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After the last two weeks of this course I have fallen even more in love with online learning. I have been a fan of online learning since I myself do better as an online learner. I really enjoy reading about how online learning is being used not only at the high school level but middle and elementary schools. Blended learning was a new term for my but I really like the concept of students being able to have the best of both worlds. As teachers we always look for ways to reach our students and some students are just better at using technology and learning through technology. I have already used blended learning with my students this year. I recorded me teaching a math lesson of how to subtract three digit numbers with regrouping. Students are able to watch the video whenever they feel that they need a refresher, they can also view the video at home. The biggest surprise to me though is the statics of how blended and online learning has improved students skills. I hope that moving forward Baltimore County inputs some of the blended learning opportunities to students more.

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I never really expected online learning to be as inclusive or as adaptive as I currently see it to be. Prior to this class I expected online learning to be used for more fringe communities as a data set aimed at getting more companies into the classroom. I enjoy that there are programs available to aid student learn and predict where students will have trouble. I can only hope that with added time, these technologies become more accessible to all schools. The biggest issue I have with online learning is the accessibility of the programs and the ability of all students to master the work. It is evident from the adaptations and readings we've encountered that the materials available for students can help the learn. I just hope that we have more opportunities for everyone to get this in the future.

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Sometimes it is the most obvious answers that do not evidence themselves until they hit you in the face. The greatest realization I have come to appreciate was after this most recent assignment in that the blended/online/hybrid learning applications are not to replace the typical school day for all. This sounds very narrow-minded as my focus is on the traditional classroom, of course. I have the luxury of teaching at a pretty good school with a traditional system in place and only a few anomalies (self-contained, excessive medical absences, etc.). A light went off as I realized a traditional schedule does not necessarily work for everyone...so, change the schedule, right? Consider all of the constraints that have arbitrarily been put in place for a traditional classroom- from physical space to scheduling- now, make them dynamic rather than static. Let's see what happens. Sounds easy, but as I said at the beginning, the obvious answers are sometimes the last ones to stumble upon.

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After completing the first two modules I have been more aware of the benefits of online teaching. Although I have been aware of programs like iReady and Dreambox, I was not aware of how beneficial Adaptive Online Programs could be. This has encouraged me to take advantage of these programs by having the students get on it everyday since it provides unique lessons for students based on their needs. I am inspired and looking forward to making learning more personalized by providing more online learning.

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After completing the first few modules, I've thought a lot more about incorporating online teaching into my classroom to help personalize my student's learning. I have two completely opposite level classes of 4th grade math, and I can see how it would be helpful to both. I've already had thoughts of doing a video of long-division to post for some of my struggling students. I've also thought, though, of posting long division with 2-digit divisors for my advanced kids. I know that I reach them in small group, but I think the extra online help would be even more beneficial for them. I had a pre-existing notion of challenges to online teaching, but I can see how the extra work would pay off. Before, I honestly couldn't even imagine incorporating online teaching into my classroom at all.

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After completing the first two modules I have a new outlook on what online learning should look like. In college I took online classes in the summer but never felt that I was learning as much as I would have in a brick and mortar classroom. Now that I have completed the first two modules I am realizing how effective online teaching can be when it is set up correctly. With the first two modules we read like we would for a normal class, posted our response that was directly related to the materials, shared our opinions on others and took a quiz. This same description could be given about a face to face class. I think the multiple modes of communication we use during the modules helps to create more involvement that stimulates a face to face class. I previously thought that online teaching and learning was not an effective way to take a class, however I think with the right layout it can be more effective than a traditional model.

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The first two modules have really opened my mind to online learning. I am always willing to try new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom, but have never really relied on the technology to teach the students. The first module on Blended Learning helped me see how many different methods there are to incorporate technology and allow it to take the role of teaching. I also like the idea that students will be taught time management and self-discipline when participating in online learning. One of the 7th grade teachers at my school uses a flipped classroom model which has always been an interest of mine and this course helping me see the benefits to just giving students those resources to access outside of the class. These benefits could outweigh the time commitment that comes with organizing the materials.

