Get students comfortable
The effectiveness of blended learning depends on how Lecturers integrate the two different learning modes into a cohesive whole that combines the best of face-to-face instruction and online learning. It is certain that lecturers and students face many challenges in terms of availability of data WIFI and tech devices. Despite these challenges it is important to not leave students behind and to get them comfortable around the use of technology. I have incorporated a few techniques that could assist you in creating a blended classroom approach incorporating technology despite challenges we face.
The first Step
The first step is try and log into Moodle in class daily. Show students how to log in and where to find your module. Make sure your interface is bright and lively with welcoming. It is important that whatever technology is used in blended learning that it makes the student’s user experience as simple as possible. Students often do not log into Moodle because they not confident and they feel overwhelmed.
In class Zoom Sessions
I have used for example, video conferencing which is highly interactive and provides a way for students to discuss concepts they are learning whether or not they can actually meet together in person. This can be facilitated by using the zoom in class. For example, in the Primary Health Care Modules calling in a health care practitioner and arranging a live zoom session that would allow the students to ask questions on a specific topic. This can be followed up by asking students to complete a 3 to 5-minute Monkey Survey from their cell phone devices. Do this as group work to create collaborative learning, where student might not all have cell phone devices.
Align workbooks and textbooks, class notes, to the work on the LMS. Get creative with posting pre-recorded lectures onto YOUTUBE. Play some of these in class and allow students to listen back to previous lessons. This is excellent for reinforcement of difficult concepts or topics and as Exam Revision.
A simple Scaffolding technique
A simple scaffolding technique I have used in my classes is to complete a Moodle quiz in class. The lecture logs into Moodle and reads the quiz questions. The students are given a few minutes to jot down the quiz answers on paper. By doing this you are getting students familiar with Moodle quiz and they would feel more comfortable to log in and complete follow up quizzes on their own on Moodle. Also, Lecturers can support students in developing their own quizzes.
Article by : Ms. T Damons (Lecturer Primary Health)
College of Cape Town Academic Innovations Blog 