Journal 9: How to do more with less.

Page Liz. , Sheehan Tracy, , & Worrell Colleen, (2012). How to do more with less. Learning and Leading, 39(6), 18-23. Retrieved from: http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20120304?pg=40&pm=2&fs=1#pg20

 Educators across the nation are finding innovative ways to keep students engaged in learning despite of budget cuts and limited resources. The article discusses two types of online learning strategies, blended teaching and flipped classroom instruction. Blended teaching refers to mixing both traditional classroom instruction with online tools. Some blending teaching strategies include: online assessments, posting teaching resources online for students to review at home, homework help through online chat and online collaborative assignments. The second strategy is called the flipped classroom instruction. This type of instruction asks students to review the lesson before coming to class instead of doing homework. This allows students and teachers to actively engage with each other and apply what they learned to real world problems, class discussions, or lab work. This also allows teachers to give individualized attention and answer questions students may have. The article also provide additional information about free online tools that are accessible to students and teachers.


 Q1: Is there something wrong with traditional teaching method through textbooks and whiteboards?

 A: Absolutely not! Web tools are designed to enhance teaching and learning experience for teachers and students. Through the blending technique, and utilizing both text/digital resources allows students to learn though a variety of ways. Learning by actively engaging in blogs, online forums, and podcasts goes beyond what a textbook can provide.

 Q2: Are their alternatives for those who don't have access to internet or a computer at home?

 A: It is important for every educator to make sure that every lesson plan is accessible to all students. For example, if we create an online assignment for students, we also have to create the same assignment that does not require online access. Again, almost every home has internet access or public access such as local libraries and schools.