What are your experiences and perceptions related to your own use of blended learning and/or technology integration in your professional context? What challenges and opportunities have you experienced?

After last weeks class discussions, I realized that I integrate a blended learning experience into my classroom practices more often than I knew. When thinking about blended learning, I previously thought that it was just a mix between doing things asynchronously, face to face and synchronously. I thought about it more in the context of an online university, not in an elementary school classroom. I found the Bates chapter titled The continuum of technology-based learning very helpful. Specifically the diagram that shows the continuum.

Something that sparked an aha moment was the realization that blended learning can happen within a school environment. It does not need to be done at home and using tech. Some ways that I have included blended learning into my own teaching practices are through the use of Google Classroom, YouTube tutorials, online learning games, Canva, etc.

The challenges I have experienced are:

-technology not working (internet being slow, a site being down etc.)

-taking on the role of “Chromebook Cop”

-students rushing through creating on technology

-students using AI to complete assignments

The opportunities I have experienced are:

-students learning how to use technology on their own

-students taking on leadership roles because of their knowledge of tech (ex. making school posters using Canva)

-engaging in lifelong learning because new tech is always coming out

-higher student engagement

-assessment is fast and easy (sometimes)