The article is mainly about blended learning or,
“The blended learning model—the combination of online
learning and brick-and-mortar schooling” (Hom, 59). The main ideas that are
presented in this article are that there are three main trends that develop
within schools that have blended learning. The article talks about a study that
tracks schools over five years with this learning approach. They found that schools
with blended learning environments continue to adopt station rotation. “Station
rotation is particularly popular among elementary schools because it’s basic
structure fits naturally into many traditional elementary classrooms” (Hom,
60). They also found that schools explore ways to unlock flexible pacing. This
means that “Educators are also starting to look for elbow room around pacing
and flexibility within their rotation models by freeing students and teachers
from stringent time-based practices” (Hom, 61). The last of three three trends
presented are that high schools disrupt traditional structures with this model.
“At the high school level, given that older students have different development
and instructional needs and teachers are more focused on teaching specific
subjects and courses, we see different blended learning models thrive” (Hom,
62). Essentially the topic that is covered is that blended learning
environments, encompassing many different styles of models such as Enriched
Virtual Model, Flex Model, A La Carte Model, or the Rotation Model will help
students better learn because the learning styles are appealing to many
different kinds of learners.
I think that in my profession it’s very easy to encompass
blended learning. I work with first-generation, low-income, and at-risk high
school students. A lot of these students are challenged by typical learning
styles, the brick and mortar style of learning doesn’t cover it any more. With
students learning in a completely different manner, educational systems need to
keep up. “The educational foundations of our society that once made America the
center of innovation and created the American middle class are presently being
eroded by a rising tide of misguided reforms that threatens our very future as
a Nation and a people” (Zhao, 2015). Students are learning differently,
thinking differently, and utilizing technology to learn in ways never offered
before. My chosen article offers insights on multiple models of learning and
when utilizing all, could engage a multitude of learners. Another possible
website to check out that I stumbled upon while looking through articles was, “Hunt,
M. W. (2013). [APP]ETITE for instruction: 21st-century learners in a video and
audio production classroom. Techniques, (8), 36.) This article also goes over
21st-Century learners and how they interact with their learnings and
education.
For my ePortfolio, I have used a Blogger website
through my Gmail account. I have found that it is the most beneficial website
for blogging, and it has a user-friendly interface. In the past, I also created
a blog that assists in documenting my journey in becoming an educator. It’s the
perfect fit.
Databases
Searched: Ashford University Library Database
References:
Horn, M. B.,
& Fisher, J. F. (2017). New Faces of Blended Learning. Educational
Leadership, 74(6), 59-63.
Zhao, Y. (2015).
A World at Risk: An Imperative for a Paradigm Shift to Cultivate 21st Century
Learners. Society, (2), 129. doi:10.1007/s12115-015-9872-8