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When I first found out that this course what online I was nervous. I am such a face-to-face person and I love social interaction. However, after going through both modules,  as a student and a teacher, I feel more comfortable and confident that I will be successful with online courses. I did not know that there were so many different types of online learning and that it was so popular across the country.  I do still feel that online learning isn't for everyone and that it might actually be harder for some students. For example, I ask a lot of questions and like immediate feedback to those questions and that can be hard when you are taking an online course. When teaching an online course, the instructor must be timely and provide appropriate feedback in order to be an effective teacher. Therefore, the instructor really needs to use their time wisely and be in constant communication with their students in order to be successful. Procrastination can definitely affect the success of both the instructor and the student.

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After participating in the first two modules, my understanding and perception of online learning has definitely changed. Before completing the modules, I had a basic understanding of the benefits of online learning, but was not aware of how globally prominent online learning is and how it allows for equity beyond what we may have thought was possible many years ago. Before completing the modules, I was skeptical about online learning because I wasn't sure how teachers would be able to establish relationships with their students through online learning. However, after watching the videos in this module and seeing the daily life of blended learning teachers, I can clearly see their dedication to not only providing students with meaningful feedback, but also to meeting with students whenever possible to provide them with additional support. I can now clearly see the benefits of online learning for both the teacher and the student, when the instruction is delivered to meet the students needs.

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After going through both modules I definitely feel like I have a better understanding of online and blended learning and what it can look like in both my classroom, or through the county as a whole. As I stated in one of my voice threads, my sister was an online teacher many years back (I believe when it was still only beginning to be implemented and her experiences were not what the norm is today. A lot of the myths seemed to fit with what was happening in her school which would be very frustrating for her as the teacher. After reading the articles, and viewing the videos I feel like my whole perception of the online schooling and blended learning has been flipped around. I love how it can be used to supplement the learning happening in my classroom, and it can help students achieve bigger and better things because it fits with their unique situation. I'm already going through the school year in my head and making changes or adding things to my lessons that can better incorporate blended learning and finding ways to let students utilize technology in a way that helps them become better citizens. I look forward to seeing what happens with blended and online learning, and watching it continue to grow and evolve.

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After these first few weeks, I would definitely have to say that my eyes were opened up to a variety of ideas that go along with online teaching and learning. With the use of technology, teachers have endless amounts of ways to meet the needs of all her students. I also didn't realize that teachers could set up online office hours that could be used like a group chat to ask/ answer questions. I always thought e-mail was the only option for that. I also think it's interesting that there really are so many ways for students to collaborate with each other during an online course. Videos also provide students with a visual which could take the place of direct instruction inside of a classroom setting. I am now realizing just how beneficial online learning can be when teachers use it appropriately with his/ her students.

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Now I can see the benefits of online learning and how it is helpful to learners. Before these modules, I believed that online learning was more for the college student or an older learner. I also believed that online learning was an easier way out for the teacher and the learner. Now, I can see how online and blended learning can be beneficial for learners of all ages by using the different learning styles described in Module 1. Online and blended learning makes personalizing material for students easier. The teacher could send videos, links, discussions with an individual learner or a small group without having to find something else for the other learners to do while he/she tends to that small group or individual. Also, now I can see that online learning is just as much work, if not sometimes more work, for both the professor and the learner.

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David Maimone

After the first two modules, a few of my notions about online learning have changed. I've always been a fan of online learning (particularly the blended learning model), however I perceived some limitations with online instruction. One of the limitations I believed was that online learning made it easier for students to "cheat" or not submit their own work. After the readings this week, I realized that there are methods that can be used (Voicethread for one) to ensure that the work being submitted is the student's own. Another limitation that I perceived is that if classes were held online, the social interaction piece would suffer and while I still believe that face to face interaction is very important, I don't think that online learning is the social void that I originally thought.  I learned that there are many ways to have students collaborate and engage.  I fully believe that online learning will be the norm in the future not only in higher ed, but in K-12.

