MODULE NO.

5
FLEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

MODULE OVERVIEW

Distance learning is a form of learning without a face-to-face contact with the teacher
and delivered via telecommunication. In the past, this involved correspondence courses wherein
the student corresponded with the teacher via mails. This turned out to be beneficial since
universities added students without having to construct classrooms while they enjoy being able
to work anytime and anywhere at their convenience. With the advent of newer technologies
distance learning is delivered via computer-based media thus called online learning or e-
learning. This made classrooms borderless and learning boundless. This was enhanced by the
emergence of web 2.0 tools which made collaborative learning easier.

In the context of facing a pandemic, Universities and Colleges opts for Flexible Learning
Environment.
In this module, online resources, portals and communities will be discussed.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. Describe a flexible learning environment and the different platforms used for flexible
learning.
2. Recognize how innovative teachers use online resources and educational sites
and portals for online distance learning; and,
3. Reflected on the use of technology and on its relevance and appropriateness.

ONLINE DISTANCE EDUCATION AND COMMUNITIES OF LEARNERS

Flexible Learning Environment

Learning nowadays is viewed differently. The present generation of learners has access
to information at their fingertips. The teacher is no longer seen as basically the dispenser of
knowledge but rather as one who expertly directs the learners to take their own track in
searching for answers to questions raised inside the classroom. Then they bring this back to the
class for further discussion until perhaps resolutions are agreed. They can search the web and
discover a breadth of information related to the lesson. They even have the patience to stay in
front of the computer for an unusually longer time in search for more articles and multimedia
materials that simplify challenging topic. That is why they can sometimes learn more than what
is confined in the four corners of the classroom.

Online Distance Learning

Online distance learning is not a new concept. Some schools, higher education
institutions in the country, and educational agencies such as the Southeast Asian Ministers of
Education Innovations in Educational Technology (SEAMO-INNOTECH) provide this mode of
learning. It allows flexibility in learning to a certain extent.
Online learning means that your educational tool is based on (and accessible from) the
Internet. You may also hear this as "cloud-based" education solutions. Regardless of its name,
online learning programs are anytime / anywhere tools, which also means learning from home.
Students learn in the comfort of their own homes or satellite areas set up by their schools.
Online learning tools are a staple of a blended learning environment. They are most
often used in the classroom during class time. As part of a blended learning environment,
students use online learning for a portion of class time before transitioning to class discussion,
skills practice, lecture, or projects. There are many reasons that teacher use online learning in
the classroom. Instructors may use webinars, videos, audio recordings, email, snail mail, or
textbooks to teach their students.

Positive Impact of Online Distance Learning for Teachers and Students

Online Learning Tools Saves Teachers Time
The #1 complaint we hear from CTE teachers is teaching takes too much time outside
the classroom. Plus, every teacher is responsible for a lot of students these days. It's common
for teachers to be responsible for more than 200 students at a time. With so many learners
depending on you, planning can take an eternity outside the classroom. Then you must factor
in grading, progress reports, one-on-one time, and other
teaching requirements.

Online Tools Engage Students

There is a disturbing trend in education today. Students do not necessarily fail because
they do not understand the material they are learning. They fail because they are bored. Online
learning eliminates boredom as a factor of failure. The idea is that students lose interest in
class-long lectures and projects. Online learning gives the teacher more ways to jump among
different teaching styles. So, the first portion of class could feature bell work. Then, students can
move into online learning modules, followed by a lecture from the instructor. This is also known
as a blended learning environment. By diversifying the way, you teach, you maximize the
advantages of each teaching style while minimizing their disadvantages. The results are more
engaged students who retain information better in the long run.

Online Distance Learning Is Worldwide

Students in any part of the world only need Internet access to learn, complete
assignments, and earn credentials in their field. There would be a time-zone difference and the
student would have to meet that challenge, but they could still complete a course from the
other side of the world. This is perfect for students separated from the school they want to
attend, and it also helps students with packed schedules, social anxiety, and / or health
complications. But it is a great way for students to learn in circumstances where they otherwise
can't.

