My Blended Learning Journey [Updated]

Introduction

As teachers we are always hearing about the importance of high-yield instructional strategies, timely and effective feedback, differentiation, assessment as or and for learning, and authentic tasks. These are great best-practices, but we struggle to do it all in a dynamic environment where there are more tasks than there is time to complete well.

Blended learning provides an opportunity for teachers to manage all of these best-practices a bit better. A blended learning model makes efficient use of technological resources to free up the teacher so that they can provide more individualized support to their students.

A blended classroom takes what is great about brick and mortar classrooms while adding the best elements of online e-learning. Here is a short video of what a blended learning model could look like:


That all seems great, but is it realistic? While not as glossy, many classrooms are already using a learning model similar to the one above. This blog entry chronicles my first few attempts at using the blended learning model in my classroom in an older school built in the 60s.

The Vision

I am fortunate in that my school has made an investment in classroom technology in the past two

Classroom arrangement for my first few attempts.

years. This was a school-led initiative, a focus we felt as a staff would help to prepare our students for a 21st century economy. We broke up our computer lab and installed those computers into classrooms so that students and teachers could use them right away when needed. This also allowed students to use assistive technology programs like Kurzweil, WordQ, and Dragon Naturally Speaking immediately rather than waiting to have access. We installed data projectors, document cameras, laptops, and even a few SMART boards to enhance instructional practices and student engagement. I am fortunate to say that all of these tools are available in my particular classroom plus some additional recycled desktop computers that our helpful I.T. professional setup for me.

In planning what my version of a blended classroom would look like, I came across some case studies by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, on how American charter schools are using this model. These case studies profiled a variety of blended learning arrangements. I settled on an approach that has three learning centres:

• a modelled learning area that features a guided component and interactive SMART board lessons;
• a group activity area for hands-on learning;
• an individual learning area focused on the use of computers to explore concepts.

Students will work in groups that move around the classroom at set intervals of time. For my first few attempts at this model, I will have the group rotate every 20 minutes. I have a feeling this won't be long enough, so I will probably have to look at adjusting my daily schedule to accommodate more time in the future.

Each blended learning session will be focused around a specific learning goal with each centre helping to reinforce that concept. The idea is to use a gradual release of responsibility where students learn something from the teacher, practice it in a group setting, and then work independently. In practice it will likely be difficult to have students move through the centres in this way unless they have staggered starts.

Modelled Learning Area

This is a teacher led area where a small group of students receives expert instruction in curriculum. Lessons have an interactive element that uses the SMART board to get students up to explore concepts. The teacher is able to do breakout groups at the guided table for individualized support that uses timely and effective feedback.

Group Learning Area

Students move from one centre to another
throughout a period of study.

The group learning area is where another small group of students is working collaboratively on a task related to a skill or curriculum expectation that is all related to the period's learning goal. Students at this area don't have access to the teacher and must instead work collaboratively to accomplish the task. Students will be able to ask questions about what they learned when they come to the modelled learning area.

Independent Learning Area

At this area, students work on their own using adaptive software (when available) on classroom computers. Because there are so many different sties and online resources that would be difficult for students to keep organized, I will be using Edmodo. Edmodo is an online platform that is visually similar to Facebook where I can post content in a safe school-centric environment. Edmodo allows me to keep track of students' activities while some adaptive software titles (like Reflex Math) allow me to track student achievement).

Conclusions

I am excited to be trying a new learning model that uses the technology available in my classroom to help me use more effective use of my time. I am hoping that I will see an increase in student engagement and increased academic growth. I will post some updates in the next few weeks including photos and a discussion on what worked well and what needs improvement.