To have meaningful and successful accomplishments in this FS

episode, be sure to read through the whole episode before participating and
assisting in your FS 2 Resource Teacher’s class. Note all the information you
will need and tasks you will need to do before working on this episode.

At the end of this Learning Episode, I must be able to explore the

different ways of establishing a safe and conducive on-line or virtual
learning environment.

Safe and Conducive On-line or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Education has dramatically shifted in recent years. Schools aligned

physical spaces to flexible spaces that integrate technology to support the
21st century learning opportunities. The modern learning environment
incorporates the three elements: (1) connected devices such as notebooks,
tablets, smartphones; (2) audio visual tools including projectors and touch
screen displays and (3) purposeful furniture such as standing desks,
collaborative workstations and connected seating that allow students to
learn in different ways at different times.

The on-line learning environment requires a constant access to

connectivity which allows learning to take place anytime, anyplace and
anywhere. On-line or virtual learning can be delivered synchronously and
asynchronously, so the teacher’s role is a moderator between the
technology and the students.
 Unlike face-to-face, on-line learning does not happen in one contained
physical space but learners are in different imaginary spaces made possible by
technology such as computer network. Virtual classrooms refer to digital
learning environment that allows teachers and students to connect on-line in
real time.

Let us now consider an on-line or virtual classroom or learning

environment. What are some safety reminders to remember?

1. Encourage parents’ involvement. Keep parents informed of how you and

the children will be using the on-line platform.

 Assist them on how to set up appropriate home learning spaces

if students will be learning from home.
 Provide contact times and class schedules.
 Provide procedures to follow and consequence if they failed.
 Share information about protection from cyberbullying and
image abuse.

2. Make lesson plans as interactive as possible to keep attention of students.

Be flexible with class length and topics.

 Make assignments as guided as possible. Teachers may need to

source research sites to ensure on-line safety.
 Provide students with resources. Share with your students’
websites and videos so as not to take them to inappropriate
materials such as ads from You Tube and other sites.

3. Encourage public chatting. Avoid texting students one-on-one, instead send

a group text, or group chat. When using technology like zoom, Google meet,
allow public chatting or group instead of chatting privately so that you can
be part of their conversation.

4. Use of password, log in and log out.

 All students should have individual password. This should not be

disclosed.
 No one log in as another person.
 All users should log off when they have finished working.

There are more reminders to follow in the use of the digital platform for
virtual or on-line learning environment but for the meantime let us have a few.
As technology advances, so do policies and guidelines.
Make Your Own Infographic
Observe a mentor (Cooperating Teacher or anyone you know) who has
done an on-line class. You can ask for the recording of the virtual class
conducted and make an infographic on what are the guidelines in conducting
an online class. Write at least six (6) important guidelines and provide an
image for each. See the example below:

Imagine yourself handling your own on-line class and consider that image
in your mind in crafting your guidelines in providing a conducive virtual
learning environment for your learners. You may use the next page to contain
your infographic.
 Unlike the traditional face-to-face classroom environment, online or virtual
environment is a bit difficult to manage. It is because Virtual Learning
Environment (VLE) is imaginary and not in the physical sense. It has no
corners or walls, and it can be set up with the support of technology.

What have you discovered to be easy to implement in a virtual class?

In an online learning setting, I discovered that teachers should employ

interesting and participatory activities. Prior to their virtual class schedule,
teachers should get ready so they can plan on how to clearly communicate with
their students when engaging virtually and when giving directions as well.
Additionally, the instructor could urge students to look for various items in their
homes that are still relevant to the class so they can engage even in their new
learning environment, which is their home.

How did the students show their active participation in the lesson?
By clicking or pressing the "raised hand" button to be immediately
identified anytime they want to respond, students may demonstrate their active
engagement in the course. Alternatively, they can chat their responses in the
chat box. If they are identified, they will open the camera, click the "unmute"
button, and respond to questions or express their opinions regarding the topic.
When students turn in their assignments on time and with a lot of effort, it is
another sign of active engagement in the virtual class.

