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 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
Lesson 1: Online Distance Education and Communities of Learners
Lesson Outcomes:
1. Identified flexible learning through online communications (synchronous/ asynchronous modality)
2. Described flexible learning environment that enhances collaboration with 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 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 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 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
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 enrol 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:
[Link] 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.
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 class once from the 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
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 o provide an alternative experience. Instruction is provided in a compute
laboratory or assigned tasks are uploaded online.
2. Model 2: Rotation
In a particular course or subject, students rotate on a fixed schedule betwee learning online in a one-to-one,
self-paced learning environment and bein inside the classroom with a face-to-face teacher. This is the model that is
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 tu 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 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 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- Jon-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 themAt 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 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 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.
Tumblr is a networking site that combines social media and blogging. Its main goal is to simplify social
media and bloggingUsers 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 connectivityThe 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 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 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 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 benefitsOnly then
can social networking sites lead to one's growth and ensure a productive social life.