A Personal Invitation: Shirts, Shoes & Blender Optional (Newsletter - April, 2013 )

Blended & Distance Learning Programs: Spring Summer 2013

Photo: edtechdigest.com

This month we launched our new S.M.Art Kids Adaptive Yoga Facilitator's Training Blended Learning Program that you are invited to participate in!

Our dynamic programs have always given more than just the standard kid's yoga training: we offer professional development programs that introduce a variety of methods that can be customized & adapted for students of all ages & abilities, complementing any educational, sensory, therapeutic or recreational setting.

But we have now taken that a step further.

While Live workshops and webinars are interactive and fun, they don't work for everybody. For one reason or another, whether its a matter of scheduling or an alternate learning style, sometimes attending a live workshop is overwhelming, not enough or is just not possible.

Since, like many of the children we work with, we don't all learn at the same pace or in the same way, BodyLogique's founder felt that our programs needed to reflect a diversity in learning as well, and be delivered on multiple levels.

After polling our previous and current students, we have decided that it would be more appropriate to move away from the traditional "Immersion" style learning and towards a more integrative format. We have designed three Blended Learning options for training, keeping in mind what works for you and your individual needs:

• Blended/Hybrid Learning (Beginner-Intermediate Level):

Designed to supplement our LIVE workshops & work with & support the learner at regular intervals through a variety of channels such as enhanced e-books, live chat and forums, personalized phone/skype coaching, videos and e-mail. Our Blended Learning (Hybrid) courses are flexible, interactive and designed for the learner to understand and apply material over a 4 10 week session, fully supported, ending in a live, hands-on workshop where the learner will be able to apply what has been covered in the weeks leading up to the workshop.

• Independent Learning (Intermediate - Advanced)

Designed for more Independent Learners or people with a high level of personal/professional education or experience in the course topics. Independent Learning is self-directed, defined, organized and completed by the learner. (This may or may not include a live workshop). Your adviser will act as a facilitator or guide as needed, via phone, skype and e-mail, but the learner is encouraged to work, research and learn at their own pace. Project work as well as relevant input from peers on the same level will enhance what is outlined in the rest of the instruction materials. Coursework is completed through a variety of channels, including enhanced e-books, videos, outside resources and projects, and evaluated by adviser so the learner can be provided with useful and relevant feedback..

• Distance Learning (All Levels)

Designed specifically for those who live too far away to attend a live training or for those who have family/professional obligations & priorities that prevent them from attending live training. Interactive and fully supportive of the learner, this option follows a format similar to the "Blended Learning" model, with the Live workshop portion replaced by a video of an actual live training. Enhanced e-book, projects, skype, live chats and personalized phone & e-mail support help to round out your training.


What is Blended Learning? 

We live in a hybrid world-we communicate face-to-face as well as online. Blended learning mixes the best of both of these worlds for instructional & learning purposes. (No blender needed!)

Blended Learning is an innovative approach to course design that 'blends' the best of both face-to face & online learning. Its main intent is to build from both approaches to create an efficient, effective and well-rounded learning experience. The learner can work from their office, home or anywhere they have computer access (hence, the "shirts, shoes and blender optional" tagline above.)

Well-designed blended learning courses leverage what needs to be done in person, (group presentations & discussions and hands-on instruction) in combination with what can be completed by the learner independently & online (reading, research, worksheets, document management & organization, individual projects, etc).  This is especially effective for high school, college, adult and enrichment learning.

We have observed that this method is more personalized, and the most engaging, efficient and thorough way to learn complicated, involved or new subject matter, as compared to the more common 2-3 day "immersion" model, which is clearly not for everyone. Our (unofficial and non-scientific) research has shown that a participant is more likely to stay motivated & effectively assimilate, understand & use the newly learned material immediately when they participate in a hybrid/blended course, than when they take a 2 or 3 day weekend workshop.

(Compare: short and succinct exam study sessions spread out over a 3 month period, or "cramming" two days before the exam. Which is a better way to learn the material?)

From our work and personal interaction with children who have a variety of alternate learning styles, we have seen that innovative learning approaches are always in the student's best interest. We are now embracing these approaches in our adult education division.

Our very first Blended/Hybrid course will run for 10 weeks, and combines an enhanced, interactive eBook manual with audio and video media, live group chats, phone/skype sessions, individual projects and a live, 1 day hands-on workshop on Saturday, June 22, 2013. (A hard copy print manual is also available.)

In the process of designing this course we have realized just how many benefits there are to a blended approach:

• places more control of your time and scheduling back with you
• flexibility/access to materials while retaining a sense of community
• experience enhanced learning through a variety of channels
• fully interactive and allows an opportunity to explore the subject in depth
• ensures thorough study and understanding of subject matter
• technology offers more opportunities for collaborative learning environment
• learning is guided & allows you to learn at your own pace with the help of instructor and others
• weekly email support, phone and Skype sessions allow you to ask questions and interact with your instructor
• not location dependent-learn anywhere
• low cost to produce materials-so tuition coast is lower for the learner
• reduces travel and lodging time & expenses

We believe that the Blended Approach is more personalized instruction and  offers a more engaging & integrated learning experience for both instructors and students. We are excited to now offer this option!

We invite you to explore the informational links below - and to be one of the first to take advantage of this newly expanded course offering.

The EARLY Registration rate of $375 for the Spring/Summer Session (May 3-July 12) has been extended to April 30! Register now!

*Important Dates Below:

• May 3, 2013: S.M.Art Kids Adaptive Yoga Facilitator's Training (Blended & Distance) Spring/Summer Sessions begin  (LIVE workshop June 22)
• June 22, 2013: S.M.Art Kids Adaptive Yoga Facilitator's Training LIVE workshop, Mt. Laurel, NJ

Find out more by clicking on the links below:

See Event Details & Description for Hybrid/Blended program on Facebook

See Event Details & Description for Distance Program on Facebook

See S.M.Art Kids® Facilitator's Training  Course Description here

Find link for Registration Packet and Pay Pal Button here

Find additional information and course schedule by using the above "Registration Packet" link.


Up coming Workshop Dates: (Quakertown, PA)

June 8:  Smart Bodies: What your Child's Food Cravings Are Telling You

August 24:  S.A.F.E Spaces™ for Learning & Living  and  S.M.Art Kids® In the Classroom

September 21:  R.E.A.Ch™ Relaxation Education Workshop 

October 19:  S.M.Art Kids Adaptive Yoga Facilitator's Training Live Workshop (Fall Session)


See descriptions of all course offerings here: BodyLogique.com 

For other questions, please contact: bodylogique.info@gmail.com