innovation through i2flex: the transformation of a classic in the humanities program
TRANSCRIPT
INNOVATION THROUGH i2FLEXThe Transformation of a
Classic in the Humanities Program
Humanities is…
A “modern classic,” created 40 years ago as an innovative, interdisciplinary, team-taught course that examines essential questions through literature, visual and performing arts, philosophy and history.
Field study trips in Greece and Europe encouraging students to become independent learners, while also developing their critical thinking skills and cultural awareness.
Exploring on-site the masterpieces studied in class, providing students with opportunities to think, imagine, conceptualize and create.
Teaching and learning in the i2Flex paradigm
Honors Humanities Two-year ACS Diploma Program
Enrichment Courses: Classicism and
Romanticism in French Art and Thought
Classical Humanism in the Italian Renaissance
Reason and Faith: Classical Humanism and Byzantine Spirituality
What is i2Flex?
i2Flex includes the following components:
i = independent student learningi = inquiry-based student learningFlex = Face-to-Face, Flexible,
Guided student learning
Supported by technology
Smooth TransitionHonors Humanities i2 Flex
Student-Centered, Inquiry based Assessment is diverse to address a variety of individual learning styles. Each student brings a unique approach to the field study component.Authentic The Honors Humanities course is an original ACS Athens course, which was designed specifically for our international student body. Interdisciplinary The team-taught and completely integrated interdisciplinary approach develops high-order critical thinking skills.Flexible The Humanities program has not only evolved to meet the needs of 21st century learners, but also offers opportunities for greater personalization of the learning experiences.
• Independent investigation in flex-time gives students some control over time, place, pace and mode of learning.
• i2 Flex is another authentic ACS innovation geared towards improving teaching and learning.
•The i2 Flex model opens up a wider range of multimedia resources across the disciplines and develops high-order critical thinking in the F2F and online environments.• The i2 Flex model provides a framework for continuous improvement of teaching and learning which includes an ongoing process of reflection on and revision of strategies for flexible, guided student learning.
Case Study
Here we will present one in-depth case study where we explain how we transformed the Honors Humanities course from Face To Face to i2Flex.
Description and presentation of examples of how we redesigned the course format and presentation, learning activities and assessment.
Data presentation on student feedback and our findings regarding the benefits and challenges of adopting the i2Flex methodology for this course.
Format and Presentation
Template is set up more like a website
Home page is organized with tabs, one for each unit
Units are further divided into two subpages per week: one for the F2F class and one for the guided independent web-based sessions.
Format is more streamlined and efficient allowing students immediate access resources, activities and assignments for both aspects of the course
Format and Presentation
Redesigning Learning Activities: Discussion Forum
Use of Discussion Forums
Students can share ideas and research, and comment on each others’ postings online.
Synchronous and Asynchronous
Opportunity to expand knowledge and understanding beyond classroom focus
Gives everyone a voice
Shifts focus from teacher-centered activity to student-centered learning
Redesigning Learning Activities: Discussion Forum
Redesigning Learning Activities: Voice Thread
Use of software such as VoiceThread to facilitate online collaborative brainstorming as part of the pre-writing process
Students are assigned to groups and share initial ideas on a specific character, using guiding questions and including direct references to the text
During F2F time the groups present their comments and collaboratively create a rich resource of ideas for classroom discussion
Results in more detailed, clear and thoughtful class discussion
Provides a rich resource of ideas to use when writing essays
Versatile tool for various types of online collaborative work
Redesigning Learning Activities: Voice Thread
Summative & Formative Assessment
PowerPoint Slide Tests during on-line sessions (Summative)
Quality grades based on a rubric for Discussion Forum postings (Formative)
Student comments on Discussion Forums (Formative)
Teacher feedback and comments on Digication journals (Formative)
Comments posted on VoiceThread brainstorming activities (Formative)
Assessment: Digication
Title of the Painting: Adoration of the MagiArtist: Ghirlandaio Date:1485-1488
Student Response & Comments
Typical Student Comment:“I would recommend this course to everyone but more
specifically to people who love history and art, because the way that it is being taught is amazing. “
76.6 % of students agreed or strongly agreed that the i2Flex approach provided necessary context; that it provided the basis for deeper understanding of the subject; and that it
helped generate ideas for written assignments.
82% agreed or strongly agreed that using web-based sessions for activities like slide tests allowed us to make better use of
the F2F class time for class discussions and collaborative activities.
Although their responses definitely indicated their appreciation for independent web-based learning as a way of building context, almost every one of the respondents stressed that F2F class discussion guided by the teacher
was very important in helping them develop deeper understanding of the course content.
Benefits of i2Flex Methodology
Teaching Learning
Allows teachers to use many different approaches to the content to meet the needs of diverse students
Provides a context for teachers and students to interact to solve problems.
Scheduling students and teachers is much more flexible.
Fosters critical thinking by building context online through which students develop their own understanding
Equips students with skills for lifelong learning and focuses on providing authentic experience with educational technology
Students become independent, responsible learners
Meets students where they are and challenges them to find deeper meaning
Challenges of i2Flex Methodology Teaching Learning
Finding and maintaining a balance between independent web-based learning and F2F activities and discussions
Time required to plan, select and adapt resources to learning objectives
Need for very careful and consistent administration of the Moodle site.
Need for teacher commitment and diligence in executing this methodology
Overcoming the resistance to change
Using technology for academic purposes
Budgeting time and self-discipline
Developing skills of independent inquiry
Thank You! • Kathleen Jasonides [email protected]• Janet [email protected]• Amalia [email protected]
Presentation links can be found at: http://www.isquaredflex.gr/icodl-2015/
This presentation is also available on SlideShare