Schools Offering Online Learning/Courses in the Philippines

1. AMA University Online Education (AMA OEd)

AMA University Online Education is the first full online education in the Philippines. The
online university provides its students educational materials that they can access anytime and
anywhere.

2. University of the Philippines Open University

Living up to its prestigious school counterparts, UPOU is a National Center of Excellence
in Open and Distance Education. Students go through independent study of specially designed
learning materials (i.e. print, video and multimedia). Moreover, interaction takes place through
a virtual classroom, text, and teleconferencing. Final exams are then conducted online or face-
to-face at designated learning centers.

3. Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University

The PUP Open University System (PUP OUS), also known as the “Pamantasang Bayan,”
allows you to choose from studying independently with the guidance of a tutor who grades and
comments on your work, or communicating with your classmates and teachers through an
online classroom. The institution particularly caters to professionals who wish to complete their
degrees or graduate programs without having to take a leave from their respective jobs. PUP
OUS integrates professional insights in their curriculum, in collaboration with the Professional
Regulations Commission (PRC), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other
government agencies.

4. New Era University (NEU)

Through the NEU Open and Online University, New Era University caters to individuals
who want to learn on their own and believe that non-traditional learning is convenient and
practical. There are two modes of instruction used by NEU–OU. One is the asynchronous mode
of delivery. In this mode, students can access their learning materials anytime. These will be
sent as email attachments. While the other mode is the synchronous mode of delivery. In this
mode, learners can attend classes in a virtual classroom. The video conference will be
conducted through NEU–OU’s Internet Broadcast Station.

5. Benguet State University – Open University

The Benguet State University – Open University was established in 1997 with the
intention of providing accessible education for Filipinos. Students are given course modules and
can meet their professors and classmates once a month. Consultations with professors are done
through the internet, telephone, or cellphone. This makes studying through BSU–OU accessible
and affordable.

The Different Platforms

The flexible mode of learning uses a platform such as Moodle, Google classroom,
Edmodo, Schoology, etc. These are free programs designed for educational purposes. It has
features that are patented after the instructional activities of a teacher in a physical
classroom. When you use this, you can hold a
lesson, post questions for discussion, hold an online chat discussion, give assessment activities
and provide
references or links to the other online materials. Features relevant to instruction and facilitating of
learning.

Moodle
Moodle was created by Martin Dougiamas, founder, and CEO of Moodle. MOODLE
stands for
Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment which is an open source software. It is
a Learning Management System (LMS) that supports teaching and learning. Moodle enables you
to create a private learning space online full of engaging activities and material. You will always
have full control of all your data and the way your staff, students and clients are on-boarded
into the system.
Dr. Martin Dougiamas is best known as the founder of the open-source Moodle LMS (used
by over 60% of all higher education in the world). He is now the CEO of the Moodle project,
which produces Moodle Apps, Moodle Cloud, Moodle Educator Certifications, Moodle Workplace
and more.
Martin has a mixed academic background with multiple post-graduate degrees in
Computer Science and Education and two honorary doctorates (from Spain and Belgium). He
continues to focus on researching how technology can support teaching and learning in open
and human ways, especially when it supports the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Features of Moodle

Open source
True, full-featured, open source ensures you can own your site and your content
on your own terms.

Full integration
Strong admin features to make it integrate perfectly into any situation and
with platforms and services like Google Apps, Microsoft Office 365, Next
Cloud, and others.

Customizable
Modern interface that can be customized through themes and settings to
tailor your site to your organization’s and learners’ needs.

Extensible
Thousands of free community-created plugins to add new functionality to
support students, teachers, and administrators.

Accessibility
Build your multimedia content with full support for all students, following
common accessibility standards. Benefit from integrated accessibility
checking tools when adding and editing your text.

Mobile-ready
Strong support on mobile devices (phones, tablets, and laptops) with full
functionality
for students.

Analytics and tracking

Monitor your learners with enhanced completion tracking and personalized
learning plans, built from competency frameworks and learning objectives.
Benefit from Moodle’s powerful analytics to predict and support learners at risk
of failing.

