RSA: 5 Resource Based Learning

Resource Based Learning

http://www.ied.edu.hk/apfslt/download/v13_issue2_files/soching.pdf
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ876915.pdf

Resource Based Learning (RBL) is a form of teaching that lets the students make use of learning materials, usually in the school library and computer lab to take a self- directed approach to study.  RBL is not tied to any specific learning theory or pedagogy, so it is blended learning at its finest with flexible delivery.  The Journal of Computing in Teacher Education states: Online, resource-based learning environments are most likely to be effective when they are designed and utilized in ways consistent with the research on how people learn (2006). RBL would then be beneficial to all types of learners. Students are able to take a creative, self -directed approach to learning.   Online, resource-based learning environments hold tremendous potential for learning in both traditional and nontraditional settings while giving our students clearly identified goals they can synthesize, analyze, and evaluate in an interactive environment.  Although this seems to be the answer to our educational gaps in teaching and student learning there are limits.  Educators are finding this approach organic, but are cautious due to the overwhelming amount of information that is at their students’ fingertips.   So and Ching point out that “Unfortunately, there is no evidence that these resources are used both widely and wisely.  Resources are picked from the Internet haphazardly without much consideration of the appropriateness and how the resources should be used in coordination with the other components of the learning environments to promote pupil learning” (2007).  Resource based learning has to have clearly identified goals for our students.  They must know what we expect the outcome to be.

Resources:

Online resource-based learning environment: Case studies

in primary classrooms (2007) Winnie Wing Mui SO and Fiona Ngai Ying CHING

The Journal of Computing in Teacher Education (2006)

RSA #3 Inquiry Based Learning

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/832-use-of-mobile-technology-for-inquiry-based-learning

Bethany Nunley EDT6030

This week’s pedagogy was Inquiry Based Learning.  The main component of IBL is to ask questions and involve the students.  I like this Inquiry Based Learning because it builds upon a deeper learning while tying new and old concepts together.  Gone are the days of “rote” learning where the student is isolated and passive.  Today’s classrooms need to build upon prior knowledge while developing problem solving skills for tomorrow’s leaders.

One way to actively involve students and broaden their world is to utilize technology in the classroom.  Ed tech review states,

Inquiry Based Learning is the type of learning approach in which learners get in touch with authentic situations to explore and solve problems. Learners explore, investigate and observe and become more involved in social interactions and higher level thinking. In inquiries, learners develop a deeper understanding of the subject with positive participation, on-task behavior and rich collaboration.

Achieving this in our classroom is much easier with today’s technology.

Having personal devices makes students responsible for their own learning by designing their research projects from developing the question and methods to data collection and analysis to presenting their research (Ed Tech Review, 2014).  With one device students can collaborate, research, and create.  The world is at their fingertips and they are the ones guiding the lesson with no preconceived limitations on them.

Ed Tech Review 2014

RSA2: Cased Based Learning

http://www.p21.org/exemplar-program-case-studies/1301-case-study-franklin-elementary-school

http://www.edudemic.com/blended_learning_trends/

This week’s assignment was about Cased Based learning with the emphasis on effective blended learning The Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, located right here in Illinois, is a school who has taken this concept and ran with it!  They focus on real life situations while making the curriculum enjoyable and interesting.  That concept is the very heart of Case Based Learning.

     “Cased-based learning, including the MindQuestSM model for ELA and reading, has become a major avenue for Franklin students’ development of collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills”

Teachers are known as “teacher leaders” and help facilitate the students learning.  Gone are the days of chalk and talk where one size fits all in a classroom.  Mrs. Rodriguez, a teacher leader from BFES sums it up:

     “Even though it’s hard for [teachers] to let go sometimes and let kids problem solve and let projects evolve, it’s happening and it’s leading to critical thinking and students being really collaborative.”

     The next article concentrated on higher order thinking skills where students are required to look at information more critically rather than just trying to memorize what is presented to them in class (Edudemic, 2014).  It summarized top Blended Learning trends in this graphic:

While there are many options in today’s education system, it seems that to be effective the student needs a blend of online and face-to-face interaction to succeed. Cased Based learning is meant to be “enjoyable and interesting” where “taking responsibility is one of the main important things that students have to do”. Blended learning will allow our students ample opportunity to explore, create, problem solve, and learn.

Image source: edudemic.com