Amy D Diamond

Advanced Methods & Assessments: Learning strategy and Content Mastery for Struggling
Learners & Students with High Incidence Disabilities
Virtual and Blended Learning Unit Plan

Reflection

Assignment Purpose

The Virtual and Blended Learning Unit plan was designed to develop an educators

ability to utilize a variety of instructional strategies that incorporate online learning and support

varied and diverse learning styles of students. The virtual and Blended Learning Plan helps

educators explore how utilizing research based strategies can increase engagement for more

students, including those with disabilities. It is important for educators to recognize the

significance of virtual and blended learning for future learners. It is also imperative that

educators be proficient and dynamic in their approach to incorporating virtual and blended

learning due to the constantly evolving nature of technology.

Assignment Requirements

I deemed the first steps of this assignment were to determine the objective that the unit

would address and the digital medium with which I would present the unit. I selected a

kindergarten objective that addressed understanding spatial relationships that also aligned with

our current preschool curriculum (the Creative Curriculum). Next, I examined several of the

suggested digital platforms to present my unit. I selected Haiku because of its ease of use and

simple format. I am only slightly familiar with building webpages, so I wanted to ensure I could

deliver the information and not be encumbered by the delivery method. I also choose to produce

a blended more than virtual format due to the younger age of the targeted students. By selecting

a blended format, I was also able to increase the engagement of students and their families by

incorporating activities that encouraged interaction and made connections between their personal

and classroom experiences. Finally, by adding elements to the digital format that we were doing
Amy D Diamond
Advanced Methods & Assessments: Learning strategy and Content Mastery for Struggling
Learners & Students with High Incidence Disabilities
Virtual and Blended Learning Unit Plan

in class, I provided students with additional opportunities to interact with the materials and

lesson elements and extend their learning.

Revision and Application

I chose not to revise this assignment based on instructor feedback. This particular

assignment enriched my learning not only as a student but as an early childhood special educator,

as well. I have wanted to incorporate technology in my classroom in meaningful ways but

struggled with the age and ability levels of my early childhood students. This particular

assignment challenged me to find ways to develop a blended lesson that my students could

engage in. I found the blended learning format to be an excellent way to provide repeated

learning opportunities, to enrich student learning by delivering information in a variety of

modalities and to encourage family interaction between school and home. I actually utilized this

lesson in my classroom and it was extremely effective in helping my students develop their sense

of positional concepts and spatial awareness.