We can easily understand of what the impact of technology in our current education
system is globally. It can change the various activities in the classroom that is efficient in
discussing, minimal time consume, more active participatory involvement, and a more
enjoyable way to learn.
Some of these platforms that can help is Moodle that features many aspects for a more
diverse learning than our traditional customs of learning. That being maximize our time
efficiently and providing a convenient way to study, whenever and wherever we are.

Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a free service for teachers and students. It is an LMS platform that is
accessible google account. You can create classes and perform your roles and functions as a
facilitator of learning. It is a free web service, developed by Google for schools, that aims to
simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments in a paperless way. The primary
purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and
student.

Things you can do with Google Classroom

Add announcements and lesson material

Give your students announcements about your lesson. Add lesson materials in the
announcements. That way, students can find everything quickly. You can add materials from
Google drive, connected to that Google Classroom lesson, add files and images from your
computer, add a YouTube video and add any other link you want your students to visit.

Add Assignments
Just like adding an announcement, you can add an assignment to you course. It works
the same way, but here you get the option to add a due date. It will notify your students when
they must make an assignment and it will also appear in their Calendar.

Grade an Assignment
Afterwards, you can check and grade the assignments your students have handed in.

Manage Students
Of course, your students must be able to share comments or not. That is completely up to you.

Edmodo
In 2008, Edmodo was created by Nic Borg, Jeff O’Hara, and Crystal Hutter. Martina
(2015) compared Edmodo and google classroom in her blog. Although she discussed several
commonalities, there are apparently differences but with technology, things evolve in so short
time. What is clear is that they were created as apps that can integrate well with classroom
activities.

What is Edmodo used for?

Edmodo is an educational website that takes the ideas of social network and refines
them and makes it appropriate for a classroom. Using Edmodo, students and teachers can reach
out to one another and connect by sharing ideas, problems, and helpful tips.

What is this guide for?

This is to be used as a resource. It is not a guide on how you should use Edmodo, but
simply a how- to. Edmodo is an incredibility flexible and powerful educational tool that can be
adapted and used in just about any class in a variety of ways.
Google Classroom vs. Edmodo: Key Features and Services Comparison
Both Google Classroom and Edmodo are designed to help teachers supplement their
classroom lessons. With both platforms, teachers can organize their course content, track
assignment status and communicate with students.
Google Classroom and Edmodo and compared them to LMS Comparison Guide.

Schoology
It is a social networking service and virtual learning environment for K-12 school
academic content. Also known as a learning management system (LMS) or course management
system (CMS), the cloud-based platform provides tools needed to manage an online classroom.

What makes Schoology great?

Focused on K-12 schools just like yours

Elementary students do not learn the same way as college students or adults. Schoology
was designed for all students-from Kindergarten through 12th grade-to be fully engaged with
their learning.

Designed for district success

Schoology has spent the last 10 years learning from our 1,600+ customers and more
than 20 million users about what products and services classrooms, schools and entire districts
need to be successful.

Bring your community together

Learning is not just about teachers and students. Schoology allows you to bring everyone
together- students, teachers, coaches, parents, administrators- with one communication and
collaboration platform.

200+educational tools and platform integrations

Schoology has very tool your classroom needs and comes pre-integrated with more than
200+tools, student information systems (SIS) and education platforms.

MOOC
A massive open online course (MOOC) is a model for delivering learning content online to
any person
who wants to take a course, with no limit on attendance.

1. MOOC-Based Alternative Credentials; what is the value for the learner?

With learners today earning more substantive credentials and, in some cases, academic
credits through MOOCs, the authors designed a study to investigate the benefits and costs to
learners who are engaging in a series of open, online courses that provide a culminating non-
degree credential.

2. Voice from Afar; Building the Academic Practitioner Bridge

Online applied graduate programs that target working professionals are rapidly growing
in number. One program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health incorporated
strategies to enhance the learning experience by using authentic elements in course and
program design.
Whilst Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) undeniably represent a change of scale,
they are nevertheless part of the age‐old concept of distance learning. MOOCs are defined by
their audience and their format. These courses are open to one and all and have no physical
limitations because they are completely digitized and accessible over the Internet with no
barriers. The MOOCs are distinguished by two main types: "MOOC" or "trans missive MOOC"
that guides the students like a teacher along a clearly defined path; and connectivist MOOC in
which learners themselves construct their own course.

