The Winter of Our Discount Tent
Berdron’s Weblog For ICT 07:598

Blended Learning Podcast

blender.jpgI put together some thoughts and ideas related to blended learning. I made a podcast of these thoughts, all the while keeping my mathematics class in mind. Give a listen and tell me what you think. Blended Learning Podcast


4 Responses to “Blended Learning Podcast”

  1. I just had a listen in on your Podcast… Giving the students the opportunity to work ahead, or the ability to access course content while away should alleviate some of the pressures contained within that of our fast paced, high end courses.

    To me, and I think that you would agree, this is (too a certain extent) a new look, new approach to Differentiated Instruction. At present, we have within our school some who refuse to “DI” for any reason whatsoever. I think this type of teacher does not truly understand the true inner workings or dynamics behind the philosophy of Differentiated Instruction. The usual comment is: “I don’t dumb it down”! “I’m at this level and the child/student either meets me there or too bad, so sad”.

    My thought to this type of attitude is that I have to “Dumb Myself Down” all in an effort to hopefully understand this form idiot illogic I’m beginning to run into all too often these days.

    Dana Mader - November 11, 2007 at 7:19 pm

  2. I listened to your podcast. I, too, think that blended learning has a component of differentiating instruction to it. In addition, I believe that the differentiation of instruction isn’t always providing an alternative / extended learning mode for those students that struggle with the mainstream but, also, an alternative / extended learning mode for those who are at a risk of stagnating (or feeling as if they were) with the mainstream. The ownership of learning is a positive step at any site on the spectrum. Really enjoyed your podcast comments!

    2aperuse - November 12, 2007 at 10:54 am

  3. Thanks for this Brian,
    I am going to pass on the link to my high school daughter who is taking PreCalc fight now.
    I think your intended application of blended learning is right on. Technology will never replace good teaching but it lets us concentrate on the most important task of teaching, that is, creating self-sustaining learners.
    We know that students learn at different rates and but we expose them all to the same sequencing and timing. With the method you suggest, students can teach themselves if they are able.
    We know that they are able, watch them teach themselves the newest computer game.
    When they run into something where they need face to face support, your time is spend reinforcing the concepts of interest or directing them towards a more successful way to teach themselves.
    In this scenario the teacher can concentrate on process rather than content.
    I love it!

    glen - November 12, 2007 at 11:53 am

  4. Excellent idea Brian. I have several students in Grade 11 precal here at RDPC and I will pass on the information to the teachers and students. This surely is differentiated instruction.

    theburntone - November 14, 2007 at 10:14 pm


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