After a semester full of reflection, design, feedback, and a few late-night Canvas meltdowns… it only felt right to wrap up EC&I 834 in the most me way possible—a podcast! In this 7-minute episode, I share my learning journey through the course: from wondering whether HyFlex was a yoga move to designing an asynchronous Workplace 20 course that’s flexible, interactive, and student-centred. You’ll hear about my favourite tools (looking at you, Lucid Spark and Canvas), my most “aha!” moments, a few fails, and everything in between. Spoiler: I may have gone from level 50 to 1000 as an educator. 🎧 Listen here : Stick around to the end of the…
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Final Overview: Workplace 20 Prototype – A Semester of Growth and Innovation
As the semester draws to a close, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey of creating my “Flexible Learning for Student Athletes – Workplace 20” prototype. This project has been far more than just an academic exercise; it’s been a personal exploration into the intersection of education, technology, and the unique needs of a remarkable group of students: student-athletes. Course Prototype Overview: A Holistic Approach to Workplace Math Readiness The Online Workplace 20 course was conceived with the understanding that student-athletes juggle an immense array of responsibilities. They are not just students; they are athletes, often training and competing at high levels, which leaves them with limited time in…
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Reflecting on Feedback and Moving Forward: Enhancing My Course Prototype
Welcome Back: Feedback Edition Receiving feedback is always a valuable part of the course design process, and I’m incredibly grateful for the insights shared by my peers during our Week 7 class and through their thoughtful reviews. After reviewing the feedback, I have a clearer understanding of how I can refine my course prototype to better meet student needs while ensuring a positive, inclusive learning environment. Key Takeaways from Feedback The feedback highlighted several strengths of my Workplace Math 20 course prototype, particularly regarding its organization, clear navigation, and the use of interactive tools like Desmos. Reviewers appreciated the real-world connections in the activities and the flexibility that my asynchronous…
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Creating Meaningful Connections: Fostering Interaction in a Blended Math Course
As a high school math teacher, I know that math can sometimes feel like a solitary subject—just you, your calculator, and an endless sea of numbers. But learning is never truly an individual pursuit. Some of the best “aha!” moments happen through collaborative problem-solving, peer discussions, and asking the right (or wrong) questions. That’s why, in my blended Workplace 20 course, I plan to create meaningful student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions that go beyond just answering questions in a discussion board. So, how do we bring a sense of community into an online or blended math classroom without it feeling forced? How do we make learning interactive and engaging while maintaining…
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Flexible Learning for Student-Athletes: A Workplace 20 Course Profile
Course Design Rationale: Addressing the Needs of Student-Athletes Student-athletes at Notre Dame face a unique challenge: frequent travel for games, tournaments, and training often leads to inconsistent classroom attendance. As a result, students struggle to keep up with coursework, leading to learning gaps, stress, and catch-up work. Traditional learning structures do not accommodate their demanding schedules, making it difficult for them to balance academics and athletics effectively. To address this, the Workplace 20 course has been designed as a flexible, blended-learning model that allows students to engage asynchronously with their coursework. This approach ensures that all students—whether at home or on the road—can stay on track with their learning while…
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Is HyFlex Learning the Future or Just a Trendy Fad? A Math Teacher’s Take
Picture this: a classroom where students can decide—day by day—whether to attend in person, join a live online session, or engage asynchronously on their schedule. Sounds like a logistical nightmare, right? Well, enter HyFlex learning, the “choose-your-own-adventure” of education, pioneered by Brian Beatty at San Francisco State University. It’s the ultimate multitasking mode that feels like a tech-savvy teacher’s dream… or a meticulous planner’s worst nightmare. As a high school math teacher armed with an iPad, Vivi, and a tech-heavy classroom, I can’t help but be intrigued by the HyFlex model. Let’s dig into the pros and cons, and whether this is the shiny future of education—or just another buzzword…