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A blended model is reliant on consistent, easy to use at-home learning materials which are intended to support and complement, but not replicate, in-school learning.
Pedagogy should inform practice. Focus on how teachers are using technology, not just on the technology alone.
A whole school consistent approach is key. This should be informed by an updated Digital Learning Plan.
Teacher efficacy can be improved through CPD. This can be accessed through: PDST Distance Learning Page and teachercpd.ie.
3 step approach to planning
Step 1: Define the learning outcomes (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes). Use Bloom’s Taxonomy. Assess existing reusable resources in the school and reputable online content.
Step 2: Decide on feedback options. Set and communicate unambiguous expectations around online engagement. Examples using digital tools are available here. Align assessment with learning outcomes.
Step 3: Blended teaching and learning activities are designed and planned for in order to support the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Digital technologies used are school consistent and accessible at home. Self- reflective teaching is encouraged.
Case Study A
A rural four teacher primary school in Munster has focused on digital learning this year. Until recently, there was no digital platform in the school.
The school previously communicated regularly with parents through email, phone calls and other means. Teachers have upskilled and begun to engage with specialised CPD support facilitated by the PDST. They are focusing on using the online digital platform, GSuite for Education, and specific digital tools. Home accessibility and school manageability were predominant factors of choice.
They are finding it beneficial to plan blended lessons over set periods of time; taking a thematic approach to introduce the concept to the school community.
Time is allocated during staff meetings to disseminate new blended lessons and reflect on progress. Collaboration and communication have been essential.
Case Study B
A large DEIS primary school in Connaught have revised their Digital Learning Plan. They utilised supports available through the PDST including sustained advisory visits. This focused them on how teachers are using technology in class, not just on the technology alone.
They use their online digital platform, Microsoft 365, to collaboratively plan blended learning lessons.
Teachers are assigned specific design and development roles for blended activities. Formative assessment is central throughout.
This collaborative approach reduces teachers workload. The school is building a repository of material which is stored on their digital platform. This will be reused and adapted over time.
Planning considerations for
teachers
Start with the end in mind. This is the first stage of the design process for effective blended learning.
Questions to ask include:
At the end of my lesson what are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that learners should achieve?
What blended learning and teaching activities would best support the learners’ learning?
How do I want to balance synchronous and asynchronous activities?
How might the learners demonstrate their learning and achievements?
What facilities/ equipment is available to support blended learning?
Do I need to upskill myself in any areas to facilitate the approach to blended learning my school wishes to adopt?
Three distinct design approaches for developing blended learning lessons could be considered (Alammary et al., 2014). Each approach outlined below takes consideration of time, staff experience and knowledge.
Introductory approach: adding online activities to an existing lesson.
Intermediate approach: designing an online activity to replace an existing activity.
Advanced approach: developing a blended lesson from the outset or redesigning a face-to-face lesson as a blended learning lesson.
To explore activities associated with each approach above, and to access materials with which you can upskill in this area, please see the following PDST resources: The PDST Distance Learning Webpage, PDST Digital Technologies Team YouTube channel, teacherCPD.ie short courses, Scoilnet to source content mapped to the Irish curriculum, Webwise for online safety supports, PDST Good Practice Videos to see how Irish primary schools are embedding digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment, the Dlplanning.ie website to access supportive materials and aid you/ the digital learning team in linking blended learning to the school's current digital learning plan.
Planning considerations for
school leaders
Start by considering the points below when planning for effective blended learning in your school context.
Questions to ask include:
What expertise is present on the staff already that could be shared? Perhaps some staff members have been engaging with blended learning approaches to date (especially with regards to distance learning during Covid 19 school closure) and could share their experience in this regard?
What facilities and equipment is available in the school to support blended learning?
Is there potential to include approaches to blended learning as part of the school's Digital Learning Plan this coming year?
What level of access to devices do learners have at home? Can we establish the level of access of each student? How can we best do this as a school community?
If the level of access is determined to be low in places: Who are the 'at risk' students who may need support in accessing devices? Who is best positioned to support these students? Would community engagement be possible here? (eg. donations from local business, parents association fundraising events, 'device drives', etc).
Learners with SEN: Who are the students who may require additional support when accessing materials? Who is best positioned to provide this?
Once you have ascertained what current knowledge base and equipment is present in the school, a realistic whole school approach should be agreed upon in relation to blended learning so that all staff are employing consistent practices (eg. all using the same online platform).
Access to supportive materials can be shared with staff to aid with upskilling in this area. PDST school support can also be accessed for this purpose. Useful online resources that can be shared with all staff members include: The PDST Distance Learning Webpage, PDST Digital Technologies Team YouTube channel, teacherCPD.ie short courses, Scoilnet to source content mapped to the Irish curriculum, Webwise for online safety supports, PDST Good Practice Videos to see how Irish primary schools are embedding digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment, the Dlplanning.ie website to access supportive materials and aid teachers/ the digital learning team in linking blended learning to the school's current digital learning plan.
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