Blended Instruction

Think and learn:

As a result of this module, staff learners will be able to create online blended experiences for their learners.
Staff learners will utilize a Content Management System (CMS) like Google/Schoology or Learning Management System (LMS) like Edgenuity or other content provided system to create these blended experiences. Staff may also utilize a website to link to store their resources.
Staff learners will then write a reflection piece/post a video or some other technology to help others avoid pitfalls. Staff learners will be supported by at least three coaching sessions that involve multiple learning strategies.

What Blended Instruction is NOT:

Absent a facilitator/coach/guidance/feedback specialist

All technology and no face to face direct instruction (F2F)

A teacher of record only that does not interact with the learner

Decided by choosing a model for everyone instead of allowing our facilitators to choose what is best for the instruction of a concept.

No teachers involved. This is the biggest fallacy. ALL computers are tools to help staff reach learners. Software is also a tool and must be used as such. Nothing takes the place of the learning relationship between staff and learner. These tools build on that relationship and allow staff to meet each learner where each learner is and support them to achieve greater learning. Teachers facilitate learning by utilizing the tools of technology to meet learners where they are and provide multiple types of learning content.

Blended Learning:

Learning that may involve technology or other non traditional way for learning. Integration of technology should be based upon the reflection of the SAMR Model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition).

The very word blended means a mixture that is determined by the needs and performance of the learner(s).
Blended means using items such as real life experiences facilitated by the use of technology to support/collaborate/etc. and further the reach of learning.
Blended could involve virtual training.
Blended ALWAYS involves guidance from facilitators that actively participate and utilize the environment, the outcomes, and assessments for learning.
Blended learning means the facilitator/content expert interacts with every learner focused on supporting and pinpointing ways to support learning.

A simple definition of blended learning is where learning has no walls, may use technology, and allows learners to connect and demonstrate their learning. All learners need to be trained on how to incorporate technology effectively to support learning. While technology may be a key component of blended learning, the ideas of integration should enhance and extend learning to meet and lift the growth of every learner. Check out this site that is focused around colleges use of online learning: 2019 Trends in Online Learning

Coaching Session #1 (Required):

Make sure you have read and reviewed the models and ideas below before crafting your plan.
Before beginning to blend instruction, I'd want to have a coaching session on your why, your plan, etc. Together we can create the environments that lend itself to blending and how the tools of technology can help.
After finishing the reading, below, create a plan of how you wish to set up your classroom. Start with your why and your objectives. Then SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION(S) HERE. Let me know if you are available via Google Hangout.
You may schedule as many virtual or face-to-face sessions to learn blended learning as needed. I am here for you to support YOUR vision to help learners.
ASK QUESTIONS Click HERE:

Models of Blended learning: (Click on each to learn more)

Facilitating Blended Instruction

Guidelines and ideas. Please submit your own to me : cwray@bedford.k12.va.us

Write down your concerns about blended learning. Be honest and upfront.
Watch the following:
1. From a facilitator of Blended
2. Watch this video to understand a description of Blended Learning
Examine the following suggestions and record any you find helpful to learners:
1. Utilize all the tools to help coach your learner
  - Is there a way to see how long learners spent on assessments? (this may indicate a pathway to understand why the learner is or isn't successful: too much time
  - Is there a way to see the last login?
  - Can you look at idleness or is there a way to see how many assignments on which learners worked?
  - Can you see the progress in relationship to the time of year?
2. Have you communicated with the learner? Developing this relationship when a learner is successful or struggling.
  - I have an email trail/F2F conversations that invite the learner to share why he/she is struggling
  - I have documentation of communication/remediation
  - I can tell you where my learner is without looking
  - The learner has created a goal and plan to achieve that goal and I have facilitated.
3. Have you communicated with the parent? Developing this relationship when a learner is successful or struggling. Never put in an email what you wouldn't want an attorney/Judge/your child to read/see.
  - I have emails
  - We have a partnership
  - The program is sending the parent automated grade updates
  - The parent and I have spoken about the way the learner is working
  - The parent is aware of the goal and plan of achievement the learner has created and we have facilitated.
4. Have the learner create a plan of learning.
  - Goals/actual steps
  - Today I will statements by learners
  - Thinking Maps relevant to learners.
Check-ins ARE necessary. If a learner is not progressing, expand the guidance and support. If a learner is progressing, praise specifically at least once every two weeks.
Make sure you are grading all assignments that the program cannot grade. (Essay questions or projects; oral samples for languages). You are responsible for the assessments given, so taking them ahead of time and trying to see the issues is imperative.

Coaching Session #2 (Required):

YOU MAY request a collaborative teaching day with me and I will come and collaboratively teach with you. Then we will have a feedback session on how you think it went.
After you complete your plan and begin to add items to your blended classroom, I'd like to have a feedback session. In this session, you tell me what you want me to look for, and I script and give feedback in the form of questions or suggestions that I have. You can request this at any time. This exercise works if you ignore me in the room. I will be focused on what the learners are doing and giving you feedback from that point of view.

I want to blend in my classroom.

Suggested steps.

Ask yourself, why am I doing this? If it is not in the best interest of learners, stop, call your ITRT, and we can discuss. This will drive you crazy if you have no "why" am I doing it other than we need to use technology.
Start Small. Create a Google Classroom.
1. Add learners
2. Add announcements
3. Add notes on topics
Make all teaching materials I currently use digital.
1. Look for ways to Substitute/automate tasks.
2. Get with my ITRT to see what level of SAMR I am on.
Ask myself, are the questions I ask rigorous or are they Googlable?
Collaborate with my colleagues that teach in the building or across the county/world through another Google Classroom and SHARE RESOURCES.
Get Feedback and google items I can add to blend my learning for ___________________(your subject).
Use the resources provided by colleagues or by the division.

Final Coaching Session #3 (Required):

Lastly, you can reflect on this experience and how this helped or did not help you understand and become the best instructor using blended learning you can be.
Create a list of pitfall(s) to avoid.
Give me feedback on the process of this type of learning.

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