Digital Learning and Academic Improvement

This week we've spent time discussing the barriers to change when it comes to digital learning. At the beginning of the week, I'd say I was 100% for digital integration in the educational environment. Now, I'd say I'm a bit more skeptical. I've found myself wondering over and over again how we are going to assess the standards when taking such a student-centered approach. Maybe the answer is to get rid of the standards. As one of my classmates pointed out: Why keep something that hasn't proven to be effective? While that assertion makes sense, I just worry about what the structure might look like. How do we know when students are behind? How do we know when it's time for them to move forward? What are we using as a basis of knowledge?

These questions have led me to reflect more deeply on the role of assessments in education. Traditional standardized testing has long been the dominant method of measuring student progress, but in a digital learning environment, alternative forms of assessment may be more appropriate. Competency-based assessments, portfolio evaluations, and project-based learning could provide a more holistic picture of student understanding. However, transitioning to these models would require a major shift in educational policy and teacher training.

I realized I was having a hard time fully grasping what blended learning is, so I decided to do a bit more research into the different styles of blended learning. I ran across the "flex model." In this model, students receive learning materials digitally and at their own pace. There are no set times for when learning happens, but objectives are set in advance for each learning experience (ViewSonic, 2021). Essentially, computers and digital resources are used as tools to make learning happen in the flex model. It eliminates time constraints but keeps the structure of clearly set objectives for successful learning. This approach intrigued me because it allows for personalized learning while maintaining a sense of accountability. However, it also made me wonder about students who may struggle with self-paced learning and what support systems would need to be in place for them to succeed.

I then ended up on blendedlearning.org, where I learned that there are actually seven blended learning models: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Individual Rotation, Flipped Classroom, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. After reading through the brief descriptions, the model that aligned most with my own teaching style was the Flipped Classroom, where students do online coursework at home and then engage in guided practice or projects during class time (PBS News Hour, 2013). This model allows for a more hands-on experience during class time and uses technology as a tool to still meet students' academic needs without struggling to fit it all into the school day.

The Flipped Classroom model particularly resonated with me because it balances digital learning with meaningful face-to-face interaction. I could envision how this method could be applied across different subjects, giving students the opportunity to explore foundational concepts on their own before coming to class ready for deeper discussion and application. It also addresses one of my initial concerns—ensuring that students are actively engaged and not just staring at screens for extended periods. By shifting passive learning to the home environment, class time can be utilized for collaborative projects, problem-solving, and hands-on activities that promote critical thinking.

I think before looking into these models, I was starting to imagine a world where students' eyes were glued to computer screens and they weren't spending time interacting with their peers or working in the world around them. I'm glad I was able to do some research to set my mind at ease. Blended learning, when implemented thoughtfully, does not mean replacing human interaction with technology; rather, it enhances learning by providing students with more flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for engagement. My exploration of these different models has not only deepened my understanding of digital learning but also reassured me that technology can be integrated into education in a way that supports, rather than hinders, meaningful learning experiences.

PBS NewsHour. (2013, December 11). What a 'flipped' classroom looks like [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_p63W_2F_4&t=1s

ViewSonic. (2021, March 4). The Flex model of blended learning explained. ViewSonic. https://www.viewsonic.com/library/education/the-flex-model-of-blended-learning-explained/