Teaching Spanish in a Blended Learning

FormatStephanie Lint-Pérez, Spanish Instructor

DeWitt High Schoollintpere@dewittschools.net

Did You Know?

http://youtu.be/YmwwrGV_aiE

What Are the Three Biggest Problems in Education Today?

Today’s Presentation Breakdown:

• What is and Why “blended learning”• Adapting a traditional model to a blended model• Expansion of Learning in the blended learning

format• Curriculum Model for Class• Online Course Management System• Strategies and effectiveness of blended learning• Challenges for implementing blended learning

Why Blended Learning?What exactly is Blended Learning?

What Blended Learning is: What Blended Learning is not:“Coaching” students A teacher “replacement”Dynamic way to deliver content A time saver for the teacherInnovative way to address student needs (schedules, learning styles, absences, struggling students)

100% computer time for students

A fundamental shift in teaching—it’s here!

A “buzz word”, a “phase” or a “fad”

“Blended Learning marries the best of a teacher with technology and plays to the strengths of the student.” (Krista –Michigan Virtual)

Adapting a Traditional Model to a Blended Model

• Units accompanied by • Unit Agenda• Unit Guidesheet

• Online activities• Interpretive Listening• Presentational Writing• Presentational Speaking• Interpretive Reading

Expanding Student Learning

Consider the Possibilities for the Content of Your Unit: 1. Decide the purpose of your unit2. What parts can be taught face-to-face? Outside of class?3. What parts can be delivered online?4. How can these be delivered online?5. What alternative assessment does this allow for? What

does this leave time for?

“Considering the Possibilities”: Example of Unit Planning for Blended Learning

Unit Title: “Let Me Introduce Myself” Purpose of Unit: To learn how to introduce oneself/others and exchange information

Concept/Content to be

TaughtFace-to-Face? Outside of

Class? How?Leaves time

for…(alternative assessment)

Concept/Content to be

TaughtFace-to-Face? Outside of

Class? How?Leaves time

for…(alternative assessment)

Greetings/Social Code X Video/Upload

Voice Role Play

SER/ESTAR X Video/Chat/Ppt.

Whole Class Interaction

Uses of Adjectives X

Video/Online Games/Websit

es

Pair work/Whole-

class activities

CLEAR’S Rich Internet Applications (RIA’s) www.clear.msu.edu

Online Course Management SystemOCMS

Moodle

http://dewitt.glk12.org/course/view.php?id=227

Understanding the Digital Generation

“We have old country traditions and assumptions about the world, and about teaching and learning. Because digital is not our native tongue, the thicker our accents,  the harder it is to be

understood by those we teach. --Krista, Michigan Virtual

Potential Problems with Blended Learning

• Differences between freshmen and upper-class students• Learning curves in adjusting to the new technology/format• Difficulty adjusting to the structure of online courses• Challenges with time management• Maintaining self-motivation• Time and cost for online course development• Perception—Community and Teaching Staff

Benefits of Blended Learning

• Blended learning will aim to have better learning outcomes than both purely online and purely face-to-face courses.

• Security of seeing instructor and classmates • Fostered sense of community and social interaction• Improved pedagogy—new applications often!• Learner-centered approach• Real-world application• Addressed diverse learning styles

The Benefits, continued

• Access to a world full of information• Allows/requires everyone to participate• Provides learners with greater control over the pace of learning and in some respects CHOICE• Students will develop independent learning skills• Increased information literacy• High levels of satisfaction

Challenges for You, the Instructor

• Self motivation—the teacher should be committed to this!• Front Loading• Sharing• Fear of technology• Lack of access to technology—digital divide—students vs. teachers• Learning curve• Demand on Information Technology• Getting faculty and student buy-in• Maintaining a quality training process—MY BLEND• Supporting instructors as they develop engaging courses

Leadership….Can You Be the Leader?

http://youtu.be/fW8amMCVAJQ

Questions ?Find this presentation at

www.lintperez.wikispaces.comStephanie Lint-Pérez, DeWitt High

Schoollintpere@dewittschools.net