Distributed Learning

On the same thread as the last post I did thinking about how, when, and why teachers use technology in the classroom, it is important to think about distributed or blended learning. The recent Covid-19 pandemic taught us that there are challenges with online learning, but it also showed us some of the benefits it could have for teachers and students. The idea of blended learning comes down to taking the positives learned from online learning and combining them with the positives of face-to-face learning.

One of the main blended learning platforms we have seen grow in school divisions across Canada is the use of Google Classroom. It is a management tool for teachers that helps them keep teaching even if their students are unable to attend class. I have seen teachers post all their assignments, give feedback, and give lesson updates through Google Classroom and have experienced it from a student perspective with a University class this term.

The platform obviously comes with its own challenges and advantages. One of the main challenges we discussed previously is the privacy of student’s information (which Google upholds until the student is out of school) and the ethical dilemma of indoctrinating students into Google platforms. The benefits I have seen to using Google Classroom is that students are responsible for assignments and knowing what happened in class even if they were unable to attend. As a teacher, although there is time spent setting up all the documents and assignments, it is easier to get assignments from students. I have also witnessed where in class activities were aided by Google Classroom. Teacher could post links to websites to be used in an activity and students only needed to log in to find what they needed. The teacher was also able to individualize student content discretely this way.

I am personally conflicted over whether I will embrace Google Classroom. As someone who likes to organize things and prepare ahead of time, I see the benefits of using it; however, as someone who likes to hold/read/annotate physical copies of text, I can see myself printing off all student assignments (to the detriment of the environment, I know!). I also wonder about the pressure placed on students to complete work when they have been absent from class. I realize students need to be accountable for their learning, but to be expected to finish assignments and keep up with classwork constantly might be too much for some. I suppose that is why it is so important to know your students.