Online Learning - A Reflection
Online Learning can be adapted to many different learning environments by educators and learners. The Constructivist Learning Theory probably lends itself most to the online classroom. Learners are able to build on prior knowledge and experiences through numerous activities of all kinds. Online lessons can be presented as projects or challenges instead of multiple individual learning experiences. My online classroom is mix of a a constructivist classroom and a behaviorist classroom. Music performance has to have repetition. Playing an instrument is a trained behavior. As much as I hate it sometimes, this cannot be ignored. My goal as a teach is to give my learners constructivist activities that also allow them the chance to get their repetitions to train their bodies and mind in playing their instrument, but also stretch their creativity and connections to real world experiences.
My UbD plan lent itself well to a blended classroom. I cannot and would not want to teach an elementary music classroom 100% online. There are too many experiences that would be missed. So, I chose the recorder portion of my 4th grade recorder class to incorporate into the online portion of my course. The recorder is an fairly straight forward instrument to learn if it is practiced on a regular basis. I created my UbD and online course around this idea. If I could give my learners a safe, risk-free place to increase their knowledge, they will have a much better success rate. Learners are receiving instruction in almost EVERY one of the state standards outside of the classroom and inside of the classroom. Learners are able to take ownership of their learning outside of the classroom, and I am able to give them more musical experiences inside the classroom.
In our every changing world, technology can constantly be modified to meet every learner’s needs in a variety of ways. In designing an online classroom, educational needs can be met from anywhere in the world at any time. In a music classroom, the online classroom creates an at home learning environment where students can get support from both peers and educators as they work on music performance materials. In a traditional classroom setting, teachers share information with their learners and then the learners are left to practice and actually learn the material on their own. This is a daunting task for many young musicians and can often lead to disengagement and a total lack of success. An online class can help bridge the gaps between face-to-face sessions, allow learners to get remedial help, or even advance at a much faster rate if they choose. The online classroom allows all learners to take ownership in their learning.
Upon completion of this course, I understand that online learning can be adapted and used in many different educational settings, even elementary music. Creating an online course takes a lot of research, planning, gathering of materials, and frequent monitoring to be successful, but can have a tremendous impact on learner engagement and success. I am excited to implement my course with my learners. I know there will be areas that need to be adjusted along the way, but I really think my learners will excel with the ability to learn, work, and get help from home.
Resources
Bates, A.W. (2015) Teaching in a Digital Age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning (Chapters 1 & 2). Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/
LearningDctr. YouTube, YouTube, 17 June 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YOqgXjynd0.