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Designing a blended learning model for primary school language learning
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Kotilainen, Marja-Riitta |
| Copyright Year | 2010 |
| Abstract | primary school language learning How can mobile production promote pupils in portfolio-work in language learning? Marja-Riitta Kotilainen University of Helsinki In Finland, there is a desperate need for flexible, reliable and functional multi-e-learning settings for pupils aged 11-13. Southern Finland has several ongoing e-learning projects, but none that develop a multiple setting, with learning and teaching occurring between more than two schools. In 2006, internet connections were not broadband and data transfer was mainly audio data. Connections and technical problems occurred, which were an obstacle to multi-e-learning. Internet connections today enable web-based learning in major parts of Lapland and by 2015, broadband will reach even the remotest villages up north. Therefore, it is important to research the possibilities of multi-e-learning and to build collaborative, learnercentred, versatile network models for primary school-aged pupils. The resulting model will facilitate distance learning to extend education to rural, sparsely populated areas, and it will give a model of using mobile devices in language portfolios. This will promote regional equality and prevent exclusion. Pupils’ ages may be a challenge; pupils from 11 to 12 are not able, or not allowed, to work on the internet alone or independently. Consequently, asynchronous, independently taken web-based courses are not suitable for primary school-aged pupils. Saari Primary School is located in the town of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The Saari School’s primary concern is languages. Since 2006, Saari has focused on developing e-learning environments in optional languages, so called A2-languages for pupils from 11 to 12. The current e-learning German group is physically located in four different schools. A German teacher teaches in each school changing her location weekly. The online connection between schools is created and offers a video conferencing program. Pupils can see each other as a class on the screen. The video conferencing system enables document and desktop sharing. Each school has an assistant who helps pupils with both technical and pedagogical questions, though the teacher is only responsible for the pedagogic aspects of the class. Pupils work on their laptops. The German class has it own web page to inform and to organize pupils’ portfolio work. Portfolio work is based on the framework of European language learning. Working with portfolios is a solution to gather the group together socially and virtually on the same platform. It is also a solution to make lessons visible, to have a place to publish artefacts and to make the learning process visual, as well as to highlight the goals for learning. The most important aspect is that each pupil can produce portfolio artefacts individually, but process learning in peer work. Working with portfolios provides the opportunity to develop mobility from a pedagogical point of view. It is important to study the pros and cons of mobile devices in producing artefacts on portfolios in e-learning and language learning settings. The practical aim of this study is to build a blended learning model, which is suitable for primary school pupils. According to Kagan & Kagan (Sahlberg & Sharan 2002), each environment, including e-learning settings, should contain different classroom structures and practices. KOTILAINEN: DESIGNING A BLENDED LEARNING MODEL FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE LEARNING... |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/24147/Designing_a_blended_learning_model.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=2 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/24181/Designing_a_blended_learning_model.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=2 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/24181/Designing_a_blended_learning_model.pdf;jsessionid=C5CAF1A66104DE907415AB0695314F60?sequence=2 |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
