Question 1: How can you adjust your planned learning activities to meet the needs of your learners if an unexpected event occurs? (for example, if a pandemic arises, and many of students must now work from home – how will you ensure that they can still learn successfully? What training will they need, and how will you deliver it, knowing they must remain at home?) 

In the face of unexpected events like a pandemic, adapting planned learning activities is necessary to ensure student success. My learning Drawing from my course blueprint focused on adolescent mental health, I recognize the importance of flexibility and inclusivity in my approach.

One of my planned activities includes an interactive lecture covering adolescent psychological development and the challenges students face. While this format works well in a traditional classroom, transitioning to an online setting could present barriers, such as varying levels of technology access, differing home environments, and increased anxiety among students due to isolation or disruptions.

To effectively adjust my learning activities, I would implement the following strategies:

  1. Flexible Learning Formats: I would offer both synchronous and asynchronous lectures to help accommodate students’ various learning environments. This dual approach allows students to engage in real-time discussions or review recordings at their convenience.
  2. Interactive Online Tools: Utilizing platforms like Microsoft Teams for live polls and breakout discussions can help replicate the engagement of in-person lectures. These tools encourage participation and interaction, which can help foster a sense of community in a virtual space.
  3. Diverse Learning Materials: In alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, I would provide content in various formats, including videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes. This inclusion would cater to different learning styles and help ensure all students understand the material effectively.
  4. Regular Support Check-ins: Establishing a routine for regular check-ins through quick surveys or video calls would help me assess student well-being and understanding. This approach creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their challenges.
  5. Training and Orientation for Technology: To help facilitate student understanding, I would conduct an online training session to familiarize students with the digital tools we would use in class. This training would cover accessing materials, participating in discussions, and seeking assistance, helping to reduce anxiety related to new technologies.

By utilizing these adjustments, students could adapt to new ways of accessing course content to continue their learning process in the face of unexpected circumstances.

Question 2: Choose one (or more) of your planned learning activities from your Blueprint and identify any barriers to student success. How can you alter or adjust your current plan to reduce those barriers?

One of the most prominent barriers to student success in my planned activity is the interactive lecture. While this approach could improve student understanding in person, this approach may not be as effective online due to potential distractions in students’ home environments and the challenges of maintaining attention in a virtual setting.

To reduce these barriers, I would make the following adjustments to my current plan:

  1. Content Break Down: Instead of one long lecture, I would break down course content into shorter, focused segments. This method would help students maintain attention and reduce cognitive overload.
  2. Incorporate Active Learning: I would integrate more active learning opportunities, such as polls, group discussions, and hands-on activities. This promotes engagement and allows students to apply concepts in real-time.
  3. Provide Clear Expectations and Resources: To support students in their learning, I would implement clear expectations and ensure that resources are readily available. This includes providing outlines of lecture topics, supplementary materials, and access to mental health resources. Online workspaces such as Microsoft Teams and Mattermost could help ensure clear communication with students and ensure that they are able to access course content. 

By proactively identifying and addressing these barriers, I aim to create a more inclusive and effective online learning environment. This not only aligns with best practices in educational design but also reinforces the importance of adaptability in fostering resilience and success in learners.