Techniques Jan 2013 - 43

The Way We Teach Now

future and who aspire to inspire their students. Certainly, distance and hybrid learning models change the educator’s role, but they do not negate it. Highquality programs and courses rely on good teachers who continually seek ways to engage all types of learners so they can succeed not only in the world they live in now, but also in the one they are only beginning to dream up. Teaching distance or hybrid model classes is different, but it offers some unique advantages. In distance learning, the biggest practical differences for teachers tend to be asynchronistic teaching cycles and limited (or no) face-to-face time. Because distance learners set their own pace, teachers may find they are working with more students concurrently than is possible in a classroom. Staggered learning

timelines make this possible, and many educators enjoy simultaneously teaching various stages of their lessons rather than following a sequential path for a set term. Although in-person contact is reduced, there are many opportunities for one-toone contact by phone and online. Flipped and blended classrooms shift the educator’s role from a “sage on the stage” to one of an applied learning coach. With students taking on more pre-class prep, educators have more time to facilitate discussions and hands-on activities. One of the most exciting advantages these dynamic models have for teachers is the flexibility to explore “next practices,” innovative and sometimes as-yet untested ideas that may (or may not) evolve into best practices. Next practices speak to the ideals of what education can accomplish,

and these teaching models support the creativity educators need to think ahead to those ideals. In fact, it’s a bit like switching from cigarette lighters to LCD screens at a concert. The old flame was good in its time, but technology offers a new beacon. As an educator, how will you choose to light up learning?
Ray McNulty is the chief learning ofﬁcer at Penn Foster, a global leader in online education. Prior to this, he was president of the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). From 2001–03, he served as Vermont’s education commissioner. He can be reached at raymond.mcnulty@pennfoster.edu.

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January 2013

Techniques

Techniques Jan 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Techniques Jan 2013