time and expanding your
ideas on how to creatively use the appropriate tool in a you will eventually see your transformation as a
teacher who is becoming more class, relevant and effective in teaching content while at the same time
develop learners capacity to be creative and think critically, and become collaborative and effective
communicators in the 21st century.