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Stephanie GalczynskiWhen we began this course, my view of blended learning was not clearly defined.  So far this school year I have used computers to supplement face to face time by having students view reinforcing videos and online games and tutorials.  After our readings and video tutorials, I realize the technology has so much more potential for learning.  Lessons can be more personalized.  I’m also using the idea of the Rotational model, but after reading more articles, I’ve already found ways to edit and improve what I am currently doing.  I also did not realize there were so many more additional models for blended learning.  I also did not realize how much contact online teachers had with their students.  I was more thinking they focused on delivering lessons and then allowing some type of software to assess student performance.  I’m seeing their contact goes beyond the lesson.  They are answering additional questions and supplying students with supplemental and reinforcing material.  They are also creating additional tasks and lessons to meet students’ individual needs.  Baltimore county uses E-Learning.  They contacted me a few years ago and asked me if I would be interested in visiting their facility.  I was polite but quickly declined thinking I would be walking away in some respect from teaching… and now I realize it’s not at all what I thought.  I know we are only two weeks in, but I’m already interested in making changes.

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Stephanie GalczynskiWhen we began this course, my view of blended learning was not clearly defined.  So far this school year I have used computers to supplement face to face time by having students view reinforcing videos and online games and tutorials.  After our readings and video tutorials, I realize the technology has so much more potential for learning.  Lessons can be more personalized.  I’m also using the idea of the Rotational model, but after reading more articles, I’ve already found ways to edit and improve what I am currently doing.  I also did not realize there were so many more additional models for blended learning.  I also did not realize how much contact online teachers had with their students.  I was more thinking they focused on delivering lessons and then allowing some type of software to assess student performance.  I’m seeing their contact goes beyond the lesson.  They are answering additional questions and supplying students with supplemental and reinforcing material.  They are also creating additional tasks and lessons to meet students’ individual needs.  Baltimore county uses E-Learning.  They contacted me a few years ago and asked me if I would be interested in visiting their facility.  I was polite but quickly declined thinking I would be walking away in some respect from teaching… and now I realize it’s not at all what I thought.  I know we are only two weeks in, but I’m already interested in making changes.

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Prior to this class, I never really thought much about online learning, therefore I didn't have many pre-existing notions in regards to it. However, one that does come to mind is that I thought that online learning was just a lot of activities that were a waste of time, just given to be busy work. After reading, watching videos, and participating in this class thus far, my opinion has definitely changed. I never realized how collaborative online learning could be! While reading the article this week, I also realized that I believed the myth that students are isolated from their peers and lack socialization skills, but I quickly learned that was not true. There are so many opportunities to socialize, collaborate, and discuss with classmates as well as chances to get together with peers outside of the online setting. I have learned how beneficial online learning can be.

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I wouldn't say any of my beliefs have changed, but that I have gained a better understanding of online teaching and blended learning. I didn't know that there were so many different types of blended learning. I also got a better perspective of all that is involved with online learning, from the materials needed to the financial aspect of it. I think that one pre-existing notion that I had was the socialization aspect. I think that I tended to agree with the myth that students who participate with full online learning are very isolated and have poor socialization skills since they are behind the computer "all day". I didn't realize that many online schools also have time for meeting on campus, taking field trips, or having extracurricular activities or clubs available for students.

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After the first two modules my thoughts on online teaching and online learning have changed. First online teaching seems to be a round the clock job with a lot of messaging and creating personalized learning. I did not realize at first how much communication is required when being an online teacher or how much differentiation is required. In one of the YouTube videos the teacher was still answering emails at 7 o'clock at night. It seems like a lot of online classes also allow for flexibility of when students get online to complete work, so teachers need to be available to help students all the time. To be an online teacher you really need to be organized and have good time management in order to be an effective teacher. Especially if students get to work at their own pace. It would seem hard to manage if every student was at a different place in their learning. Online learning seems to be wonderful for the student because they can work around their schedule but it seems like being an online teacher can be a challenge.