Which of the following is/are your analysis/analyses of on-line learning

environment? Check one or more.
/ It was difficult to observe the physical behavior of the students.
/ It takes time for students to learn how to use the platform.
/ Students who are alone in their home space find difficulty to make responses.
/ Internet connectivity is a great factor to support a conducive environment.
As a future teacher, I feel that an online learning environment can be safe if
the instructor creates a strategy for facilitating an online class by setting
up a timetable that complies with school regulations and coming to an
understanding with both the learners and the teacher on the rules and
regulations that apply to virtual learning. Moreover, the educator
shouldn't post the students' work together with their names or grades or
otherwise disclose any personal information about the students. Further,
I should exercise caution while selecting and using technology and
applications as a future educator and stay away from non-educational
technologies that can't secure my students' privacy. The most crucial step
is talking to the learner's parents or guardians to request their
assistance in keeping an eye on their growth and conduct while taking an
online course.

I think that teaching in a virtual learning environment is problematic when

you have students who don't have any devices to utilize for online classes
or who live in locations with inadequate or no internet access. On the
other hand, there are also cases, like those students who already have
comprehensive study materials or devices for an online class but live in a
home with many distractions or excessive noises, with parents who don't
understand the situation and think it is just an excuse for carrying out
domestic tasks. Many of the contributing factors to unsuccessful online
learning include the inability of students to operate various video
conferencing applications like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.;
inevitable noises that cause distractions among the students; students’
motivation to engage in the virtual room; and many others.
 Write Action Research
Prompts

Identify the problems brought about by the online

learning environment.
• Due to the students' inability to receive clear instruction because of the
online learning environment, there are many misconceptions, particularly in
relation to the class schedule and deadlines. Additionally, due to distractions,
students may become disinterested in participating in online classes and
completing the assigned assignments and activities.

How would you solve the problem?

• The problems can be solved by providing students with clear instructions,
guidelines, and brief announcements via group chats, group pages, or other
means of instruction being used. Time was allotted for students to ask
questions and to be entertained in order to address this immediately. With
the aim of preventing interruptions, I will include exercises that require
students to actively participate in the virtual learning.

What initial plan do you intend to do to solve the problem?

• It's crucial to make the directions to the students clear. Otherwise, they will
merely guess and frequently fail to follow the instructions. I should use social
media to monitor students, help them access them, and engage with them
along the process in order to address this problem. Create a group page
where updates, announcements, and instructions will be posted, or choose a
representative or an officer to receive them and post them to the group chat.
I'll also arrange a task that requires my students to participate, and since it
will be online, I'll just let them know as soon as I can so they can get ready
and be sure to take part.
Make a list of 10 websites where you can source references and instructional materials for
this episode. Place the list in the matrix like the one below. Share this with your mentor.
Name of Websites Topics/Titles of Content or Instructional Material
1.Discovery Education This motivates teachers to go beyond conventional
education. It contains a ton of materials that are in line with
standards, tools to improve students' thinking abilities, and
chances for
cooperative learning experiences.
2.Khan Academy To develop a variety of online tools to aid in teaching
students. It is a website with additional active learning and
quick lectures in the form of videos.
3.Edmodo A center for online learning cooperation that uses social
media to create personalized learning environments for each
instructor and student.
4.Quizlet The website and mobile app teach a range of courses using
digital cards. This software allows students to learn through
matching activities, activities for the long-term and short-
term memories, and more.
5.Edpuzzle A video-based platform that enables teachers to add or select
their own YouTube video and ask students to answer
appropriately. Teachers may create exams or quizzes based
on the video and get instant response.
6.GoNoodle A website with articles and videos ideal for fast brain breaks
and mini lessons. While still being driven by instructional
information, the video promoted physical activity and full
student participation.
7.Google Classroom To be used with Classroom to manage teaching and learning.
The classroom facilitates improved communication between
students and teachers by helping to organize tasks.
8.Random Name Picker An entertaining and interesting name-randomizer that is
ideal for informal class evaluation or speedy comprehension
checks. The excitement of the spinning wheel is enjoyed by
students and is excellent for revision and exams.
9.Trello This online organizer includes collection of boards, lists, and
cards that may help make the working day simpler and more
effective while enabling instructors and students to
collaborate more effectively.
10.Seesaw Students may upload photographs, videos, papers, and more
to an online portfolio. Seesaw is incredibly collaborative and
efficient since both teachers and students may utilize digital
annotation tools to mark up their work, ask questions, and
provide comments.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have successfully completed Learning Episode 7.

You may now proceed to Learning Episode 8.