I like to have content that is online and available for learners to access at any time. I encourage my learners to move ahead if they have the opportunity. This affords everyone several opportunities. For me as a teacher, I have a better understanding of where each student is in the curriculum. If they already know something, they are able to move past it faster. If they are struggling, it is more clearly shown because they tend to be behind. This allows me to focus my energies on where it is most needed at that time.
For my learners, they benefit as well. Clearly, they get more personalized attention as I pointed out previously. They also get the satisfaction of having a say in their learning. They have some control over the pace. They can also work when it is more convenient for them. I've had students work on things over the weekend and holiday so they could free up class time for other needs. Allowing for this acceleration also gives learners the opportunity to work on more challenging and rewarding projects. Gaining advanced skills leads to advanced work. There are things a teacher needs to think about when taking on content that is online and self-paced. Too often I see teachers who treat it like personal free time for themselves. The thinking is that the students are responsible for everything and they will take care of their learning. "I have already done my job by putting it online. It's up to the student to do the work now. I can sit back and relax." Nothing could be farther from the truth. After creating the content, comes the real work. Online curriculum does not replace teachers, it just changes the nature of their interactions with learners. Teachers have to be constantly monitoring students. Some students take to online content right away and do everything like it was planned. They go through all of the material making sure they have learned it. They work through each exercise and activity until it is done well. They stay on pace to get things done in a timely manner. These students tend to be the exception, not the rule. Before beginning a new online unit, it is advisable to work with the entire class together through the first part of the content. Do it just like you would in class if it wasn't online. Doing this helps set the expectations for what is to come. It also helps students get used to the formatting and conventions in this particular unit of study. Even if the same person makes all of the various courses you use, there will be differences in them. Help students learn how to navigate these differences. Use your formative assessments to gauge the progress of all of the learners. Your objective right now is to make sure 100% of your learners have mastered the first part of the unit before you "turn them loose". Be sure to set them up for success. After turning them loose, teachers need to constantly monitor progress. At least once a day check in with each student to make sure they are moving along timely. I have a spreadsheet that I use to quickly see where each learner is and the progress they are making. This also helps me assess their pace. Making sure learners move through the content at an appropriate pace is one thing. Making sure they are mastering the material as they go is another. Constant and timely feedback on the work they are doing, formative assessments, and one-on-one conversations are critical. I am at my busiest when my classes are doing these self-paced activities. Over time, the students learn how to self-monitor their learning. It doesn't happen overnight. It takes years for most of them. But the time is well spent. Before beginning a self paced lesson, teachers must still answer (in detail) those four critical questions:
Providing self-paced online content is a great way to differentiate and give students a voice in their learning. I think it is an important part of education and growing up. Done right, the benefits are astronomical and prepare every student for the life ahead of them after graduation.
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About me & this blogThis blog is for things related to my class, PL, coaching, or just teaching in general. You can follow me on Twitter @myakSTEM Archives
June 2021
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