Distance Learning Models

Online Courses

• Eighty to one hundred percent of content is delivered online.  
• The learner is separated from other students and the instructor by time and physical location. 
• Students feel less of a sense of community and less connected with the instructor and other students.
• Educational resources such as textbooks or articles may be provided digitally.  
• Instructional content may be delivered through video or other multimedia formats. 
• Communication is conducted through discussion forums or email.

PROS

• Student/Instructor- Scheduling flexibility
• Student/Instructor- Current Course Resources
• Administrative- Requires less funding over time (campus maintenance and expansion)

CONS

• Student/Instructor- May feel isolated due to lack of face to face interaction
• Student/Instructor- Technology issues or failure
• Administrative- Large upfront cost for development

When implementing an online course model the following factors should be considered.  

• Courses need to be well planned and developed prior to implementation.
• A course management system needs to be selected.
• Multiple methods for student and instructor interaction need to be offered.

Blended/Hybrid Courses

• Thirty to eighty percent of content is delivered online.
• Part of the course is taught face to face and part is taught online. 
• Students feel a stronger sense of community and more connected. 
• Some education resources such as articles may be provided digitally.
• Communication is partially online.  Discussion may start, develop, or conclude in an online discussion forum depending on the instructor’s preference. 

PROS

• Student/Instructor- Increase in interaction between student and instructor
• Student/Instructor- Scheduling flexibility
• Administrative- Higher percentage of student retention

CONS

• Student/Instructor- Requires time spent acquiring technology skills
• Instructor-  Requires additional planning time to adapt activities to an online environment
• Administrative- Time and money spent on technology trainings for students and instructors

When implementing an online course model the following factors should be considered.  

• Time must be spent prior to offering the course developing online activities that meet the instructional goals.
• Instructors need training to acquire teaching skills for an online environment.
• Technology training for instructors and students needs to be developed and offered.

Web-facilitated Courses

• Up to thirty percent of content is delivered online.
• The course is taught face to face with some content provided online. 
• Students have a strong sense of community and feel more connected to the instructor and other students.
• Course information such as a syllabus, resource list, or project guidelines is available online.
• Individual communication between student and instructor may take place through e-mail.

PROS

• Student/Instructor- No communication barriers caused by technology
• Student/Instructor- First hand, real time, spontaneous discussions
• Student/Instructor- Course and project information is provided in a consistent location online and available anytime

CONS

• Student- Possibility of passive learning versus active learning increases
• Student/Instructor- Learning style needs are difficult to meet due to class size
• Student/Instructor- Higher order thinking opportunities are limited

When implementing an online course model the following factors should be considered.  

• Instructional goals, textbook, and content outline need to be chosen prior to offering the course.
• Instructional lessons and activities can be developed as the course progresses.

Web-facilitated courses are becoming the norm in K-12 education.  Course syllabuses, curriculum content updates, activity and project guidelines, and student grades can all be accessed online.  Communication between teachers and parents is frequently conducted through email.  School and district information is made available through a website.  Due to the number of students enrolled in public schools with varying income levels, access to technology and technology skills requiring hybrid and online courses is impossible.  Some K-12 institutions offer these types of courses on an optional basis.

References:

Cook, D. (2007). Web-based learning: pros, cons, and controversies.  Clinical medicine, 7(1), 37-42.  Retrieved from http://www.euract.org/upload/file/200912/cook1(1).pdf. 

Garnham, C. & Kaleta, R. (2002).  Introduction to hybrid courses.  Teaching with technology today, 8(6). Retrieved from http://www.uwsa.edu/ttt/articles/garnham.htm.

Ritter, C., Polnick, B., Fink, R., & Oescher, J. (2010). Classroom learning communities in educational leadership: a comparison study of three delivery options. Internet and higher education, 13(1-2), 96-100. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Technical and Vocational School Guide.  (n.d.).  Online vs classroom education.  Retrieved from http://www.technical-vocational-schools.com/online_classroom_learning.aspx. 

Vintage Booth: Summer Decor Display Set-up

Many of the items I reimagine are placed in my booth space at a local antique mall.  I am new to to this as I've only had a space since January 2020 and the store was closed for part of March, all of April, and part of May due to the virus issues.  I stop in every few weeks to add items and do a little rearranging.  With each season I do a major rearrangment.  I feel this is helpful because it makes the booth appear to have all new items.  Many times customers will pass by booths without even stopping to look if it appears nothing has changed or moved.  

I am still practicing setting up attractive vignettes in my booth.  They can be time consuming and difficult if you do not have items that coordinate or many smalls.  It is important to do your best with what you have because attractive displays get noticed by customers.  The more time a customer spends in your booth the greater chance they will find something they want.  

The images below are my set up for Summer 2020.  

If you have any tips to share for booth set ups and vignettes leave a comment below! 

Follow Sliver Lining Salvage on social media for more makeovers and vintage finds!  Shop in person at Cotton Block Pickers Booth #9 137 E. 1st Street Rome, GA 30161.

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City Brochure Student Project | Free Educational Resource

The city brochure project can be used with many different topics in Social Studies, Language Arts, or Critical Thinking.  

