Blended Learning A New Online Environment Carmen Ferrara Founder iPresent Communications

Introduction Carmen Ferrara, Founder, iPresent Communications Founded in 2006 eLearning and online training software provider Our mission is to create intuitive, easy to use, user driven software Applications of our software include: – Educational eLearning (iPresent Online) – Multimedia web publishing markets (Presio) Collaborating with local area schools (NDA, Xaverian) Special thanks to: – Mike Minihane - Notre Dame Academy – Theresa Jay - Xaverian Brothers

Overview What is Blended Learning? Advantages Perceived Challenges Addressing the Challenges Advantages of cloud based learning solutions A New Approach to Blended Learning Demonstration

What is Blended Learning? Refers to the mixing of different learning environments, specifically different modes of delivery Typically combines traditional in-classroom learning with some form of computer based online learning Blended learning courses combine online and classroom learning activities and resources in an optimal way to improve student learning outcomes

What is Blended Learning? Classroom Learning | Web-based Learning | Webcasts | Video | Simulations | Mobile Learning | Podcasts | and more..

Advantages of Blended Learning 1.Allows learning to be extended from beyond the walls of the classroom and beyond the constraints of the “period” 2.The focus of the classroom shifts from a one- way presentational format to one of an active networked learning model 3.Courses are available anytime, accessible anywhere, and continue to be interactive online

Advantages of Blended Learning 4.Online learning can help students with different learning styles 5.Allows teachers to focus on more interactive in-class activities and push some of the “materials” online 6.Better prepares students for using online learning, as majority of higher ed schools use LMSs

Advantages of Blended Learning 7.Automation features save teachers time 8.Facilitates real-world group based knowledge work – working in groups, collaborating, and project based learning 9.Learning can continue even when students are not there 10.Parents can “see” learning in action

Perceived Challenges of Blended Learning Adding Online Learning is more work and time for faculty Tools are cumbersome and not user friendly Faculty need to be technically savvy Faculty concerned with not being able to repurpose existing content

Addressing the Challenges with Better Tools Clean, simple, design Modern technology User interfaces similar to the tools students in their personal life (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc) Improved usability for teachers and administrators

Advantages of Cloud Software Reduced TCO, allows institutions of any size to license a software solution at a low cost based on usage No upfront capital expenditure (expensive hardware, software, implementation, and installation costs are eliminated) Speed of implementation - be up and running in days. Eliminates long harware procurement, installation, configuration, and implementation process

Advantages of Cloud Software Allows understaffed IT teams to focus on innovation and projects that are core to your school's mission Continuous upgrades and maintenance. Software updates are frequent and automatic, with no additional cost. Allowing schools to avoid technology obsolescence. Accessible 24x7 from anywhere - Mac, PC, Mobile device

Advantages of Cloud Software Subscription based "Pay as you go" model - SaaS vendor’s interests are 100% aligned with yours. Instead of a huge upfront software purchase (where the vendor cashes their check and doesn’t care if you use the software), SaaS solutions are a monthly or annual subscription. If the software is performing as promised and providing value, you subscribe for another year -- if not, you cancel and take your data with you. Guaranteed "up time" via vendor Service Level Agreements.

A new approach to blended learning iPresent Online - Next generation “social” learning management system Simple, intuitive, and efficient for learners, teachers, and administrators (eliminates learning curve) Cost effective Can be used for a variety of learning settings Hosted entirely in the cloud

Traditional LMS Social Learning Group / Collaboration Software iPresent Online Web 2.0 Goodies

Uses Geared towards 9-12 and higher (student use) – Delivery of blended learning courses – Independent study or home bound students – Learning continues even when school is cancelled Professional development for faculty – Online, Hybrid, Face-to-Face – Makes PD more flexible and versatile – Eliminates scheduling/location issues – Can augment learning/training from a face-to-face workshop

Uses Group Collaboration Tool – Students teaching lessons Enables students to become “producers”, not just “consumers” “Teacher for a day” – Could be used by grade level teams, sports teams/clubs, departments, or administrative teams, as a repository for sample work, curriculum, documents

Features Course delivery/management Online assessments and surveys Student blogs and wikis Discussion Forums Group collaboration (course, projects, depts) Live chat rooms Content Management (pages, images, links) Video publishing Presentation sharing Reporting

iPresent Online Traditional LMS Formal Learning / System focused Course Based User Assessments User tracking/reporting Private registration/enrollment Course authoring Content Management Social Learning Informal Learning / User focused Social Network Integration (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) User Profiles User Messaging User generated content Blogs, Wikis, Pages, Presentations Group/Collaboration Software Community Learning / Group focused Groups Community generated content Discussion Forums Real-time Group Chat Blogs, Wikis, Pages, Presentations Web 2.0 Goodies Tags Comments RSS Video, Podcasts

Course Management

Reporting

Online Quizzes and Reporting

Blogs and Wikis

Class Discussions

Presentation sharing

Video Sharing

Demo Next generation Social Learning Management solution Recently released – designed for 9-12 educators Working in collaboration with Notre Dame Academy and Xaverian Brothers Online Courses, Student Blogs/Wikis, Presentations, Video, Groups, Discussions, Assignments, and more Manage students, track usage

Demo A tool for creating online content Easily create on-demand webcasts Synchronize slides with audio/video Playback on multiple devices and browsers Picks up where MS Producer left off Integrates seamlessly with iPresent Online

Thank you Mike Minihane - Notre Dame Academy Theresa Jay - Xaverian Brothers Carmen Ferrara, iPresent Communications | me or contact me via twitter for a free Presio license |