Online Blended Learning in Learning a Second Language for Beginners

by

Tamara al Zghoul

 

Lamar University

Digital Learning and Leading

 

Dr. Kristi Meeuwse

November, 20.2022
 

Introduction

 

Online blended learning strategies are methods for encouraging distance learning. It is a tremendous way because of the digital world that we live in. This digital world changes the Learner from sitting in a row of disks and learning from only one primary resource, the teacher, to being a catalyst for learning from a place where it is ubiquitous. This Learner's situation transferred from sitting and getting to getting and sharing! That will meet the Learner's needs and fill the teaching gap. The role of the teacher has changed, too. Instead of being the main role in a classroom, she is now the mentor, instructor, and guide who navigates and shows directions. If We want to think about learning methods in this digital world, We agree that we live in the best learning time. The best time in a digital world that enforces our learning and makes a change. Thus, “We need to get out of our comfort zone with a growth mindset philosophy.” (Dweck, 2016). So we can focus on that change to choose our way of learning. "Having the right focus is important in our education system." (Harapnuik., 2021). We can have a learner who is a leader of his innovation plan,can personalize his learning, and have a big picture for his goals—a learner who can derive innovation for this world. 

Therefore, I am interested in the online blended learning method of learning a second language! I want a class in the cloud; that will create an authentic environment by having a learner with a choice, ownership, and voice. This environment has COVA+CSLE. It will provide us with a leader, a learner who chooses his learning way and shows it to all. 

Furthermore, the research question I want to find is: How will digital resources impact academic growth in learning a second language with online, blended learning at the beginner level? 

 

Blended Learning

 

Blended learning combines active, engaged learning online and active, engaged learning offline. This will give students more control over the time, place, pace, and path of their learning. Emphasizing the student's role as an active participant in the learning process. It is a high expectation for the Learner that they all can succeed when we provide pathways and empower them to determine what they need at any given time.

Using the digital tools that help the beginner level learner to connect to the world in seconds will help the Learner to progress learning effortlessly and enjoy the learning. Online learning also opened up a broader audience for their work; it could see their progress, comment, and show their strengths and weaknesses. Any online course has the key to success by integrating formative and summative assessment into the actual design of the course.The rubric can provide students with concrete, immediate feedback and a path to improving their performance, engagement, and confidence – It develops independent learning skills and determination of the place and pace to build confidence or engagement.

Types of Blended Learning

 

• Station Rotation(a situation in which individual learners or small groups shift                among the various learning configurations).

 

• Online Blended Learning: It is self-based learning using the LMS framework.

 

• The Flex model: Self-paced student-driven model.

 

•  The a la Carte Model: It is entirely online with a remote teacher of record.

 

• The Individual Rotation Model: An individual learner who rotates in different learning methods.

 

Advantages of blended learning

 

• Greater personalization: Enables advanced and at-risk students to learn at their level/pace. Simultaneously anytime, anywhere learning – Online instruction, mobile technology, in either a classroom/lab setting or access from remote locations, home computer. Both during or outside of scheduled classroom periods.

• Boosts engagement and confidence – Develops independent learning skills and determination of place and pace to build confidence.

• Improves teaching conditions – New tools equip teachers with valuable data to help shape appropriate interventions and learning pathways. Personalized learning technology that creates autonomous learning time for students allows teachers to work with individual students and small groups.

 

Disadvantages of blended learning

 

• First, technology can be challenging rather than helpful, Which means not all digital resources are reliable and easy to use.

• Second, learning makes teachers overworked: Teachers have to broaden their horizons, pick the most suitable syllabus, and apply significantly more time and effort to find the right balance between online and face-to-face learning. 

• Third, Students can experience cognitive load, too: With the fantastic range of possibilities the blended learning model provides, teachers may start overdoing educational activities and content.

• Fourth, the Credibility of sources and plagiarism becomes even more significant issues on the medium level. Moreover, several unreliable online resources present false or misinterpreted facts.

• Fifth, Learners must have the basic technical knowledge or be willing to learn, and finally, It is a high technology setup and high maintenance cost.

 

Building a new culture of learning

 

The new culture of learning comprises two elements: a massive information network that provides almost unlimited access and resources to learn about anything and an abounded and structured environment that allows a complete agency to build and experiment with things within those boundaries. The combination of the two and the interplay between them makes the new culture of learning so powerful! This change will lead us to a significant learning environment(CSLE). This will let you learn as much as you can as fast as possible.In addition, Learner knows how to learn by having critical thinking, collaboration, and self-centeredness, also applying all of this to the Learner's future so that the Learner will be ready for an authentic life in a significant learning environment. Many things point to the need for meaningful change in education. Change worldwide is driven by exciting new research on how the brain works and how people learn. 

​

 Emergence in Starting a Change

 

“We should start a change and be a catalyst.”(Harapnuik,2021). We should explore the deep learning framework of the component: character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. The four elements of learning design that activate the deep learning experience include pedagogical practice, learning partnership, learning environment, and leveraging digital tools. Also,” The collaborative inquiry cycle grounded student learning and deep learning design.” (Quinn, McEachern,et al. 2019).

