This is it, my final free inquiry post. At this point I have finished my Blended Learning course and I am reflecting back on where I started and how I have grown.
In the beginning of my Inquiry I had pretty ambitious goals. I wanted to complete all of the blended learning course and then learn more about blogging on WordPress and different tools I could incorporate into my posts. Through my blog posts I successfully completed the first goal with blended learning, but I didn’t formally reflect or complete the other goal. Learning to blog on WordPress and trying different tools was something that came naturally with trying to document my blended learning journey.
When I started my inquiry I thought that the blended learning course was only going to take me about a month or so. However, there was so much information provided that there was just no way I was going to be able to tackle it in a month. I am really happy that the course became the main focus of my inquiry because I was able to give myself time to break modules down and really dive into each part that I wanted to. With that time I could then write the detailed, resource filled blog posts that were initially what I wanted to have by the end of the term. I wanted to find ways to use technology, connect with my students and their families effectively, and create a one stop shop for myself and colleagues to come and find resources. I think each of my blog posts met at least one of those goals if not multiple goals. Some of these goals were also met in other course work. For example, there will soon be a section on my blog dedicated to primary Physical Health Education where you will be able to find some lesson plans as well as a ton of games/warm-ups for grades K-3.
One thing with inquiries is that you can never truly end them. You may close one chapter, but it always leads write into the next page of a new chapter. I think my next chapter for this inquiry is actually trying out some of the tips and tools that I have learned in the classroom. That was my longing wish (and sometimes set-back) throughout my inquiry. There were so many tools and suggestions, but I just couldn’t envision all of them in a classroom because I have such limited experience. I am hoping that my spring practicum will be a good opportunity to start using my knowledge. In terms of ways that I want to continue extending my learning, I would love to see how blended learning can transfer in STEM and STEAM activities. This is one thing that wasn’t really mentioned in the course, and I know these are typically hands on, face-to-face activities, so I would like to know how we can incorporate more blended learning into that.
Overall, I started this inquiry with a pretty tough opinion on free inquiry. However, through my own work and speakers that I have heard from in this class, I am happy to say that opinion has changed. I can see how powerful inquiry can be for students. The opportunity and trust from your teacher to take your own learning into your hands is freeing as a university student, and I can imagine would be revolutionary for elementary or high school students. There are definitely skills learned in an inquiry project that you would not learn through regular worksheets or essays. Finally if the topic is something you are truly passionate about (which it should be) then the work doesn’t feel like work, it just feels like a hobby.
Thank you for coming along with me on my inquiry journey! I hope you were able to find so useful tips and resources that you can use in your own teaching practice!
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