Blended Learning

Self-Paced Learning in the Early Elementary Grades

By Allura Pfiester

https://www.edutopia.org/article/self-paced-learning-early-elementary-grades

This article is about the implementation of a more independent learning method for brief sections of time in early elementary classrooms. The method uses short, interactive lesson videos that students can use at their own pace, learning tracks to help students see their personal learning goals, modeling of independence and activity practices, and creates a more personal learning experience for each child. 

I chose this article because blending tech and online learning into a traditional classroom is becoming more and more prevalent in schools across the country. The ideas and practices in this article can be applied to my 1st grade classroom quite smoothly and I believe would highly benefit my students, especially after a routine for self-paced learning time is established and teacher modeling is successfully reaching students. I agree with the author's suggestion to keep the self-paced sessions short, 5-7 minutes, with early childhood students especially. The author suggests blending learning tools online with hands on learning activities, to be the most successful. 

The involvement of tech engages kids, teachers just need to be able to implement it safely and correctly into their classrooms in order for students to use it as a beneficial, educational tool and not just a mindless screen time session. Teaching students to engage and challenge themselves while learning with technology, then supporting that learning with hands on activities for young learners will blend the two worlds of education and develop needed skills for students in tech and creative thinking. 

Another resource to explore more about blended learning in classrooms is here in a short video:  https://www.edutopia.org/video/education-buzzwords-defined-what-blended-learning