Module 4: Flexible Learning Environment with no limit on attendance.
As long as you are willing
to learn, you can engage in an area of discipline and
Distance learning is a form of learning without a face- learn. It allows interconnectedness among peoples in
to-face contact with the teacher and delivered via the world to discuss and share recent developments in
telecommunications. their common field of interest.
Lesson 1: Online Distance Education and EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association with the mission
Communities of Learners is to advance higher education through the use of
information technology. The link herein provides a
Flexible Learning Environment
succinct video explaining about MOOCs. (Please view
-Learning nowadays is viewed differently. URL: https://library.educause. Edu/topics/teaching-and-
learning/massive-open-online-course-mooc.)
-Every chance or corner becomes a learning space. It is
clear that learning takes place anywhere and this adds Synchronous and Asynchronous
to the concept of flexibility in the learning
In the flexible learning mode, the activities can be
environment. With technology, students can possibly
done in two ways: (1) synchronous and (2)
continue to join class sessions even if they are not
asynchronous.
physically around. The learning space becomes virtual
or mediated. The library is not only a physical structure An online chat at real time is a Synchronous session.
where they can read published books but has also Course participants meet in a virtual classroom and
become virtual. discuss a topic in the lesson. So wherever they are
situated in the world, they agree on a scheduled
Online Distance Learning
session and log in to join the live class. The LMS has
-Online distance learning is not a new concept. Some this feature. The teacher called as the online tutor
schools, higher education institutions in the country, facilitates the discussion. Ideas are posted in an actual
and educational agencies such as the Southeast Asian live class. One cannot lecture and take all the time in
Ministers of Education Innovations in Educational explaining. In this mode, the course participants are
Technology (SEAMEO- INNOTECH) provide this mode of made to be engaged in the flow of discussion that is
learning. It allows flexibility in learning to a certain why, the online tutor has to plan out the instruction
extent. guide in facilitating the discourse.
The Different Platforms Another important feature is the Asynchronous
session. This is when questions or tasks are posted and
Moodle course participants answer the question or post their
reply at any time most convenient to them. They can
Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder and
still participate in the discussion by replying to the
CEO of Moodle MOODLE stands for Modular Object
post. One advantage is that you can take your time
Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment which is an
when replying. The LMS mentioned In this lesson has a
open source software. It is a Learning Management
feature that can allow an asynchronous session.
System (LMS) that supports teaching and learning.
Google Classroom and Edmodo
Blended Learning
Google Classroom is a free service for teachers and
students. It is an [MD. Platform that is accessible Another way of handling flexible learning is by
google account. You can create classes and perform combining modalities of instructional delivery. Blended
your roles and functions as a facilitator of learning. In learning is a combination of a learning activities
2008, edmodo was created by Borg, Jeff O’Hara, and wherein a part of the lesson is delivered online while
Crystal Hutter the other part is handled in actual physical setting of a
classroom.
Schoology
Kinds of Blended Learning
Schoology is another LMS founded in 2009 by Jeremy
Friedman, Ryan Hwang, Tim Trinidad and Bill Kindler. 1. Model 1: Face-to-Face Driver
You can actually create your own online distance 2. Model 2: Rotation
education learning system using any of these 3. Model 3: Flex
platforms. 4. Model 4: Online Lab
5. Model 5: Self-Blend
MOOCS
6. Model of Online Driver
Another recent modality to learning is the Massive
Open Online Course (MOOC). It is a model for
Online Communities of Learning / Social
delivering learning content online to any person who
Networking
wants to take a course. It allows one to pursue learning
even outside of university or higher education formal -When we consider online networking, internet users
structure. Those who are working can enrol in MOOCS immediately refer to Facebook.
What is Networking controversial. Topping these risks is also the danger of
users getting hooked on internet and may learn to
When productive relationships are cultivated, ignore the real world.
networking works best. A network is defined as that
group of individuals who communicates and connects
on a regular basis. If an individual has a personal
network of people, one can tap on the potential
contacts for social, educational or professional
purposes.
Social Networking Platforms
Safeguarding Oneself when Engaging in Social
-Different ways to communicate with friends can be
Networking Sites
through the internet or mobile devices. One can have a
personal page where a profile can be build in a social 1. A social networking account has passwords and
networking site. Through this site, one can contact log-in details. Secure passwords and keep
friends or share resources and interests. them private.
Communication through a chat format can either be 2. Log out every time you use public computers.
one on-one or in a group. 3. Regularly check privacy settings of social
networking websites so that only direct friends
There are varied platforms available where one can
or those particularly known can see the posts.
create a personal account. Some of these popular
4. Online posts are saved and may become a
social networking sites include Facebook, MySpace,
permanent part of their online reputation. As
Twitter, Flicker, Youtube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tumblr,
you use the internet, you leave a digital
Pinterest and Bebo.
footprint which can be traced back to you.
5. Do not accept invites from contacts unless you
know them personally or you are sure of their
The Benefits of Using Social Networking Sites identity.
6. Seriously consider the effect of possible posts
Using social networking websites opens an array of on others before deciding to do so. If posts (i.e.
benefits for users. The world has become a global text, picture, video) could be considered
village through connectivity. offensive or humiliating another person, then
you refrain from posting or uploading it.
A major advantage of social networking websites is
7. Using appropriate language is essential. The
that they provide information. News and views of
tone when communicating or sending social
others around the world can be easily accessed
networking messages should be respectful.
instantly at one’s fingertips. It easily allows one to
8. Better be safe than sorry. You should accept
transmit information or update contacts on what one
friends and connections when you are sure of
thinks or how now feels.
the person’s identity. Personally meeting
Social networking websites can support learning or someone you only met online is discouraged.
augment educational activities. Young learners are Even if the sincerity of having a personal
well-acquainted with social networking sites and regard meeting looks convincing, it would be better if
them as just a part of the day-to-day activities and you will be accompanied.
school-related discussions Even after school period, 9. When there is an indication of harassment or
learners can continually connect as they collaborate to abuse, it is advised that you report this by
accomplish a task or homework using a social clicking the report button of abuse. It is better
networking website. Announcements on assignments still to talk to friends or trusted adults about
or instructions for the upcoming work can be the case.
conveniently delivered to concerned individuals 10. Bullying takes place even in social networking
through the social networking sites. websites. Cyberbullying uses the site's
messages, updates, and other functions to
harass, intimidate, humiliate, taunt, or pick on
the individual. When this happens, you can do
The Dangers of Using Social Networking Sites
the following actions:
One major risk is making friends with strangers who A. Ignore the behavior by not responding
may actually be a predator or a cyberbully. No one at all;
initially recognizes the true nature of an acquaintance b. block the person;
or one who seemingly poses as a friend. Sometimes, a c. click the report button of abuse; or
youngster gets bullied by others who may not even be d. talk to a trustworthy adult about it.
connected as friends in a social networking website.
There are also trolls who actually instigate conflict, Connecting with friends and having an active
misunderstanding or emotional response by eliciting life on social networking websites have its
anger or ill feelings from other users through social rewards. However, when one is not taking
media. They post messages that are inflammatory or precautionary steps, there is also imminent
danger. It is more beneficial if you understand
both its potential and its pitfalls. When used
properly and in the right measure, it can bring
more benefits: Only then can social networking
sites lead to one’s growth and ensure a
productive social life.
