Instructional Design in ONline learning

     I am a third year teacher in San Antonio, TX. I taught 3rd grade for two years, and I will now be teaching 5th grade. In our district, we utilize Google Suite Apps (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, etc.) and we utilize Schoology as our Learning Management System (LMS).

     I decided to create a hybrid learning course in Schoology. This course focuses on our 3rd grade, Social Studies Entrepreneurship Unit. Students will be guided through different assignments, activities, and projects to show their understanding of the United States free enterprise system. They will learn about: supply and demand, production of goods and services, the business model, and entrepreneurs who have made an impact in Texas. 

 

Instructional Design Theories 

     I believe that there are a couple different instructional design theories that lend themselves to developing a course that is suitable for online learning. Constructivism and connectivism are the main theories that connect with modern education. With constructivism, learners are able to share their experiences with one another while the teacher’s role shifts to a facilitator of learning. Connectivism allows learners to be involved in online networks, internet use, and a community to reach their goals. According to Tony Bates (2016), knowledge management is an important skill because academic knowledge and skills-based knowledge are both needed to be successful. I believe my 3rd grade entrepreneurship unit course is based heavily on constructivism and connectivism since students are making connections and using their skills to make sense of their own learning. 

 

UbD Plan Implementation 

     When creating my online course, I spent some time studying the Understanding by Design (UbD) Template as a way to develop courses and units. I appreciate that it truly guides you to plan backwards with the Unit Outcomes in mind. Using the UbD Template, I was able to give deep thought and planning into ensuring my outcomes/goals, assignments, and assessments are aligned. The UbD Template is very similar to our District Provided “Unit at a Glance”. These documents help teachers align unit planning, and ensure we are covering the required TEKS in the time allotted to us. 

Keeping the desired learning outcome at the forefront of planning, ensures that teachers can truly give students the opportunities to meet these goals in an authentic way. I am hopeful that by planning with both the 3 Column Table and UbD Template, I will be able to provide students an authentic way to learn the required concepts in a way they will benefit from in their own lives.

 

Importance of Online Learning

     Online learning allows students to take a piece of ownership in their learning and have choice. It allows for student-centered learning and more effective differentiation! Students deserve learning that is specific to their needs. Teachers need to provide opportunities for students to solve authentic problems that they are passionate about. Teachers have to allow students to have a voice in their learning. Online learning allows for this! With the use of online learning and COVA (choice, ownership, voice, authentic learning), students have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to be lifelong, intrinsically motivated learners who will be successful in the 21st century. 

 

Enduring Understanding 

     In conclusion, online learning has many benefits and possibilities, but the teacher has to plan carefully and purposefully in order to get the best out of it. Electronic devices should be used as tools to enhance learning. With the correct balance, learning can transform to meet the needs of our 21st century learners.