 

Online Learning Forms and Resources

 

An online course exists as part of the Internet and is seamlessly connected to resources available on the global data network. So, participants have immediate access to a wide range of learning resources and tools. Virtual libraries with cataloged references, e-books, and media can be linked to a course. The real challenge of teaching online is to encourage students to become active participants in learning. There are some distinctive characteristics of the online environment. Not all remote lessons are the same; remote learning takes two forms: asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous happens when the work of learning occurs at different times and in different places. Synchronous is the kind that happens at the same time but in different places. Any kind of class that takes place over Zoom, Google, Meet, or any number of platforms qualifies. In asynchronous learning, Students can watch their teacher and peers live and interact with them in real time. It gives teachers more control over the final product and students more control over where they learn. They are also scalable, meaning they can be used across classes. And learners can work at different paces. The teacher's role is more into coaching and feedback. On the other hand, synchronous learning has a much greater likelihood of engagement. The teacher role should have the skills of content delivery, engagement strategies, and classroom management. “Both synchronous and asynchronous should have a digital experience to deliver the engagement between the content and the Learner.” (lemov&Doug.2022). Also, “Both ways are synergy methods, and it has different types of participation: breakout room, cold call, volunteers, and chat.”(Lemove,&Doug.2020).

 

Online learning engagement

 

“If there is any one secret to good teaching, it is summed up in the word" activity” (Moore & Kearsley.1996). Most online students need the same reassurance, personalized instruction, responsive feedback, and targeted challenges as students everywhere do. Typically. Online teachers will involve: Guiding students to navigate the online environment and the learning activities, instructing and sharing the information, explaining concepts, making connections, and offering insight and expertise. Also, facilitating online discussion by prompt and responding to students' questions and encouraging thoughtful dialogue with coordinated participation and learning events to work effectively throughout the course. Evaluation should progress by gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence about students' learning and the course throughout the semester. The most important thing will be to provide feedback on students' contributions by offering them support and encouragement.Therefore, “teachers and students actively participate in the learning process.” (Mccabe & Folres.2016).

 

Learning a second language with online digital tools

 

We can help beginner learners to speak multi-languages with reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We must equip our students to make meaningful connections necessary for deep learning. “Prepare our students for an active learning approach that gives the Learner the opportunity of learning through Choice (c), ownership(o), and voice(v) through authentic(A) learning opportunities.”(Harapnik,2020). With technology tools at any time, anywhere, “you can learn the language easily.”(Kauffmann,2020)by using digital learning tools(Buchem,Tur,et al, 2014).Also, by learning through COVA .”It is the freedom to engage in authentic learning opportunities.”(Mayer,2004). We can build this significant opportunity by engaging a new environment for other learners and making them thrive through learning different languages, giving them the opportunity to speak to a native speaker in any place, or even by listening or recording! They can still learn wherever they are. Walking or biking, or even cooking! “Technology is a great part of improving education without being seated in a classroom at a specific time! And it's a great part of measuring and monitoring the learning accelerating process.”(Follen,2014).COVA gives the Learners the freedom to choose their preferred language. Listening to a native speaker is an excellent opportunity to learn. Reading our selective e-book is our Choice of practice. Also, learners can choose whom to chat with or whom to text, or even video watch. Therefore, the Learner can practice speaking with a native speaker or” the  learner can reach their dramas of learning.”( Seth Goden. 2010) using a core set of web applications such as Gmail, Docs, Spreadsheet, Calendar, Contact, G-talk, Google Wave, and Video. Sites are wonderful for having a teaching partner who could generate exciting ideas for lessons, help derive instructions, reinforce students' classrooms, and engage a student in high-level thinking, and it can be anywhere or any time. Some tools are needed online to help with a social presence, supportive discourse, and cognitive presence. Social presence is (live chat), Supportive discourse(discussion board), which is called asynchronous and cognitive presence, such as (quiz tools)! Tools like this will help learners to engage in difficult content, literature, and theory and to facilitate their learning of often complex concepts.

 

The reason for learning a second language

 

“Learning a second language is one of the hardest things your brain does, making great brain exercise.” (Deane, 2021). “We learn a second language because it will keep our brains healthy and sharp and improve personal multitasking skills, attention control, problem-solving, improve memory, and creativity.”(Kauffmann,2020).”It promotes outside-the-box thinking.”(Giovanni, 2014). It is highly valued in the job market and in cross-culture. We should encourage people to increase the number of bilinguals!

