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SINGAPORE – All secondary schools, colleges and the Millennia Institute will begin implementing blended learning for some levels from the third quarter in 2021, Education Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Tuesday (December 29) at the Ceremony. of Appointment and Recognition for Directors 2020.
It will then be implemented in all such schools at all levels by period 4 in 2022.
Additionally, every high school student is set to receive a personal learning device (PLD), laptop or tablet, by the end of 2021.
What is blended learning and how is it different from learning at home (HBL)? Also, what are its benefits and how does the Ministry of Education (MOE) support students as it implements blended learning and issues PLD? MOE and The Straits Times answer some burning questions from parents and students.
Q. What is blended learning and how is it different from learning at home?
A: Blended learning is a combination of home and school activities that takes advantage of both online and offline learning approaches. The Education Ministry said Tuesday that it is making blended learning a key feature of the school experience to further develop “students’ ability to be self-directed, passionate and lifelong learners.”
Full HBL implies that students are off campus for a continuous period without returning to school. On the other hand, HBL days, as part of blended learning, will be held on a regular basis throughout the school year, usually for one day at a time, as the ministry hopes to instill the practice of self-directed learning. Complements teaching and learning at school.
Q. How exactly could HBL complement the face-to-face classes?
A: Giving an example of how teachers can use HBL, the MOE said that students can be tasked with learning a new math concept on HBL day by watching an instructional video and solving problems online through the Student Learning Space platform. Singapore Ministry. When they return to school, they can discuss solutions to problems in class to deepen their learning with their teachers and peers.
Q. What else could students learn during HBL that they might not have time for in the classroom?
A: In addition to coverage of the curriculum, the MOE said that time and space will be provided for students to explore their areas of interest by initiating learning activities on their own during HBL days. For example, students can read books and try hands-on activities on subjects they are passionate about, such as retouching, baking, or playing a musical instrument.
HBL days will provide dedicated time and space for students to initiate such learning activities, which the ministry hopes will instill a spirit of lifelong learning.
These learning activities can be entirely student-initiated, where students identify and pursue their own interests, or they can be facilitated by schools, where schools select learning activities based on the interests of their students.
Q. How can parents help their children in blended learning?
A: The MOE said parents can support their children by:
– Encourage your children to take ownership of their learning. Students are encouraged to plan their own HBL days, set their own learning goals, seek help from the right sources, and reflect on their learning.
– Establish ground rules together with your children to provide a home environment conducive to learning.
– Have regular conversations with your children to monitor their development, challenges, and well-being. Parents can also take the opportunity during these conversations to encourage their children to explore their strengths and interests and to work with them on any issues they may need help with.
Q. When can students expect to receive their personal learning device and how much will it cost?
A: MOE said the devices will be distributed in two phases next year. Phase one takes place in Term 2 and covers 86 schools, while in phase two, students from 66 schools receive their PLDs for Term 3.
Q. How much will the devices cost?
A: The MOE has not disclosed how much each PLD will cost, but said that most students will have sufficient funds in their Edusave accounts to pay for the devices, given the one-time $ 200 refill that was provided in April this year.
This supplement was awarded to all eligible Singaporean students in elementary and secondary schools, including those in special education schools, in addition to annual deposits made to Edusave accounts.
“The Ministry of Education and schools are committed to working with families to ensure that no high school student who is required to have a PLD is left without access to a PLD for financial reasons,” the ministry said.
Mr. Wong added that the ministry is also working with Infocomm’s Media Development Authority to provide subsidized broadband access for students from low-income households.
Q. Will elementary schools be considered for the provision of PLD?
A: The use of PLD should be developmentally appropriate, the MOE said. Therefore, it is rolling out devices for high school students first, “as older students are more prepared to reap the benefits of owning and using a device in a meaningful way.”
A pilot with five elementary schools in 2021 aims to study the impact of the use of PLD on the learning and behavior of elementary students before the ministry decides whether to implement devices at the primary levels.
Q. What is the MOE doing to help schools and students embark on blended learning and manage their device usage?
A: The MOE will develop and select the Student Learning Space resources to support the learning of what is prescribed in the curriculum. The ministry also said that students can expect a variety of modules covering topics beyond the curriculum, such as environmental conservation, financial literacy, and digital literacy, to explore as part of student-initiated learning.
Additionally, all devices under the PLD initiative come with device management application software to allow the school and parents to manage and monitor device usage by:
– Restrict the type of applications and websites accessible by students;
– Manage the amount of time in front of the screen; and
– Allow teachers to actively monitor and manage student screens during class time, to facilitate teaching and learning.
As part of cyber wellness education in schools, the MOE said students would also learn to take responsibility for their wellness online, which looks at the positive physical and psychosocial well-being of students in the use of mobile and mobile technologies. Internet.
The ministry added that its revised 2021 Citizenship and Character Education curriculum will also feature cyber wellness education more strongly, with updated authentic scenarios used, to better equip students to navigate online spaces. in a safe way.
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