The impact of the global pandemic and transition to remote/hybrid learning has been staggering. According to a teacher survey conducted by EdWeek, student absences have doubled during the pandemic. Participating educators reported that an average of five percent of their students were absent on a typical day before the pandemic. Currently, that average has increased to 10 percent. That means twice as many students are absent on a typical day compared with pre-pandemic circumstances.
Today we are finding our lifeboats to be virtual meetings that keep us afloat, upon a technology tsunami, one that has demonstrated already its disruptive potential. Man and tech-enabled virtual systems have melded. Artificial intelligence is real. Virtual communities feel– and can be– authentic. We are navigating a near-boundless ocean of information that enriches our lives, and in return, we have grabbed the reins of invisible machines that decrypt our every tug and keystroke.
We have seen that to increase student engagement, “blended learning” is an invaluable tool. Blended learning is the combination of active, engaged learning online combined with active, engaged learning offline to provide students with more control over the time, place, pace, and path of their learning.
This adaptation of Staker and Horn’s (2012) often cited definition is rooted in constructivist principles emphasizing the student’s role as an active participant in the learning process. Ultimately, the goal of blended learning is this fundamental shift in control from teacher to learner. Here are some tips to facilitate the best experience for your OnZoom event – and as your authorized host, MintyWorks can make it all happen. The first five tips are from www.CoolCatTeacher.com:
Blended Learning Tip #1: Use Videos To Supplement Face-to-Face Instruction
Blended Learning Tip #2: Select a Flexible Learning Management System
Blended Learning Tip #3: Consistently Layout the Screen
Blended Learning Tip #4: Create 2-Way Communications with Your Students
Blended Learning Tip #5: Promote Student Professionalism
And here’s our own, Tip #6, based on experience: Break up your class presentation by stopping for a quick activity, such as responding to a question in chat, completing a sentence, or completing another task like polling, etc. Need an example? Check out our full Zoom career education course presented to students from districts across North America:
We hope this has helped, and look forward to hearing from you for any virtual presentation needs, from Pro PowerPoint productions, to video and staging!