Synchronous and Asynchronous

In programming, synchronous operations block instructions until the task is completed,

while asynchronous operations can execute without blocking other operations.
Asynchronous operations are generally completed by firing an event or by calling a
provided callback function.
An online chat at real time is the Synchronous session. Course participants meet in a virtual
classroom and discuss in the topic of lesson. So, wherever they are situated in the world, they
agree on a scheduled session and log in to join the live class. The LMS has this feature. The
teacher called as the online tutor facilities the discussion. Ideas are posted in an actual live
class. One cannot lecture and take all the time in explaining. In
this mode, the course participants are made to engage in the flow of discussion that is why, the
online tutor
has a plan out the instruction guide in facilitating the discourse.
Another important feature is the Asynchronous session. This is when questions or task
are posted, and course participants answer the question or post their reply at any time most
convenient to them. They can still participate in the discussion by replying to the post. One
advantage is that you can take your time when replying.
Both synchronous and asynchronous transmission have their benefits and limitations.
Asynchronous transmission is used for sending a small amount of data while asynchronous
transmission is used for sending bulk amount of data. Thus, we can say that both synchronous
and asynchronous transmission are essential for the overall process of data transmission.

Blended Learning

Blended Learning is an approach to education that combines online educational

materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom
methods. Another way of handling flexible learning is by combining modalities of instructional
delivery. Kinds of Blended Learning is highly context dependent. Therefore, a universal
conception of it is hard to come by.
Blended Learning is a combination of learning activities wherein a part of the lesson is
delivered online while the other part is handled in actual physical setting of a classroom. It
requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some elements of students,
with some elements of students control over time, place, path, or pace.
Blended learning is a term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being
combined with traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new, hybrid
teaching methodology. It represents a much greater change in basic technique than simply
adding computers to classrooms; it represents, in many cases, a fundamental change in the way
teachers and students approach the learning experience.

Kinds of Blended Learning

Model 1: Face-to-Face Driver

In the face-to-face model, the teacher delivers the curricula most of the time and utilizes
online learning at certain times with the purpose to augment or provide an alternative
experience. Instruction is provided in a computer laboratory or assigned tasks are uploaded
online.

Model 2: Rotation
In a course or subject, students rotate on a fixed schedule between learning online in a
one-to-one, self-paced learning environment and being inside the classroom with a face-to-face
teacher. This is the model that is in between the traditional face-to-face earning and online
learning.

Model 3: Flex
This model uses online platform that delivers most of the course. Support to learning
provides as needed through on-site support or by an online tutor who facilitates the tutorial or
small groups sessions. Sessions can be arranged into synchronous or asynchronous. Course
participants may work on their tasks at any convenient time if it is within the confines of the
course duration.

Model 4: Online Lab

The online lab model uses an online platforms in delivering the course but located in a
physical classroom or computer laboratory. Online lab model of blended learning may be
enrolled in a traditional classroom courses at the same time and therefore have blocked
schedules.

Model 5: Self-Blend
The Self-Blend Model is a system provided by the school where the students can choose
the courses they would like to have in addition to their typical brick-and-mortar classroom
classes. This model is always remote a major difference from the online lab.

Model 6: Online Driver

The online-driver model utilizes a platform and a teacher that delivers all curricula.
Students remotely work on their program most of the time. If ever there is face-to-face
component, it is made optional or if ever it is required for students to go to the physical learning
environment such in a school, then it can be extracurricular activities augmenting the
curriculum.
 Planning and managing blended learning experiences are very similar to planning and
managing a brick and mortar school with courses or subjects integrating technology. It needs to
be system wide as the school plans, develops guidelines for students to follow for the use of
technology in a blended format and provide a resource guide.

Online Communities of Learning/Social Networking

When we consider online networking, internet users immediately referred to Facebook.