Materials

• Construction paper
• Art Materials
• Library Access
• Computers
• Internet Access

Directions

Choose a city to research.  Once your city selection has been approved by your teacher, begin to research interesting historical facts about the area.  Create a brochure for the city which could be used in a local chamber of commerce.  It must include facts and colorful pictures.  Remember to be creative!  You want people to be attracted to your brochure so they will chose it over others.

Examples

  

Civil War Scrapbook - United States History Student Project

The civil war scrapbook project is designed to be completed at the end of a civil war unit. This project is a great way to review key details and vocabulary related to the topic as well as allow students to pursue their personal interests and provide their opinions on the subject. This project can be assigned individually or in cooperative learning groups and can be completed in class or as homework. Scrapbooks can be created in physical form or digitally based on your preference.

The lesson download includes learning objectives, materials list, time-frame, key words list, facilitator's guide, student handout, rubric, and self-evaluation form.

Teacher Pay Teachers has turned this lesson into a digital activity.

Customize TpT Digital Activities for their students.

Buyers can use the same features to customize TpT Digital Activities for their students by adding additional annotations within the interactive layer. They can also create new TpT Digital Activities using PDF resources that have been enabled by Teacher-Authors, while not editing or removing any of the underlying content.

Preview and assign to students through Google Classroom

Before assigning to their students, Buyers can choose which pages they want to include or remove from the assignment, like the answer key, and Students access the link to the TpT Digital Activity using Google Classroom

Review completed assignments and return feedback to the student

Once the student has completed the assignment on a laptop or tablet, Teachers can review student-submitted work and share feedback with the student on the TpT Digital Activity.

United States Geography: Cultures and Lifestyles PowerPoint Lesson

The cultures and lifestyles lesson covers the topic of the eclectic culture of the United States. Talking points are listed in the notes section as well as links to two videos that provide additional information related to the topic.  These videos have been reviewed and are safe for children to watch. Also included is a corneal notes template for student use during the lesson. This is a zipped file that includes a PDF and PPT version of the presentation.  

Teacher Pay Teachers has turned this lesson into a digital activity.

Customize TpT Digital Activities for their students.

Buyers can use the same features to customize TpT Digital Activities for their students by adding additional annotations within the interactive layer. They can also create new TpT Digital Activities using PDF resources that have been enabled by Teacher-Authors, while not editing or removing any of the underlying content.

Preview and assign to students through Google Classroom

Before assigning to their students, Buyers can choose which pages they want to include or remove from the assignment, like the answer key, and Students access the link to the TpT Digital Activity using Google Classroom

Review completed assignments and return feedback to the student

Once the student has completed the assignment on a laptop or tablet, Teachers can review student-submitted work and share feedback with the student on the TpT Digital Activity.

Underwater Archaeology Student Project | Social Studies Educational Resource

 

Underwater archaeology is an interesting topic rarely covered in the classroom. New and interesting topics help keep students engaged in the learning process. My students always enjoyed this activity.  I have also tailored the activity to a specific site or country we were studying in class.  

During this activity students will learn about the topic, practice research skills, and combine what they have learned into a written summary. Another option is to assign specific sites to students and have them share with the class what they have learned in a short presentation.

This activity could be completed in class or assigned as homework. It can also be used as an individual activity or with cooperative learning groups. 

The lesson includes: Learning Objectives, Materials, Timeframe, Key Words, Facilitator’s Guide, Student Handouts, Rubric, and Self-Evaluation Form.

Upcycle Project: Speaker Box to Storage Trunk

I came across this 80's or maybe 90's style stereo cabinet and speaker set.  Usually these types of pieces end up in the landfill because they just aren't needed anymore.  I started brainstorming and came up with a plan for each piece.  

I took one of the speakers and the cabinet and created a play kitchen for the kids.  Look for that project in an upcoming post.  For this project I took one of the speakers and gutted it.  The insides and the cover needed to be removed.  It was a little dusty inside so everything got a good clean.

I added feet to the bottom and some pretty details to make it look more like a trunk. 

I purchased the swish detail (I have no idea what they are actually called) from Hobby Lobby and attached with Loctite.  I also purchased the handles from Hobby Lobby.  Originally the speaker was standing upright and had plastic feet attached.  When I removed them there was screw holes.  Instead of sealing them I decided to add thin strips of wood over it on both sides.  I think it really added to the trunk look.  

To create the top I used 1x4s cut to size and 1x2s to hold it together.  Basically lay out your vertical pieces and then lay the 1x2 horizontally and screw together.  Just make sure your screws aren't too long.  You don't want them sticking out on the top of your lid.  I didn't get any pictures of this step so please excuse my crude graphic below.

Once everything was together it was time for paint.  I chose Linen by rethunk junk for the base and Slate for the top.  I decided to water down the Slate so it could be applied like a stain.  I also used Dark Glaze to bring out the details.  Then just some light distressing and Tuff Top for a sealer.  This piece sold within a week.  I am very happy with how this trash to treasure came out!

Follow Sliver Lining Salvage on social media for more makeovers and vintage finds!  Shop in person at Cotton Block Pickers Booth #9 137 E. 1st Street Rome, GA 30161.

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