OLTD 502 – Evidence of Learning #1 JP Bernard

Week 1 & 2 Learning Activity

Does learning take place differently in online and blended learning environments?
Date: November 2017

Learning Outcomes:

1. Become familiar with common terms, definitions and elements related to blended and
online learning environments.
2. Integrate current cognitive learning and change management theory
o Examine current research on emerging practices for blended and online learning
environments.

The first evidence of learning that I have chosen is the group presentation with Stephanie Baker
and Jeff Brisbois. This presentation was set to answer the question: “Does learning take place
differently in online and blended learning environments?” A Google Slide presentation was
collaboratively produced and presented during a live Zoom session. These tools easily fit into
the first learning outcome listed since it includes using presentation tools and video
conferencing software which is the corner stone of online and blended learning. The content
of the presentation itself required getting familiar with common terms, definitions, and
elements related to blended and online learning environments due to the research required.
As the old saying goes; “If you want to learn something, teach it.” This research also supported
the second outcome listed as it gave me the opportunity to familiarize myself with the common
strategies in what it takes to increase the odds of a successful online learning experience for all
users. The use of the Universal Design for Learning for example is a solid framework that helps
maintain focus on the various learning abilities and learning styles of the learners. The Kolb’s
Model of Experiential Learning and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) had some great
practical suggestions on what types of activities that lessons should contain in order to help
retention and comprehension of the desired outcomes.

The conclusion that ‘Learning is learning’ is encouraging as it gives me hope that all the
research on how learning happens is still valid as we transition into a blended and online
learning environments. The tools have changed and adjustments have to be made to take
advantage of their strengths. I am excited at the prospect that with these new tools, we
should be able to teach all students from where they are at and to progress at their own pace
which means students can progress at their levels of ability which means some will move faster
than others with each student being challenged at their appropriate level without feeling
overwhelmed when it is too hard or being bored when it is too easy.