Getting your head in the cloud

Find Someone who Professional Development2 reads a blog. knows what the acronym ICT stands for. uses YouTube. has a blog. knows what ‘embed’ means. knows how to embed. knows what a captcha is. Uses audio recording equipment with their learners. knows the difference between web 1.0 and web 2.0. knows what blended learning is. Information Communication Technology

Who are your trainers? Nikki FortovaShaun Wilden What do you know about us?

I have five or more friends who I met on the Net I check my first thing in the morning When going out in town I first check the web for suggestions / directions I share my digital photos online for friends and family to see I often download or buy music online I read at least five blogs a day I post comments on other people’s blogs I have my own blog that I update regularly I am a member of at least one social networking site I often chat with friends / colleagues via instant messaging software I often share amusing websites / videos with friends and colleagues I use my mobile phone primarily for texting

Why should we take learning out of the classroom? no longer constrained to a certain time and venue four walls no longer apply formal versus informal learning helps blur the line between reality and classroom aids differentiation social constructivist develops communities of practices allows for wider sharing of experiences allows better and easier sharing of knowledge promotes students autonomy helps remove the teacher role of source of knowledge helps engage students 4cs better than 3rs

Quiz 8 How many do you know?

What is Blended Learning? 9

What is blended learning Professional Development10 Blended learning is education that combines face- to-face classroom methods with computer- mediated activities.

Why use blended learning? 11 “When teachers begin to explore blended learning and the resources that can be found through the internet and other technologies, they can structure their classroom in a way that best suits their teaching style and their students’ learning styles. Blended learning allows “[teachers] and [their] students to have the best of both worlds.” (Alvarez, 2005)

Enough talking….let’s get started Professional Development12