From Planning to Implementation

Learning Management System​

Our district uses Schoology as our learning management system. As a second-grade teacher, my students usually come to me without ever using the platform before. I need to keep in mind ways to explicitly teach my young learners how to navigate the platform before using it to access their learning tools. Some teachers in the younger grades use Google Classroom since it seems more minimal. However, the upper grades heavily use Schoology, so I like to be able to provide foundational skills in helping our students navigate a platform they will continue to use throughout their educational career.

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Start Here Module

At the beginning of the year, I plan to model to my students  working in Schoology by allowing them to slowly explore the different tools and courses with me. The purpose of my "Start Here" module will be to have a folder already set up for them to learn how to access. In this folder, they will understand the organizational features of the platform. Their parents will also have access to their Schoology account and will be able to reference the course goals, activities, and outcomes from this folder alongside their children. This section will also house general tutorials and an FAQ discussion board where students can ask questions and receive help even while the teacher may be unavailable. The FAQ discussion board will also be a great opportunity for students to take control of their learning while being able to help one another as well.

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Modules 1 and 2

My brain tends to take things and create a procedure out of them. I plan on creating modules 1 and 2 in a way where they can be a template for me to use for the following modules. My vision is to provide some resources to build foundational knowledge, then create ways for my students to practice their skills with immediate feedback, and then allow them opportunities to demonstrate their learning in a way that is meaningful to them. Subsequent modules will follow this pattern. By using my first two modules as a model, I will be creating consistency throughout my digital learning plan. The easier my modules are to navigate, the easier it is for my learners to focus on the content of their learning (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2017).

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Media to Support and Enhance Learning

I have reflected on how learners have changed so much over the years. Our young children are living in an age where they have access to so many digital mediums. Children are constantly watching YouTube videos created by content designers, playing video games, and getting things instantly which creates a continual need for maximum engagement and instant gratification. To help engage learners, I plan on using EdPuzzle which is a digital platform where you can turn any video into an interactive quiz. This will provide rich visual media as well as spoken media while also assessing learning throughout the video with immediate feedback. This is important to keep in mind since research shows us that words and graphics help us achieve deeper learning (UNMC E-Learning, 2015). This is the main way I will present lectures to my young learners. By integrating media and technology, teachers like me can introduce main concepts (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2017).  Another digital tool I prefer is Quizizz. Students are able to experience their learning in a gamified environment. Not only will students be engaged by playing in various competitions against their peers, they will also receive immediate feedback which is essential for effective learning (Bates, 2019).

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Cognitive Overload

Cognitive overload occurs when learners are presented with more information than they can process (TEDx Talks, 2014). I will be sure to scaffold my learner's presentation of knowledge in a way that is digestible for their young minds. Making sure to use videos and activities that are the appropriate length of time will also be important to consider.

 

Experiential Learning

The course I am planning will include experiential learning through book clubs and activities that encourage collaboration and real-life applications of the plot elements being studied. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their learning in meaningful contexts, enhancing retention and understanding.

 

Collaboration vs Independence

Although my current team plans collaboratively, we all tailor our plans to meet the individual needs of our students. My journey through designing an online course will be similar in that I will still be able to collaborate with my peers on exploring digital learning tools and finding appropriate content, but I will choose the skills and activities that best help support the growth of my learners.