Adding an online component to the curriculum.

Virtual programs can offer a more efficient and cost effective means of providing education but sometimes the potential is not achieved when trying to fit funding into a traditional mold. Online learning can provide alternative ways to accomplish academic tasks. Electronic learning environments comprising of materials to be read, videos to watch, activities to do, assignments to complete, discussions to join, tests to take and more can really help students improve especially websites and resources that can be viewed on the mobile phone.

For an online course to be accessible, all of the online learning activities must be accessible. Teachers and students should locate material specific to each student's needs. In addition to making the content and technical components of a website or online course accessible, we must also consider students' access to the technology requirements. While many students have access to technology, some that have technology available do not have high speed processors or high speed internet.

Differentiated instruction has become a popular approach to teaching and learning, that takes in to consideration the diversity of students in, in school today.

Rather than the more typical pattern of teaching the class as though all individuals in it are basically alike. The goal of a differentiated classroom is maximum student growth and individual success. This is accomplished by instructional and management strategies that allow for students to work at different levels and achieve varying levels of mastery. Examples include teaching to multiple intelligences. Individualized questioning strategies, alternative grouping methods, and supplemental materials based on student needs and interests.

All of this is helped via adding an online component to the curriculum.

Reflection on Mentoring

Technology is transforming education. Technology has the potential to teach our students to work collaboratively, think critically, gain skills, and work in groups. Many of our students leave school lacking the abilities to solve problems, work in groups, act as leaders, and think critically. Technology can help us as teachers enhance these skills.

Your professional development session for teachers on using technology needs to get all educators to understand that the process and meaning a student gets from making the utmost with technology. As a trainer focus on process, hands-on learning,  documentation, and reflection. Reflection is detrimental to enhancing the learning process. Follow up is also important as people tend to forget and discard ideas they feel unpractical. So, communicate and let your mentees ask and ask them to hold on new sessions where they become mentors.

This is what I learned in E-teacher Alumni and I am trying to apply.