Howton How To

This week’s task given by Alec and Katia, was to explore more and blog about blended/online learning using an article or post, app, or mode/format for blended or online learning.  When I initially read this I thought well that will be quick and easy!  WRONG!  There is so much to see and read that I spent most of my afternoon yesterday just reading and going from article to post to app, over and over again.  While I learned lots and enjoyed just hanging out online all afternoon, I was still stuck on just what to blog about!  How does that make any sense!?

Photo Credit: theloushe Flickr via Compfight cc

After going back to some of the articles, I found “Turn Your Classroom into a Personalized Learning Environment” that relates well to my teaching pedagogy.  I appreciated how Howton spoke about  “personalized learning” as that is a phrase that fits well within my Vocational Alternative classroom.  All students have different needs and abilities and some have their own tech devices through the school board, lots have their own personal tech devices like a personal tablet or cell phone, and some have no access to technology other than what they can access at school.

Photo Credit: Sean MacEntee Flickr via Compfight cc

Personalized learning takes instruction, assessment, and modes of learning and tailors it to each students specific needs.  Personalized learning also accesses our students’  almost instinctual ability to use technology, however doing so in a purposeful manner rather than just playing around on their phones, laptops, or other personal electronic devices!   Howton then outlined 5 steps to get started in how to create this way of learning in any classroom.

Step 1 – Learn from others.  I like this step as I feel that this is exactly where I am and why I am enrolled in this class!  Howton discusses honestly about the “bumpy” ride at first trying out new blended learning ideas and how some went really well but others didn’t because of choosing the wrong delivery method or technology failures, but that instead of giving up, Howton continued to research blended and personalized learning.

Step 2 – Use your own technology.  This is often a complaint from us as teachers as we never have that perfect 1:1 technology to student ratio and Howton says that you need to take what you have and adapt to that.  Just as many of us have spoken to, allowing students to use their personal devices like cell phones, or ipads will help out here.  Also, choosing a Learning Management System such as Schoology as Howton uses, or Google Classroom which is what Kelly and are using for our project, is easy enough for students to access from any device at any time.  Period.

Photo Credit: oyajimbo Flickr via Compfight cc
Step 3 – Let students make choices.  Last night I read Jorie’s blog about how her amazing grade 2 students took charge of their You Matter Project for Staff/Teacher appreciation week.  Such a prime example of what students can and will do when given the opportunity – even at grade 2!  Howton also credits having the complete unit available right from day 1 so students are able to work a their own pace and ability and choose the pathway that works best for each student to complete the assignment.

Step 4 – Choose the best content delivery method.  This was where I had to re-read it a few times as I feel I would start right where Howton did and I would like to be able to skip past that frustration level, if possible, and feel that this step will allow me to do so!  Howton talks to how blended learning should be more than just adding technology.  Using videos or screen-casts allow students to hear your voice and rewind, replay, fast forward at their own pace to be able to better understand each lesson.

Step 5 – Assess as you go.  Howton suggests keeping assessment ongoing just as should be done in any classroom, instead of just having final assessments at the end of each unit.  Using tools like Kahoot make formative assessments quick and fun for the students and teachers get the necessary feedback to know if what and how they are instructing their students is being effective.

I found these steps to be very practical and valuable for both what I want my classroom to look like as well as my project.  What do you think?  Is there something you disagree with or think Howton has overlooked?