Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Teaching:
Teaching fully online falls into the two different categories you see above, Synchronous and Asynchronous. When deciding between the two, use this article, as a reference point. It will help you navigate some of the basics of these strategies.
One of the biggest remarks this article makes, is that there has to be very thorough analyzation of your intended audience before any decision can be made. This means making sure students have access to internet at home, or any digital device for that matter, as well as their grade level and understanding of technology. Adobe Connect is a good tool for teachers to use when having a synchronous class discussion. There are other formats and updated versions becoming available so it is just a matter of finding what works best for you and your class.
One of the biggest remarks this article makes, is that there has to be very thorough analyzation of your intended audience before any decision can be made. This means making sure students have access to internet at home, or any digital device for that matter, as well as their grade level and understanding of technology. Adobe Connect is a good tool for teachers to use when having a synchronous class discussion. There are other formats and updated versions becoming available so it is just a matter of finding what works best for you and your class.
:Flipped Learning
Using a hybrid approach, teachers can now "flip" their classrooms. So,instead of getting lectures in class and doing homework outside of class; students get portions of the lecture and information beforehand and complete homework within the class period. To the left, I created a section of my LMS to use this teaching strategy. I prepared the class with an overview of objectives and gave them a breakdown of the homework assignment. Then, I had them read a PDF about the lecture. Student would then do the lesson, "the basics of Google Drive," while in class with me. We would also take a short survey in class to keep students engaged in Moodle rather than somewhere else. At the end, for the student's end project, and my assessment of how well they understood the lesson; I would have them follow the link and directions to open a shared google document.
Backwards Design:
When I was younger, I would do mazes differently than other people. I would start from the finish, and work my way to start, backwards design is really no different! Instead of starting with a book or piece of information, this theory of teaching starts with a standard, then grows that into a creative idea for curriculum. After a common goal is accepted for the students, they each set out on their own path to master the maze that is knowledge. Along the way, the teacher would act as facilitator, and provider of specific tools and resources for each individual's learning style. According to McTighe & Wiggins (1998), "backwards design may be thought of as purposeful task analysis: Given a task to be accomplished, how do we get there? Or one might call it planned coaching: what kind of lessons and practices are needed to master key performances?" http://aolatunji.edublogs.org/2014/02/15/what-is-backward-design/
Pros & Cons
Fully online synchronous learning is not suitable for most special education learners. I would not be able to do a fully synchronous or online class, if I were to stay focused in this area. However, even in the elementary grades in the general education classroom, I would still shy away from fully online synchronous learning.
Backwards design fulfills teacher's obligations to the state, while still being true to their students. There are a few more quizzes and test, but these tests are about tracking progress, rather than testing the end result. Overall, I believe this practice to be very beneficial in online synchronous & asynchronous learning, because it is more of a student-centered teaching method that allows
Flipped Learning is probably one of my favorite teaching methods. I really agree with the idea that students should be using in class time to be working with their classmates and teacher in a hands on way. Rather than sit and be fed lectures, then sent home with worksheets. This is very different from the "traditional" school day, however, when students have the ability to start learning before class, they then have the chance to explore the subject in more depth during class with the instructor there to provide immediate, and responsive feedback and support.
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Completely asynchronous classes give too little a feeling of community for my liking. In elementary grades and in special education, there is an effort to push towards developing student friendships and bonds. With a class that is never on at the same time, it could make it difficult for them to form those social experiences.
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