Embedded Files
In this issue:
In this issue:
Blended Learning Focus Area
Monthly focus: TPACK and SAMR (ideas and tips)
Professional Learning Opportunities
Monthly checklist
Resources
March Canvas Challenge Winners
April SAMR Reflection Challenge
In this newsletter, we'll be challenging you to spring clean your instruction...to reflect on what is working well and what can be made even stronger. Learn how you freshen up your digital spaces to have a greater impact on student learning.
SAMR and TPACK
SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) and TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) frameworks are a foundational piece of the Blended Learning Look-for document, below. The various look-fors are grounded in practices that range from substitution to redefinition.
Did you know that there is a clear alignment between SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy levels? The higher the Bloom's level, the higher your task will likely be on the SAMR levels. As you read through this newsletter, take a moment to reflect on your lessons. Do most of your assignments fall under substitution? Do your lessons incorporate the various levels of SAMR or remain at one level?
What does Good Blended Learning Look Like.docx (1).pdfBlended Learning Focus: SAMR and TPack
Blended Learning Focus: SAMR and TPack
The article "SAMR: A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration" states:
Good technology integration isn’t about using the fanciest tool, it’s about being aware of the range of options and picking the right strategy—or strategies—for the lesson at hand.
Here are a few things to consider as you look at when planning lessons in your classroom to ensure students take ownership for their own learning.
SAMR Introduction (Approved for use by Canvas Certified Educator)
SAMR Model: A Practical Guide for K-12 Classroom Technology Integration
Three Examples of Incorporating Technology into the Classroom Using the SAMR Model.
IMPORTANT Canvas Notice
IMPORTANT Canvas Notice
After July 2022, teachers will no longer be able to create quizzes in Classic Quizzes. Teachers will have to create quizzes after this date in New Quizzes.
However, students will be able to take a quiz that was created in Classic Quizzes before the above date until June 2023.
Professional learning Opportunities
Professional learning Opportunities
All Blended Learning Spring PL has been released. In Performance Matters, search the course tag “BLDLRN” to sign up. For questions, please contact Shannon Franklin.
Promethean Panel Training Update: For questions Contact: Jess Thomas
Rescheduled Promethean trainings:
April 11th from 7:30am-9:00am: Meeting link
April 11th from 3:30pm-5:00pm: Meeting link
April 28th from 7:30am-9:00am: Meeting link
April 28th from 3:30pm-5:00pm: Meeting link
Monthly Checklist
Monthly Checklist
Consider...
Reflecting on a lesson plan to see what SAMR level/s you are hitting with the task/s you assign, using THIS planning tool. How could adjust that same lesson to reach higher or more varied levels of SAMR? (Approved for use by Canvas Certified Educator)
Using THIS checklist to see what level/s of SAMR your Canvas course is reaching. How could you make some small adjustments to reach the modification and substitution levels?
Checking out a VR kit from the blended learning department. These kits work directly with Google Arts and Culture app.
Creating a virtual Field Trip/Tour using Google Earth or locate an existing tour, such as "The Geometry of Castles," or "Exploring Earth's Ecosystems."
Exploring how Nearpod and SAMR work together.
Resources
Resources
BL Resource Website: Visit our website for all things blended learning. Locate your blended learning specialist, find out about our virtual course offerings,
Air Table: Want to know what digital resources we have for you? Check out the district's Air Table. You can filter to find the information you need.
Resources Document for Look-fors: If you like the Blended Learning Look-for document but feel like you need to know more, please check out our resource page that directly aligns with each of the blended learning focus areas.
Digital Learning Resources Canvas Page: Need help with one of our GCS district-provided resources? Visit our digital learning resource page to find video tutorials and instructional guides on anything from Swivl to Canvas.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the 2 winners of our Nearpod Challenge for the month of March! A big "thank you" to Nearpod for sponsoring the swag prizes for this month's challenge. We greatly appreciate their support.
1st Winner
Candace Williams
Northwest Middle School
A Nearpod Yeti Tumbler, $5 Starbucks gift card, and other Nearpod swag items.
2nd Winner
Lorainne Cornell
Cone Elementary School
A Nearpod water bottle, $5 Starbucks gift card, t-shirt, and other swag items.
SAMR Challenge
SAMR Challenge
Please submit a brief reflection of a lesson you have completed recently with students and how you might raise the SAMR level of one of the tasks. Use THIS LINK to submit your reflection. Once you submit your response, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a prize.
For help determining how you might raise the level of SAMR, please access the resources throughout this newsletter.
Follow us on Twitter: @BlendedGCS
Blended Learning Network: Use #GCSBLN
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