Does Blended E_Learning Effect Learning? : Virtual Learning Network

This is a question asked by the passionate drivers of e_learning as well as the naysayers.

We have two laptop classes at Mokoia Intermediate and after our school wide testing this term both laptop class teachers came into my office smiling about the improvement on their students' results.

Is the improvement to do with the students being more engaged in their learning? They

a) each have access to a laptop

b) use numeracy and literacy sites to support their learning e.g. Studyladder, TutPup, NZ Maths Online, Woodlands Zone, Ziptales

What Does It Mean to Be a Digital Learner? from mrshyde on Vimeo.

Their teachers are also acknowledged as being experienced teachers who both use formative assessment effectively to group their students and to set individual goals. Both teachers are enthusiastic and form positive relationships with their students. Both are involved in out of class activities with the students i.e. sport.

So - is it the e-learning? Is it the whole package? A poor teacher with digital tools is still a poor teacher; a good teacher is a good teacher and using digital tools effectively to enhance a well facilitated programme I would argue, makes the difference for today's students.