Flexible Learning Environments and Educational Technology

Asynchronous Learning

An interaction schedule where learning activities happen at different times. Participants can answer questions or post replies at any convenient time, such as in an online discussion forum

Blended Learning

One of the three major categories for delivering instruction. It combines modalities of instructional delivery, where a part of the lesson is delivered online and the other part is handled in an actual physical classroom setting.

Face-to-Face Delivery (Model 1)

A blended learning model where the teacher delivers the curricula most of the time and utilizes online learning at certain times to augment or provide an alternative experience. Instruction might be provided in a computer laboratory or assigned tasks uploaded online.

Flex (Model 3)

A blended learning model that uses an online platform to deliver most of the course. Learning support is provided as needed through on-site assistance or by an online tutor who facilitates tutorials or small group sessions. Sessions can be synchronous or asynchronous, and participants can work on tasks at their convenience within the course duration.

Online Driver (Model 6)

A blended learning model that utilizes a platform and a teacher who delivers all curricula, with students working remotely most of the time. Any face-to-face component is optional or required only for extracurricular activities that augment the curriculum.

Online Lab (Model 4)

A blended learning model that uses an online platform to deliver the course, but it is located in a physical classroom or computer laboratory. Lessons are in a modular format and available in the online program, with teacher assistants supervising these classes.

Rotation (Model 2)

A blended learning model where students, in a particular course or subject, rotate on a fixed schedule between learning online in a one-to-one, self-paced environment and being inside a classroom with a face-to-face teacher. It sits between traditional face-to-face learning and online learning.

Self-blend (Model 5)

A blended learning model provided by the school where students can choose additional courses remotely, beyond their typical brick-and-mortar classroom classes.

Cognitive Presence

In the Community of Inquiry Model, this refers to "the extent to which learners are able to construct and confirm meaning through sustained reflection and discourse". It involves mental activity, reasoning, and thinking, where continuous thought, reflection, and discourse lead to the construction of knowledge and shared meaning.

Community of Inquiry Model (or Community of Learning Model)

Developed by Garrison, Anderson, and Archer (2000), this model helps understand teaching and learning in an online environment. It proposes that genuine learning is achieved through sufficient levels of "presences": cognitive, social, and teaching. It is defined as a group of individuals who collaboratively engage in purposeful critical discourse and reflection to construct personal meaning and confirm mutual understanding.

Distance Learning

A form of learning without face-to-face contact with the teacher, delivered via telecommunications. Historically, this involved correspondence courses through mail, but with newer technologies, it's delivered via computer-based media and is now called online learning or e-learning. It is one of the three major categories for delivering instruction.

Educational Technology

Considered a common ground for all categories of instructional delivery. Its effective use depends on learners having access to and knowledge of the required technology, and it should address students' needs in constructing knowledge, assessing progress, or producing output.

Face-to-Face Learning Mode

One of the three major categories for delivering instruction. Most activities in this mode are synchronous, allowing physical interaction between students and teachers.

Flexible Learning

The core of flexible learning is providing options for students in learning, which may include content, place, time, and pace. It is a common ground for all delivery systems. Learning can take place anywhere, enhancing this concept.

Flexible Space

A learning environment where students can choose where their learning will take place. For example, a student can learn along a riverbank using an instructional module. It also involves the innovative use of accessible space, often enabled by educational technology tools. Every corner can become a learning space.

Online Learning

Distance learning delivered via computer-based media with the advent of newer technologies, making classrooms borderless and learning boundless. It is not a new concept and offers flexibility to a certain extent.

Online Distance Learning

A mode of learning that is not new, provided by some educational institutions, allowing flexibility in learning to a certain extent.

Online Platform

Free programs designed for educational purposes, such as Moodle, Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Schoology. These platforms feature tools patterned after the instructional activities of a teacher in a physical classroom.

Online or Virtual Space

A learning environment made possible by internet connectivity, where an online platform (like a learning management system) becomes the virtual space for students and teachers to interact at a distance.

Physical Space

A traditional learning environment, such as a classroom.

Presences (in Community of Inquiry Model)

The three independent elements or components (cognitive, social, and teaching) that must be sufficiently high to achieve meaningful online learning within the Community of Inquiry framework.

Social Presence

In the Community of Inquiry Model, it is defined as "the ability of participants to identify with the community (e.g. course of study), communicate purposefully in a trusting environment, and develop inter-personal relationships by way of protecting their individual personalities". It involves creating a supportive environment where students can openly express themselves and feel a sense of belongingness, overcoming potential isolation in online settings.

Synchronous Learning

A teaching-learning experience that happens at the same time. Most face-to-face delivery is synchronous due to physical interaction. In flexible learning, this can involve course participants meeting in a virtual classroom where ideas are posted in a live class.

Teaching Presence

In the Community of Inquiry Model, this refers to "the design, facilitation, and direction of cognitive and social processes for the purpose of realizing personally meaningful and educationally worthwhile learning outcomes". It includes the teacher's tasks in designing, organizing, and facilitating learning experiences, devising activities for discourse, and engaging in direct instruction.

Virtual Learning Environment

The "playing field" or environment for online teaching, characterized by the physical and geographic separation of the teacher from the students. Communication and interaction are vital, offering ease in shifting time and place of interaction, diverse content formats, and extended access to web-based materials.