Hellenic Community of Vancouver

2011-09-29
HCV Greek School Blended Learning Pilot Project 2011-12

As part of new directions in 21st century learning (and with the support and encouragement of Simon Fraser University and the Vancouver Learning Network), the Hellenic Community Greek school will introduce “blended” learning in the classrooms this 2011-12 year. In essence, blended courses draw from the best of online and face-to-face instruction.



Today’s generation of students effortlessly embrace technology. Blended courses in our Greek School will present an attractive, engaging and successful learning opportunity for many who currently are being instructed in the traditional type of classroom.


What is Blended?
A blended learning approach combines face-to-face classroom methods with computer related activities to form a cohesive instructional approach. Digital (online) materials will serve as a complementary role, helping to support face-to-face instruction conducted in the classroom.



Why Blend?
The goal of a blended approach is to join the best characteristics of both face-to-face and online instruction. Classroom time can be used to engage students in advanced interactive language experiences. These interactive classroom experiences will include:


• Intensive oral component

• Games and activities conducted in Greek

• Engaging activities such as plays

• Music, movies and dance




Meanwhile, the online portion of the course can provide students with multimedia-rich content at any time of day; anywhere the student has internet access. This allows for an increase in scheduling flexibility for students. The first phase of implementation will include:

• Homework posted online

• Posted syllabus

• Online work sheets

• Increased communication between teacher and parent/child (through course home page and email)

• Teacher facilitated online multimedia activities


In addition to flexibility and convenience for students, according to research, there is clear evidence that a blended instructional approach results in learning outcome gains and increased enrollment retention
(http://www.uic.edu/depts/oee/blended/workshop/bibliography.pdf).


Next Steps:
In order to prepare teachers for the next steps of implantation of the blended program, the Hellenic Greek School will be conducting a professional work week for teachers during the week of September 26th (Monday to Thursday). During this time teachers will be trained on the use of the learning management system and online pedagogical practices.

As a result, this will mean there will be no school for students during this week.
Upon return to classes on October 3 all students will be given access to the learning management system by way of user names and passwords (these will also be emailed to parents).


If you have any question please feel free to contact the HCV Greek School or Jim Stassinopoulos at jstasinop@vsb.bc.c

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