Engaging+Learners+with+New+Strategies+and+Tools

 Here is my link to the graphic organizer. I cannot get it to load on my blog site.

After reading Durrington, Berryhill, Swafford, and Siemens’ concepts relating to distance education, I believe the best way to implement the tools we are using is to begin creating lessons with these concepts in mind. The methods that are appropriate in distance learning environments are also appropriate in f2f environments. By utilizing project based learning, rubrics, and small group discussions, we can promote student learning.

The first thing concept to implement is project-based learning. Project-based learning is where students can interact within small groups to promote understanding about relative content material. Project-based learning can be an effective strategy for promoting student interactivity, enhancing students’ problem-solving skills, and providing students with a meaningful learning experience” (Durrington et el, 2006, p. 192).

Another way to implement these concepts is to incorporate rubrics into the f2f environments. As students engage in this type of learning environment, they need to know what is expected of them and how they will be assessed. Rubrics are an effective way to complete this need. Rubrics can be used to provide teacher expectations, moderate group discussion expectations, and provide a way to assess students’ projects (Durrington et el, 2006, p.191).

Last, by implementing small group discussions and setting participation expectations, we can promote and maintain student interactions. Group discussions that are synchronous and asynchronous allow students to participate within the learning environment and assess their understanding of content related concepts. By utilizing email and wikis, teachers and students can discuss learning concepts and promote student understandings.

Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. //College Teaching, // //54 //(1), 190-193.