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After the first two modules of this course my understanding and beliefs of online learning are beginning to change. In college, I had mostly face-to-face classes with some being blended. At first, I couldn't imagine how online learning could be beneficial for elementary students. Now, I am beginning to see that just because there is learning taking place online, it does not diminish the teaching taking place in the classroom. I also didn't even realize that my teammates and I have been utilizing one of the models of blended learning with our "flipped" flipcharts! I also feel that my own perception of being in an online course has changed. I was initially nervous that this class would be completely online, but the videos, articles, and Dr. Keane's flexible hours make me feel comforted and eager to see how the remainder of this course goes!

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I had a poor opinion of online learning for many years, for a few reasons. I had edited videos for Laureate to use in their online training, and I wasn't impressed at all with the content or presentation. The videos consisted of a talking head and some cut away b-roll shots, maybe a graph here and there. It was an onscreen lecture. I also had a few friends who did online programs and they were swamped with work but I didn't ever have a picture of what/how they were learning. My entire view of online learning has changed since beginning this program at Loyola. I wanted a program where I had to be in-class in order to have that presence and support. After taking a few hybrid classes in the program, I gained a much clearer understanding of how powerful online learning can be. This class and the first two modules only serve to strengthen that view. I think online learning is a great resource for many students.  I don't think it will be exclusive of F2F time, but it will certainly be a component as we move forward.    I would add, I don't know what Laureate has done recently for their online classes, but ideally it's improved.  Also, I think about online PD that one must take for certain things; much of that is still dreadful; at least what I had to watch for HCC this semester.

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Since completing the first two modules, my understanding of online teaching and learning has changed drastically! I have a new appreciation for all the ways online learning is being used such as increasing technology skills, providing flexibility for scheduling, and helping students to keep up with their academics. I have always preferred face-to-face instruction when it comes to completing assignments. I sometimes find it challenging to keep up with my work when it is all online. So far through this course I am finding that it works well with my current schedule and that I am getting just as much out of the assignments as I would sitting in a classroom. I also have a new appreciation for online teachers! After watching the videos, I  now realize just how much work is put into creating assignments, assessing student learning and differentiating based on learning styles. With the increase in use of technology in schools, I believe it is very important for students to experience an online course at some point in their learning careers .

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The biggest pre-existing notion that I had about online learning that has changed is that it can be used for any age. I think going into this course, I only thought of online learning as a college course. While I am still not sure that full-time online learning is best suited for younger students (K-5), I see how blended learning or supplemented learning can be incorporated into education and is extremely beneficial. I also realized the many reasons why someone would need to complete their education online. Whether it is for extreme competitive sports, terrible illnesses, pregnancy, or incarceration, online learning gives everyone the opportunity to advance their knowledge and earn their education.

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I only took a few online courses in college because I didn't feel like I truly understood the information. The instructor didn't include videos or visuals to help me understand the concepts. My outlook has changed because I feel that I actually understand the information presented. In this class we are provided videos, graphics, Collaborative experiences, and traditional readings. These different ways to reach students is beneficial. Through the first 2 modules I have learned a few things that I already want to try in my classroom or future classroom.

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I feel since beginning this class I have felt even stronger for Blended Learning and online teaching. I would consider teaching online or even an online college class. I like the balance and structure of how a class would be completed. In college I always enjoy taking online math courses so I can work at my own pace and complete assignments ahead of time if I needed to. I feel I got many great messages from watching the videos you have provided which sparked some things I would like to try before this year is over. I feel online teaching and schooling is the future of education for teachers and students.