 

Implementing blended learning in a second language

 

Online Blended Learning(It is self-based learning using the LMS framework)

This digital world changes the Learner from sitting in a row of disks and learning from only one primary resource, the TEACHER, to being a catalyst for learning from a place where it is ubiquitous. This Learner's situation transferred from sitting and getting to getting and sharing! That will meet the Learner's needs and fill the teaching gap. The role of the teacher has changed, too. Instead of being the main role in a classroom, she is now the mentor, instructor, and the guidance of who navigates and shows directions. If We want to think about learning methods in this digital world, We agree that we live in the best learning time. The best time in a digital world that enforces our learning and makes a change. Thus, “We need to get out of our comfort zone with a growth mindset philosophy.” (Dweck,2016). So we can focus on that Change to choose our way of learning. "Having the right focus is important in our education system." (Harapnuik., 2021). We can have a learner who is a leader of his innovation plan, can personalize his learning, and have a big picture for his goals—a learner who can derive innovation for this world. 

 

Providing Engagement in Online Learning

 

Providing multiple means of engagement is the core of every learning experience; it is an equal parts attention and commitment. Therefore, the beauty of all blended learning models is the shift from a teacher-centered to a student-centered learning environment, which is critical to increasing student engagement. “Whether the learning is in-person, online, or combines the two, students need high expectations, flexible pathways, and autonomy to become expert learners.” (Kos, Liu,e.l) 
 

Engagement Reflects 

 

“Blended learning goes hand in hand with giving students more control and flexibility.” (Harapnuik et al., 2018). The Learner will be ready for an authentic life in a significant learning environment. Learning should be anywhere and anytime using technology tools; that is the great opportunity we have today.

The environment for learning a second language is a collective environment where the Learner can share his learning with the public and reflect this learning by understanding and participating with others. This way, the student will accept the challenge and embrace the Change.

Building (COVA + CSLE)

 

If an educator chooses to build a COVA with CSLE), he should find the "Why" first, then "How" and "What"? They need critical thinking skills that enhance communication; critical thinking improves how people form and express their ideas. It allows your mind to take the time to analyze and craft your ideas, and it helps you to form a good argument about your beliefs and comprehend better in your knowledge(Hayes & Christopher.2020). Because "people don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it." That's what Simon Sinek said in his research:. The leader who makes this Change should motivate the Learner. As Steven Wright said: Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now. A great leader is an influencer who can help their learner love what they hate by allowing for Choice, creating direct experiences, telling meaningful stories, and making it a game. A good influencer who replaces judgment with empathy and lectures with questions by inviting choice rather than giving orders! 'Great leaders are those who trust their gut. They are those who understand art before science. They win hearts before minds. They are the ones who start with WHY.. “We want to prepare our students for the future; we need to transfer learning models and embrace pedagogy that gives students opportunities for social collaboration and constructivist ideas.” ( Follen, 2014). 

 

Digital tools Enhance the Second Language Learner

 

Using the digital tools that help the beginner level to connect to the world in seconds in any place or any time will help the Learner to progress learning effortlessly and enjoy the learning. Online learning also opened up a broader audience for their work; it could see their progress, comment, and show their strengths and weaknesses. Any online course has the key to success by integrating formative and summative assessment into the actual design of the course,that's what the University of British Columbia published in her UBC wiki (UBC, 2019).”Feedforward is the formative process of providing educative or forward-looking perspectives.” (Goldsmith&Hattie.2009) that one uses to improve. “Feedforward points to opportunities and provides pathways for improvement and growth.”(Fink,2013). The rubric can provide students with concrete, immediate feedback and a path to improving their performance.

Using Blended Learning with bilinguals will expose me easily to the target native language and culture. It will reconnect the people with their mother language! It will enhance and engage the learning with games, fun, and projects with their self-based learning. Learning with Choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning will give confidence and passion for what they learn. Online and blended learning experiences can be customized to the student's needs, providing additional personalized support, more time or acceleration, and catering to learner preferences. For example, learning a second language has different abilities through memorization, and visualization, which need help and works at their own pace according to their preferred schedule and in an environment that meets their particular needs.

 

Summary

 

I will focus on my blended learning plan because it combines onsite and online instruction to create a deep learning framework, specifically with learning a second language. The main thing to learning a second language is to start with listening to a native speaker, and that was hard to implement in traditional learning because of the distances and the budget of traveling, also the time consumption. Nowadays, with the technology tools that we have. It is a great opportunity to start a live chat with a native speaker in another country with completely easy access. It will be a great opportunity for the Learner to have this opportunity and have a great result with ubiquitous learning methods.

Internet interrupting problems or technical maintenance that is not provided at the same time. Technology is great, but it is very expensive to have or to upgrade, so that might serve a specific level of people. Not all countries have these opportunities of having the technology as easily as some other countries do, so that will make it very hard to provide all of these technologies to people around the world! Teachers already have a lot of work, so that will make them have more extra work to get trained. In addition to that, Learners have different levels of learning, so that will make extra time to practice.

In my opinion, learning a second language by implementing online, blended learning will fill all the gaps that were missing in teaching and learning. Having this opportunity will provide a chance for the Learner to practice Listening, reading, writing, and speaking effortlessly. This change will make the Learner understand the language fast and positively speak with no shyness. I think this is a great time to be bilingual.

 

References

 

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