This marvelous on-line course on Coursera entitled Advanced Instructional Strategies in the Virtual Classroom was aimed at expanding our understanding of blended and online instruction and honing our skills in the implementation of instructional strategies. For example, in week one we discussed what it means to be a virtual teacher, examined what training is available for educators, and explored a bit what career opportunities exist today. In week two we focused on using data and tools effectively, as well as implementing (and perhaps creating one day :;)) our curriculum. We then delved into key strategies for developing classroom cultures focused on collaboration, respect, and inclusiveness. In week four we had a chance to examine lesson planning strategies for increased student engagement and success. We also discussed some interesting and usually very effective ways to differentiate instruction for all learners using data and feedback to guide the process. Lastly, we considered the role of the student, teacher, and parents/guardians in the virtual classroom. We can hope now that by the end of this course we have expanded our toolbox of instructional strategies that can be immediately applied in online and blended classrooms, probably :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 05:44:43 +0000