CPE 107: Technology for Teaching and Learning 1

Republic of the Philippines

MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY
Fatima, General Santos City
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Bachelor in Secondary Education Department

CPE 107: Technology for Teaching and Learning 1

Module 5:
FLEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe a flexible learning environment and the different platforms used for flexible
learning
- Discuss how innovative teachers use online resources and educational sites and
portals for online distance learning
- Reflect on the use of technology and on its relevance and appropriateness

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

I. 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

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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.

II. 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.

a. 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 post question 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. lesson,

i. 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.

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ii. 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.

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iii. 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.

iv. MOOCS

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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 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 succinct video explaining about MOOCs.
(Please view URL: [Link]
learning/massive-open online-course-mooc.)

b. 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

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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
(vlog). 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.

c. 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.

i. 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 of provide an alternative

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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 course 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

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The online-driver model utilizes a platform and a

teacher that delivers all curriculum. 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 teacher’s
assistant who will act as online tutors and assistants need to be pedagogically
capacitated.

III. 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.

a. 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.

b. Social Networking Platforms

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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 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 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 t 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.

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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 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.

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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 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 re listening to, and connect with people who have similar music
preferences. It is a ting 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.

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.

c. The Benefits of Using Social Networking Sites

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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.

d. 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 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.

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e. 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,

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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.

Module Source:
Bilbao, P., Dequilla, M.A.C., Rosano, D. (2019). Technology for teaching and learning 1.
Quezon City, Metro Manila: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

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