Definitions of Blended Learning

This exercise provides you with the opportunity to examine the various definitions of blended learning, compare different examples of blended learning experiences, and explore a tool that can be used to help create a blended learning environment. Perform the following tasks:
 
Step 1: Review this week’s material.

Step 2: Prepare your document.

Using a word processing program like Word, prepare a document with a three-column table. In the first column, list the multiple definitions of blended learning. In the second column, provide at least one example of blended learning for each definition. You should have at least three definitions of blended learning. In the third column, explain your rationale for choosing that particular example to represent the definition it was paired to. 

After you have created your table, provide a summary as to when blended learning in most effective. For example, when and why would you use blended learning over face-to-face or online alone? Use a minimum of 3 scholarly resources and make sure to cite any sources used in your document.

Step 3: Explore a tool that could be used to create a Blended Learning Environment.

CourseSites is a great tool that can help you create a blended or fully online learning environment. In CourseSites you can deliver a robust course, including the ability to post announcements, have students interact through discussions, upload assignments, create quizzes, conduct grading and more.  

Create a CourseSites account at https://www.coursesites.com. It is free and all you need is a valid email address. Hang onto your login information, as you will be using CourseSites in Weeks Five and Six and throughout the Online Specialization Program. Once you have created an account, take some time to explore CourseSites. Be sure you complete the “Getting Started with Coursesites” training.

Next, you will evaluate CourseSites as a learning tool. Write a two-to three-page summary, identifying five functions/tools of CourseSites. For each tool, explain what it is, how it could be used to support a blended classroom, and any strengthens or weaknesses that may affect its use within that environment.

Definitions of Blended Learning

This exercise provides you with the opportunity to examine the various definitions of blended learning, compare different examples of blended learning experiences, and explore a tool that can be used to help create a blended learning environment. Perform the following tasks:
 
Step 1: Review this week’s material.

Step 2: Prepare your document.

Using a word processing program like Word, prepare a document with a three-column table. In the first column, list the multiple definitions of blended learning. In the second column, provide at least one example of blended learning for each definition. You should have at least three definitions of blended learning. In the third column, explain your rationale for choosing that particular example to represent the definition it was paired to. 

After you have created your table, provide a summary as to when blended learning in most effective. For example, when and why would you use blended learning over face-to-face or online alone? Use a minimum of 3 scholarly resources and make sure to cite any sources used in your document.

Step 3: Explore a tool that could be used to create a Blended Learning Environment.

CourseSites is a great tool that can help you create a blended or fully online learning environment. In CourseSites you can deliver a robust course, including the ability to post announcements, have students interact through discussions, upload assignments, create quizzes, conduct grading and more.  

Create a CourseSites account at https://www.coursesites.com. It is free and all you need is a valid email address. Hang onto your login information, as you will be using CourseSites in Weeks Five and Six and throughout the Online Specialization Program. Once you have created an account, take some time to explore CourseSites. Be sure you complete the “Getting Started with Coursesites” training.

Next, you will evaluate CourseSites as a learning tool. Write a two-to three-page summary, identifying five functions/tools of CourseSites. For each tool, explain what it is, how it could be used to support a blended classroom, and any strengthens or weaknesses that may affect its use within that environment.

ASSIGNMENT 08

E01 Careers in Early Childhood Education

Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double‐spaced pages; refer to the “Format Requirementsʺ page for specific format requirements.

Part A

Using the major objectives identified in one of the four curricula discussed in Lesson 5 (HighScope, Creative Curriculum, Core Knowledge, or Tools of the Mind), create a short learning opportunity for a 5-year-old child in the kindergarten class that you teach.

• Begin by identifying three objectives that you      might use for instruction. 
• Once you have determined your objectives,      determine what adaptations to the curriculum and to the environment you      might make in order to reach these objectives. 
• Next, write a plan of what special learning      opportunities will prompt the child to explore and discover new ideas and      that support reaching the three objectives chosen.

Part B

As a teacher, think about how technology could be used to help children in a preschool class understand the following three concepts: Understanding Change, Cause-and-Effect Relationships, and the Idea of a System (that a whole is composed of related parts that affect each other).

• Choose one of the three concepts, and develop a      sequence of three lessons that focus on the concept you have chosen. 
• Describe each of the three lessons. Make sure      to incorporate the questions below by including your answers to each when      describing the three lessons. 

o How will you intentionally plan for student learning? 

o What activities will children engage in? 

o What materials will be used? 

o How will you know if your students understand the key concepts?

Part C

Imagine that you are a teacher’s aide in a classroom of 2nd-grade children (7- to 8-year-olds). In each of the following situations, describe the following.

1. The emotions the children involved might be      experiencing
2. How you would use the strategies presented in      the textbook to help the children become more aware of their own feelings      and the feelings of others
3. How you would help them cope effectively with      the situation

• Manual and Damien are playing in the sandbox.      Manuel wants Damien’s shovel, so he takes it. Damien begins to cry, but      Manuel continues to play, unaffected. Damien comes running to you, saying,      “He took my shovel!” 
• Latoya has been standing watching the others      climbing the rock wall. It seems as if she’d like to join in, yet makes no      move to do so. 
• Tommy has a dilemma. He was just invited to a      movie with Chuck, but his best friend, Mohammad, has not been asked to      come and asks him to spend the night on the same date.

Part D

Ethics is one of the most fundamental qualities of a competent early childhood educator. Individuals have their own personal views about what they think is right or wrong and how they should behave. Examine the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct (http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf) and create a concept web identifying the core values, ideals, and principles of an educator, in your own words. Include your personal views. (Refer to page 325 in your textbook for an example of a concept web.)

Grading Rubric

Please refer to the rubric on the next page for the grading criteria for this assignment.