August Newsletter

Blended Learning Department

In this issue:

Welcome back message from the Blended Learning Department
Did you Know? Highlighting District Air Table
Blended Learning Best Practices Document
Monthly focus: Communication (ideas and tips)

Monthly checklist (videos you may need now)
BL Resources
Communication-Specific Resources
Blended Learning Network
Communication Challenge: Chance to win!

WELCOME Aboard!

On behalf of the Blended Learning Department we want to welcome you as we cruise into the 22-23 school year. If you are new to Guilford County Schools we welcome you aboard. Please join us as we embark on a journey throughout the school year. Each monthly blended learning newsletter will focus on the theme of travel, while also providing you with timely ideas and support for incorporating blended learning into your instruction.

We wish you an amazing school year filled with adventure and growth. Please reach out if we can support you along the way.

-The Blended Learning Team

Guilford County schools has a database of resources supported by the district. This database (also known as an Air Table) is searchable by grade level, content area, and type of resource. With each resource there is a designation of who supports the resource should you need additional guidance. This database can be found here.

What does good blended learning look like?

Does anyone remember the show "Love Boat?" One of the first things the ship crew did was greet the passengers and introduce the crew. We want to take a moment to introduce you to our Blended Learning Best Practices Document. It is an extremely important passenger when beginning a blended learning journey.

Blended Learning Best Practices.pdf

The "Blended Learning Best Practices" document!

This document helps define blended learning in Guilford County Schools. It breaks down blended learning into four focus areas:

1. Culture and Communication

2. Ownership and Agency

3. Differentiation

4. Rigor/Mastery

We will spotlight each of these focus areas in our monthly newsletter.

What do I do?

Select best practice recommendations to implement in your classroom immediately.
Consider using a blended learning model as a key strategy to help students achieve mastery.

Where do I start?

~Start small

~Pick an area of improvement

~ Set a S.M.A.R.T goal

Blended Learning Focus: Communication

Communication is a critical factor to consider as you begin the journey. As a crew leader it is important to build relationships with your passengers (i.e. students and caretakers) this will help as you embark on the journey. One way to do this is to set clear expectations and procedures so that all can be successful. Clear communication and a strong rapport with "passengers" will help them to meet and achieve the high expectations and goals that are set for this year's journey.

Here are a few things to consider as you look at building communication this year. Effective communication starts on DAY 1.

Monthly Checklist

Consider...

Importing the GCS Course Shell into Canvas
Setting up your homepage tabs in Canvas
Linking "This Week's" assignments
Google Forms to collect student/caretaker information (Microsoft Forms can be used as well)
Sending home instructions on how to create a Canvas Parent Observer Account.
Creating announcements in Canvas to keep parents and students informed of upcoming due dates and important events.

Communication-Specific Resources (*While these resources are free, they are not district-supported).

Blended Learning Network

Information regarding the Blended Learning Network will be sent to principals in the next weeks. We are looking for 2 representatives from each school to serve as a blended learning liaison for their school. If interested, please let your principal know.

Resources

BL Resource Website: Visit our website for all things blended learning. Locate your blended learning specialist, find out about our virtual course offerings,

District-Provided Tools Database: 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 Best Practices: 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.

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Communication Challenge

How do you setup effective communication practices in your classroom?

Please submit a screenshot of one of the following to THIS LINK. Once you submit your screenshot, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a prize.
- - - - Setup of your favorite application that you use to communicate with students and caregivers.
        Survey that you created in Microsoft or Google Forms to gather student and caregiver contact information.
        Canvas announcement/Homepage setup showing your contact information and ways caregivers and students can communicate with you.

Last Day to submit your Communication Challenge entry is Tuesday, August 30th.

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Follow us on Twitter: @BlendedGCS

Blended Learning Network: Use #GCSBLN