Everybody seems to have a Facebook account and uses these to communicate. If the teaching
and learning situation, you work an information, data and collaborate with classmates’ friends,
teachers and other members of society, then social networking can also be appropriately
employed as an educational tool.

What is networking?

- is defined as that group of individuals who communicates and connects on a regular basis.
- The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop
professional or social contacts.

Social Networking Platforms

- Different ways to communicate with friends can be through the internet or mobile
devices on can have a personal page where a profile can be built in a social networking site.
Through this site, one can contact friends or share resources and interest. Topics being
discussed can be posted and made known therefore read by many or it can be discreet through
a direct chat.
- Social networking services have been evolving for more than a decade.
- Initially, these social networking service allowed users to construct their personal
profile so have now evolved to sharing of multimedia resources.

There are varied platforms available where one can create a personal account. Some of
these popular social networking sites include Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flicker, Youtube, and
LinkedIn among others.

Facebook
- Apparently is the biggest social networking site founded in 2004 based in Menlo Park,
California?
- The most popular social network apparently is Facebook.
- used by most people, it allows users to post their profile, blogs, pictures, and video.
- founded in 2004 based in Menlo Park, California.
Twitter
-Does not only provide social networking service but it also gives online news.
-Breaking news has taken a new twist with this social networking website.
-Twitter is the site where users post and interact with messages called “tweets” restricted
only 140 characters.
-Release latest news.
-Founded on March 21, 2006 in San Francisco, California.
LinkedIn
-It is another social networking website for work.
-When one is trying to find a job and many not have contacts, LinkedIn helps one search
for career connections.
-Founded on December 14, 2002 and launch on May 5, 2003.
-The website lets one upload his educational qualifications, skills, work history, and
relevant experiences.
Google +
-It is designed to be a total communication social networking.
-Launched in 2011, Google is its parent and it is more advantageous if its kept as a
browser for users are connected even if they are outside Google + site.
YouTube
-It is an American video-sharing website where users can upload, view, and even share
video clips or multimedia productions.
-It is a free social network site to join and use.
 -The largest and most popular video-based social media website.
-Founded on February 14, 2005.
Pinterest
-It is another social media tool that like YouTube, is often thought of as otherwise.
-Was designed as a catalogue of ideas or project ideas by its founder Ben Silberman.
-This platform consists of digital bulletin boards where businesses can pin their content.
-100 million users.
Instagram
-It is a platform where users share visual stories.
-This system allows users to post photos with captions allowing followers to like or
comment on one’s pots.
-Photos shared have a wide range of coverage – trips, food, business products.
-Many of its users use it to post information about travel, fashion, food, art, and similar
subjects.
-Launched on October 6, 2010.
Tumblr
-It is a networking site that combines social media and blogging.
-Users can post whatever they like such as photos, videos, quotes, music, and links.
-Was founded by David Karp in February 2007.
MySpace
-It is another popular social networking website where members can make friends, post
blogs and photos, videos.
-MySpace to keep up with their favorite artists, have an update on the music industry, see
what their friends are listening to, and connect with people who have similar music
Flickr preferences.

Bebo -It is an image and video hosting website that was created by Ludicorp in 2004.
- Acronym for “Blog Early, Blog Often”.
-Founded by Husband-and-wife team Michel and Xochi Birch in January 2005 at their home
in San Francisco.

Benefits of using Social Networking Sites

-The world has become a global village through connectivity.
-Getting connected to family and friends is now a few clicks away.
-It is an easy access to keeping in touch with friends or keeping tabs on family.
-A major advantage of social networking websites is that they provide a lot of information.
-Social networking websites can support learning or augment educational activities.

Dangers of using Social Networking Sites

-One major risk is making friends with strangers who may be a predator or a cyberbully.
-Topping these risks is also the danger of users getting hooked on internet and may
learn to ignore the real world.

