Blended learning in the classroom Pete Sharma, English UK, Reading - March 2010
Teacher / Teacher trainer Manager / DoS Publisher / author Instructional designer / content developer Who are you?
Aims To update you on new developments in technology To explore Blended learning in context of UK classrooms To exchange practical teaching ideas
Blended learning in the classroom OVERVIEW 1) Background – four thoughts 2) Technology – what’s new? 3) Explore Blended learning 4) New pedagogies 5) Benefits and constraints
(1)Background – four thoughts (i) Computers have changed our lives as teachers forever Corpus linguistics Word frequency Course book authenticity Neologisms
((ii) “CALL is situation specific” ( Levy & Stockwell) Computer-aided language learning Solution in situation A has no impact on situation B Classrooms - online
((iii) New era Digital natives / digital immigrants (Prensky) Publishers no longer sole ‘owners’ Web 2.0: User-generated content /collaborative
( iv) Technology – driven world Innovators – early adapters - early majority Pedagogy playing ‘catch-up’ Pedagogy is crucial for language teaching
(2) Technology – what’s new?
Five areas of innovations: growth of….. M-Learning Digital materials delivered over a LMS / CMS Interactive whiteboards Web 2.0 tools E-book readers
Materials over LMS / CMS
IWB – 4 approaches
Digital blank canvas
Web 2.0 tools Nik Peachey
Kindle Sony E-book iPad E-book readers
(3.1) Definitions Combination of..... work + training (f2f) classroom + online pedagogical approaches [transmissive + constructivist / PPP + TBL] different technologies TASK 2
Real world + In world Natural – range of definitions
A practical definition Blended learning refers to a language course which combines a F2F (face-to-face) classroom component with an appropriate use of technology (Sharma / Barrett)
3.2 Dimensions - three Broad – “nothing new” Narrow – restrictive? Connotation + / - Cultural
3 approaches to e-learning Adjunct Mixed / hybrid Integrated
F2F Tech F2F Tech Dual track Integrated F2F Blended approaches – 3 terms
In the classroom Embedded
(3) Contexts: Presentation skills f2f Blended: CD-ROM Distance
Blended learning in action: Writing f2f Blended: wiki