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 t teachers use online resources and caucational sites and portals for online
distance learning
3. Reflected on the use of technology and on its relevance and appropriateness

Distance learning is a form of learning without a face-to -tace 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. This was enhanced
by the emergence of web 2.0 tools which made collaborative learning easier and Online Distance Education
and

Lesson 1: Communities of Learners Lesson 0utcomes

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

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 dispcnser 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 lor 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 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 material’s. features relevant to instruction and facilitating of
learning.
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Moodle
Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder and CEO of Moodle MOODLE stands for
Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environmen which is an open source software. It is a Learning
Management System (LMS) that supports teaching and learning.

Google Classroom and Edmodo

Google Classroom and Edmodo Google Classroom is a free service for teachers and students. It is an
LM: platform that is accessible google account. You can create classes and perform you roles and functions
as a facilitator of learning. In 2008, Edmodo was created by At Borg, Jeff O'Hara, and Crystal Hutter.

Schology
Schology brings together the best k 12 learning management system with assessment management to
improve student performance, faster collaboration, and personalize learning. Schology is another LMS
founded in 2009 by Jeremy Friedma, Ryan Hwang, Tim Trinidad and Bill Kondler..

MOOC’s
Another recent modality to learning is the massive open online course (MOOC’s). it is a model for
deliverimg learning content online to any person who wants to take a course. It allows one to pursue
learning event outside of university or higher education formal structure. Those who are working can enroll
in MOOC’s with no limit on attendance. As long as you are willing to learn, you can engage in an area of
discipline and learn. I t 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.

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 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.
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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 or 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 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 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 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 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
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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 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 Linkedln 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 Twitter dne news. Breaking news has
taken a new twist with this also gives online Breaking news 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
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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 cireles 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 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 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 a 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 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.
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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 othen who may not even be connected as friends in a social
networking website. There we also trolls who actually instigate conflict, misunderstanding or emotional
response by eliciting anger or ill feelings from other users through social media. They pou 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 they devote hours or days on ing ability terininifesting abuse to
themselves. That is where to use and parema or guardians are protective to the extent of disallowing
youngestes the oppe intemer 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. Studenu 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, back, 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.
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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
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 Connectings.
However, when one is not taking precautionary steps, there is dis drawbed haydient 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 I's system social life

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

"When you know, what you know and do not know, that is true knowledge." -Confucius

In planning a day's lesson, there is a wide range of references that can be used to relate well with
learners of this age. Online sources, sites and portals suggest tools and describe how they can be used to
engage learners.
Take a look at the image below and identify the iPad apps, android apps and Web Tools. Have you
checked any of these? Which one will you utilize and in which class of learners can you use them? How will
employ the tool in your lesson?

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.

Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

A Resource of Educational Web Tools and Mobile Apps for Teachers and Educators
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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 to 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 to use 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 the 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 sind the the por 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 dep at a time and expanding your
ideas on how to creatively use the appropriate tool in a class, you will eventually see your transformation as
a teacher who is becoming more 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.