Safeguarding Oneself When Using Social Networking Sites

You need to understand and take precautionary measures to safeguard yourself in social
networking websites. Networking can be confined and monitored within the school system.
Students can use social networking platforms design for educational purposes that will allow
students to post share and discuss insights gained from an activity. There are a lot of sites that
the students can use to collaborate when an exchange of knowledge just like a social
networking platform. One drawback, however, is that sometimes youngsters are not enticed to
use this social networking platforms because they are not as attractive as Facebook or twitter.
When young users prefer to use a social networking website that is outside of the school
system teach them to stay safe to some precautionary cautionary measures:

1. A social networking account has passwords and login details. Secure passwords and keep them
private.
2. Log out every time you use public computers.
3. Regularly check privacy settings of social networking websites so that only direct
friends or those particularly known can see the post.
4. Online post are saved and may become a permanent part of their online reputation. As
you use the internet you leave a digital footprint which can be traced back to you.
5. Do not accept invite from contacts unless you know them personally or you are sure of their
identity.
6. Seriously consider the effect of possible post on others before deciding to do so. If post
could be considered offensive or humiliating another person then you refrain from posting or
uploading it.
7. Using appropriate language is essential the tone when communicating or sending
social networking messages should be respectful.
8. Better be safe than sorry you should accept friends and connections when you are sure
of the person's identity personally meeting someone you only met online if discourage even if
the sincerity of having a person meeting looks convincing it would be better if you will be
accompanied.
9. When there is an indication of harassment or abuse it is advised that you report this by
clicking the report button of accuse. It is better still to talk to friends or trusted adults about
the case.
10. Bullying takes place even in social networking websites. Cyberbullying uses the sites
messages update and other functions to harass, intimidate, humiliate, taunt, or pick on the
individual. When this happens, you can do the following actions:
A. ignore the behavior by not responding at all
B. block the person
C. click the report button of
abuse D talk to a trustworthy
adult about it

Connecting with friends and having an active life on social networking websites have its
rewards. However, when one is not taking precautionary steps there is also imminent danger. It
is more beneficial if you understand its potential when used properly.

Online resources have made an entire revolution in education, not only because they are
convenient and accessible, but because they make the entire process of teaching and learning
more interesting and memorable. There are free and paid online resources for college students
and they usually complement one another quite well. Each student will prefer different
resources according to their subjects of interest and learning styles, but there are universally
great tools that impress nearly every student who tries them.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

Look for educational sites and portals. Search the web and select more examples of tools or
applications that can be used when enhancing lessons. Give a brief explanation on how to use
these tools.
 ONLINE RESOURCES, EDUCATIONAL SITES AND PORTALS

In general, web pages and documents on the internet that provide useful information are
also known as online resources. While an online resource is archetypal data and educational in
nature, any support software available online can also be considered a resource.
Types of Online Resources
Electronic Journals - also known as e - journals, and electric serials, are scholarly journals or
intellectual magazines that can be accessed via electronic transmission.

E-book - is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read by using a personal
computer or by using an E-book reader.

Online Database - is database accessible from a local network or the Internet, as opposed to one
that is in store locally on an individual computer or its attached storage.

Websites - is a collection of related network web resources, such as web pages, multimedia
content, which are typically identified with a common domain name, and published on at least
one web server.

The range of online resources is considerable and growing all the time. The type, quality
and usefulness of resources varies enormously especially for academic users there are both free
and fee resources. New users should be made aware of the differences, benefits, and drawbacks
of various kinds of resources.

A lot of information is found in the net. These can be explored and studied to determine
their relevance to the lesson. There are concerned parties that host educational services
through websites and portals. Like a door, the portal opens to a virtual room where activities,
applications, articles provide ideas and suggest ways on the use of technology tools.

There are many websites found on the internet. Some have got importance while some
are aimed at just brain washing of the people who view those websites. The importance is
depicted when the contents of the thing come into great use of specific group of people.

What are Educational Sites?

Educational sites or educational websites can include websites that have games, videos,
or topic related resources learning and supplement classroom teaching.
These websites help make the process of learning entertaining and attractive to the
students, especially in two days age.

10 Educational Websites to Help You Teach for Free

EdX: edx.org – is an online education stop and MOOC provider, contributing high-quality programs
from the world’s best colleges and universities to students throughout.

