Planning Digital Learning For K12 Classroom
04/25/2015
Ravi is a grade VII student. Recently, his school got interactive whiteboards installed in the classroom. He was very excited about the Science class last Monday, which was the first class to use the smart-board. The teacher started the class by showing a series of pictures, which were a slightly better version of what were in the chapter. Then she showed a video of a teacher who was explaining what was written in the book. Class was over and Ravi was very disappointed. He was not sure what he was expecting, but he definitely expected something more.
The problem stated above is common. Technology is used without much thought about the delivery style or method.
Digital learning for K12 is both effective and efficient for the following reasons:
- Wider Reach
A larger number of students can access and benefit from the content and therefore have an opportunity to learn.
- Analytic Driven
Allows the system to gather, track and analyze the effectiveness of the learning content and the learning curve of the learner.
- Adaptability
The content can be reused and accessed by different learner groups who wish to learn at their own pace.
- Accessibility
Addresses the problem of making learning material available to all learners including those with disabilities.
However, it is important to understand the suitability of digital learning to a particular context. It is not advisable to attempt to digitize everything in the name of technology-aided learning.
A learning program needs to consider 3 things that impact learning:
- What is the desired outcome of the learning process? (Learning Objective)
- How should the teacher engage with the learner? (Instructional Method)
- What mechanisms should be used for effective engagement? (Delivery Method)
When planning digital learning, we need to ask the question: does the learning objective lend itself to a technology-aided delivery? If it does, what instructional methods are effective for the learners and instructors involved?
Learning Objectives
Any learning program aims to develop the following three types of skills:
- Cognitive skills
Cognitive skills involve conscious mental activities such as thinking, understanding and learning, remembering and applying methods in new situations to solve problems.
- Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills are skills that help an individual interact with others, individually and in groups, such as active listening, presenting, negotiating, etc.
- Psycho-motor skills
Psycho-motor skills relate to motor action directly proceeding from the mental activity, like throwing a ball, drawing, driving, etc.
Learning objectives are designed around these skills, in addition to the learning topic under consideration. A specific learning objective will require specific instructional and delivery method choices.
For instance, Lucy a science teacher would like to demonstrate the principle of centripetal force to grade V students. In order to be the teaching effective and helpful she should keep Learning Objective, Instructional Method and Delivery Method before designing the course.
Learning Objective: “Demonstrate the Principle of Centripetal Force”
Instructional Method: “Descriptive Method” which would aim at students to listen/read/observe and assimilate the concept.
Delivery Method: “Interactive Presentation” which aims at using text, images, audio, video/animations and practice (i.e. questions and feedback).
Instructional Methods
The design of an e-learning course for K12 involves using a combination of the following instructional methods:
- Descriptive Methods
Descriptive methods require learners to listen, read or observe. It emphasizes absorption of new information. Descriptive methods are comprised of presentations, case studies, worked examples and demonstrations. It facilitates the conceptual and factual knowledge acquisition, orientation, motivation, and attitudinal change.
- Applied Methods
Applied methods enable the learners to engage in practical, often hands-on activities. These can range from simple exercises to complex methods like simulation or research activities. Applied methods consist of demonstrations, job aids, case-based or scenario-based exercises, role-play, simulations and games, etc.
- Concerted Methods
Concerted methods focus on the social dimension of learning and engage learners in sharing knowledge and performing tasks in a collaborative way. They add a social dimension to the learning experience. It includes online-guided discussions, collaborative work and peer tutoring.
By Khalid Siddiqui