Blended Learning Blog: August 2020

Frau Finley

Greetings!

I am a secondary German Language teacher and World Language Department chair at South Lakes High School. I am an experienced IB (International Baccalaureate) program instructor teaching courses at the MYP (Middle Year Program) and DP (Diploma Program) levels. 2018-2019 I piloted virtual German instruction for students in FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools). Instruction given both asynchronously and synchronously. Pilot approved with 5 FCPS schools participating in virtual German 2019-2020. I am continuing my professional studies at George Mason University (GMU); masters in Curriculum and Instruction with focus on Design for Digital Learning. My experience in the software industry has enhanced the integration and implementation of new software and technology in the classroom. As a member of the SLHS distance learning support team, I provide support for accessing, understanding and implementing new technologies to colleagues. As an educator I am committed to designing and implementing engaging lessons with a focus on digital literacy, in order to provide learners the skills needed in the 21st Century. Portrait of a Graduate (POG)

Cheryl Finley

Outside of the classroom life is focused on family. As a mother of 3 daughters, 2 of which are identical twins, life is an adventure. Germany has been a part of that adventure from my days living in Germany to teaching German to making family connections in Germany. As a member of the Finley family, the traditional family beach trip provides us time to connect with family in 5 different states each year. On the other side of the United States, in my home state of Montana we find balance in a vastly different environment. Enjoyment of the outdoors, fresh air, mountains and lakes in addition to a slower pace of life with family and friends. The traditions held by each of our families have shaped much of our family culture and supported our focus on family time.

With the arrival of Covid 19 everything took an unanticipated change. With 5 family members working from home and all online at various times it was necessary to set parameters and redefine our spaces. The transition was relatively smooth and led to some positive outcomes. It took us back to the days when our girls were younger - playing games, watching old family movies and having open conversations. Our new tradition became weekly Theme Nights from sports night to mobsters to pictured USA theme night.

FUN FABULOUS FAMILY FINLEY

Germany Beach Montana Covid Theme Nights

COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL for moving forward.

Week 2 - What is the Online Learning Movement?

What is the online learning movement?

Week 2

EDIT 760

Many would consider the focus on online learning to be something brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. Although our current learning environment does require a shift to distance learning for the upcoming school year, digital learning has been developing and evolving over the past 10 plus years. The shift to digital learning has been steady and is becoming the new normal for education. South Lakes High School has been on the front end of this movement. For the past two years digital/online instruction has been used to provide access to German language learners at other schools in Fairfax County Public Schools. FCPS has an established online curriculum program, from language courses to summer school to the required personal finance course. In the state of Virginia all students are required to take at a minimum one online course in order to graduate.

Although I have been involved in digital/online learning for several years, the question of digital native or digital immigrant has been a question that I still consider on a regular basis. In the video “Do digital natives exist?” the claim is made that digital natives are not necessarily defined as a generation, rather as a portion of our population. I would argue that digital natives do define some generations, such as millennials. However, I don’t believe the term “digital native” is restricted to generations. Although certain age groups have grown up with the use of digital resources, it does not necessarily mean that they are experts. As we see the move to digital/online learning as the new normal perhaps one should consider discarding the term “Digital Native” and replacing it with “Digital Proficiency”.

Many of the articles addressed pros and cons of online/digital learning. The student perspective (video), however, provided an interesting point of view to online learning. Most of the students interviewed had opted to take additional courses or courses not offered at their schools. Much of their feedback represented what we as educators tend to see and expect: improved self-motivation, self-paced, technology improves opportunities for collaboration, organization and building communication skills. One perspective not represented, was that of the student who may need additional supports and interventions. Lorne Bird, “How online learning helps students pursue their passions”, presents the reader with similar reasons to support the use of digital/online learning. Bird does, however, discuss ways in which online/digital learning supports flexibility, pace of learning and differentiation to support all learners.

The online learning movement is more than a solution to the Covid 19 pandemic. Online/digital learning has been the evolving path of modern education. As we venture down this path, we face many unknowns with a reliance on trial and error. Although trial and error are necessary, there are many tried and tested resources available to educators. The collaboration and communication between professionals does support the growth and development of digital learning.

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