During class, I talked to several classmates, Clare and Tegan, and we agreed that some of the best parts about online learning are…
- No commute/gas money/parking cost
- More family and pet time
- Comforts of home: cozy clothes, no meal prep, breaks
- Recorded lectures
- Accessible notes and course materials online
That being said, some downsides of online learning that we discussed are…
- Too much screen time: tired eyes, dry eyes, headaches
- Less fresh air
- Limited face-to-face socialization
- Technology is great until it stops working
- Distractions of home (blessing and a curse!)
I was intrigued to learn about the term modality during this class. I had always heard various online learning terms, such as face-to-face, online, blended, hybrid, etc., but I had not thought deeply about what these mean and how they look in practice. Based on this, a blended format seems like a great balance of online and in-person learning.
How would building flexibility into your classroom instruction be potentially helpful during and after the pandemic?
The following responses are a collection of ideas mentioned by Meghan Carrico and colleagues in class, along with my thoughts and perspectives; I compiled this list with editorial assistance from ChatGPT 🙂
- Easily adjust teaching methods, materials, and assessments to changing circumstances like shifting between the various modalities of in-person and online learning
- Accommodate different learning styles and circumstances by offering various instructional modes and resources
- Tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of each student, providing extra support or challenges as necessary
- Keep students motivated and engaged with varied teaching methods and activities
- Embrace educational technologies that enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the digital world
- Develop problem-solving skills and resilience as students navigate different learning environments and challenges
- Equip educators and students to respond effectively to future disruptions by fostering adaptability and flexibility