Academic Earth: academicearcth.org – the website provides a large of educational choices to the
student from conventional to modern studies.

Internet Achieve: archieve.org – is an authoritative website collecting the originals from several
great websites.

Big Think: bigthink.com – these specialists draft reports and release tutorials for the disciples,
following the content is more filtered by the commentary crew of the website, giving real material
to the students.

Coursera: courser.org – it is entirely a user-friendly website. Scholars can find prominent colleges
and a sharable computerized course certificate.

Brightstorm: brightstorm.com – they deliver guidance in all matters from mathematics to science,
history, and different subjects.
CosmoLearning: cosmolearning.com – this specific gateway implements educational as well as skill-
based knowledge to the learners.

Futures Channel: thefutureschannel.com - it only outlines the important data feeding to the
obstacles confronted by scholars.

Howcast: howcast.com – it is one-stop solution websites for all the questions, none of the above
online educational portals have these diverse sectors.

Khan Academy: knanacademy.org – is an online coaching portal as an educational website.

What is a portal?

Web portal/portal is specially designed website that provides information catered from
various sources such as emails, online, forums, search engines in a uniform way.
Web portals often provide a look and feel for organizations and enterprises, and provide
access control procedures.
It is important that we carefully consider what websites to introduce to the students. It is
essential that the websites that are safe (that have no adult ads or links) and have reliable
content.
Educational portals that provide resources for the educational or instructional activities
of a specific group of individuals are like the enterprise resource portals found in the corporate
world. Some educational institutions provide access commercial software via a network or
internet connection.

What is the right mindset of a teacher in using of the digital tool?

With the fast-paced development of technology, educational sites portals or applications

change is inevitable. Working on a tool at the moment, will for sure change as designers
continually work to upgrade the features and design the tool to integrate new aspects. This is
expected, that is why knowing a digital tool and its features may not be enough because there
is a tendency of it evolving through time. As you prepare to become a teacher by learning how
to utilize this digital tools. You need to have the right mindset or a way of thinking how these
tools can be effectively integrated in the lesson.
A lot of features may find it daunting to use a technology tool in a lesson. The anxiety to
explore the possibility can be overwhelming. But for one who has the openness to learn and
continuously study the features of the tool can possibly lead to a more productive way of
designing a technology enhanced lesson.
Hold on to the positive attitude and openness to learn. Nurture the curiosity and sustain
the passion to improve practice. Persevere as you learn to adapt to the evolving digital tools.
Once you get the habit of exploring the tools perhaps taking one step at a time and expanding
your ideas on how to create your videos will eventually see your transformation as a teacher.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2

Analyze the following slogan: “Change your Word, Change your

Mindset”. Write your answer to the following questions:

1. How changing your words can change your mindset?

2. What is the correct mindset of a digital literate educator?

3. What is the correct mindset of a digital literate student?

 SUMMARY

Here are some pointers to remember:

 The teacher is no longer seen as basically the dispenser of knowledge but rather as one who
expertly directs the learners to take their own track in searching for answers to questions
raised inside the classroom.
 Online learning tools are a staple of a blended learning environment.
 The flexible mode of learning uses a platform such as Moodle, Google classroom, Edmodo,
Schoology, etc.
 Blended learning is a term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being
combined with traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new,
hybrid teaching methodology.
 There are a lot of sites that the students can use to collaborate when an exchange of
knowledge just like a social networking platform.
 Web pages and documents on the internet that provide useful information are also
known as online resources.
 Educational sites or educational websites can include websites that have games, videos, or
topic related resources learning and supplement classroom teaching.
 Web portal/portal is specially designed website that provides information catered from
various sources such as emails, online, forums, search engines in a uniform way.

REFERENCES

Bilbao, et al. (2019). Technology for teaching and learning 1. Quezon City, PH: Lorimar Publishing,

Inc. Unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001284/128463e.pdf

TED Ideas worth Spreading

http://www.ted.com

Smaldino, S. et.al. (2005). Instructional technology and media for learning, 8th Ed. New Jersey:
Pearson Prentice Hall

Funbrain
https://www.funbrain.com