The learning model in my school which involves the use of technology in the classroom where students learn by combining an online web app with our day to day traditional teaching methods has been successful since its implementation.
We have changed the kind of company providing the learning model, but I have seen its implementation last year and this year. For literacy, we have had success implementing Elevate last year but since it was less interactive than Lexia (what we implemented this year), a change was made. Reading levels of students have been slowly progressing upward, but it is in those students who are actively completing the required number of minutes that are recommended. There are, however, some pitfalls too. Since many of these platforms come from USA, they are not according to the strands which are being followed in Ontario, where I teach. Individual lessons, when a student faces difficulty is sometimes difficult to provide since students become uncomfortable when they are singled out for a lesson. I need to usually call 2 students and give them the lesson together. One major problem that we did overcome is connectivity which is separate for each classroom. We have different Wi-Fi which helps because setting 15 students at the same time was a problem earlier. We also had to get individual computers for each student. In math, I use prodigy which is quite successful in my class. However, I feel its not enough and my class needs more practice. And in science and social, I have created a couple of Kahoots which help in assessment and fun. My 6th graders are able to search for information but to correctly put down what I am asking for, sometimes, is a challenge. I try to be very specific in the information I seek. If not, I get a ton of information.
As a student in my Masters, I find learning online to be comfortable. The courses are easier to work upon and complete. I also find syncronous meetings engaging and the pattern of assignments interesting. In totality, the blended learning model works for me.
Hi Aradhana, I really enjoyed your insights on blended learning! You’ve highlighted how it can provide flexibility while catering to different learning styles, which is such an important consideration in today’s classrooms. I’m curious, though—what strategies have you found most effective in keeping students engaged in a blended learning environment, especially when balancing the digital and in-person components? It can be tricky to find that balance, but it sounds like you’re doing a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing your experiences—this is such a relevant topic in modern education.
Hi Allysia, small group instruction with one group working with the teacher is quite successful in my classroom. Ideally, we have an EA in our class and I set 5 students who are completing some assigned work with her. I would normally have 5 on laptops, 5 with her and 5 on reading or alternate independent work and the last 5 with me. Usually though, attendance is low so we do not have more than 3-4 students at each station. Kahoots too,I usually prefer to do it in small groups after the students have completed a lesson rather than have it in class groups. And the children who get the first three feel special. An ideal blend is usually 25 minutes for each station with station transitioning all day. For math, I also encourage paired activities as some children finish early and they support their classmates.
Hearing about your school’s successful use of Lexia, Prodigy, and Kahoot to incorporate technology into the classroom is fantastic! I concur that incorporating technology into conventional teaching techniques can be highly successful, particularly when it promotes student engagement. Your ability to overcome obstacles like connectivity and obtaining individual devices for each student is also impressive. Finding resources that fit Ontario’s curriculum can be challenging, and it’s fantastic that you’re coming up with innovative ways to help students who require more assistance. It’s also intriguing that you found online learning to be engaging and comfortable during your Master’s program, demonstrating that blended learning works well for both teachers and students. Continue your fantastic work!
Thanks Neeraj. I do realise the effect of technology in my classroom and have seen its use to benefit both students and teachers. The motivation when it comes to doing the work is low in many classrooms, both in Saskatchewan and in Ontario. Technology here helps student engagement and students are enthusiastic for any assignment that needs to be done with tech use. To incorporate any missing strands that the online platforms do not cater to, I act more as a facilitator rather than a teacher who is helping students to gain mastery.
Hey Aradhana,
I enjoy reading about the technology you use or have used in your classrooms, especially those tools that are not typically part of the Indian curriculum. For example, I find tools like Kahoot, which you use for assessment and fun, really interesting. I also appreciate how you’ve handled challenges like Wi-Fi issues and challenges related to sixth grade.
Additionally, I value the experiences we share while pursuing our master’s degree together. Learning online has been quite comfortable for me as well, and I’ve gained a lot throughout this journey. The assignments and the discussions during our sessions have been really engaging. Like you, I also find blended learning works better for me.
Thanks Sonia. I agree that Blended learning works for me too and I am thankful for the opportunity to see its effect, both as a teacher and a student.
I had seen some teachers using Kahoots for their classes but have started using them myself only this year.
As an Indigenous teacher, when I see the effect of learning platforms on Reading levels in my class, I have been convinced about its implementation. Therefore, technology in my classroom is a welcome addition.