Instructional Design
How Should We Design Instruction for Blended Learning Environments?
Designing instruction for K-12 blended learning environments, such as the popular 5E lesson model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), demands a comprehensive and adaptable approach. To begin, educators should establish clear learning objectives that align with the curriculum and student needs. A methodical blend of digital tools and traditional pedagogy creates a rich, interactive, and personalized learning experience in K-12 education. Flexibility and accessibility should be at the forefront of instructional design, accommodating diverse learning styles and providing opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning while offering support where needed.
What research-based promising practices are being used to design meaningful blended learning instructional experiences?
Things to Consider:
The 5 E Model developed by Roger Bybee has proven to be a successful inquiry based practice (includes five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate.)
2. Consider Universal Design for Learning Guidelines
UDL Guidelines (Cast.org)
3. Consider Social Justice and Culturally Responsive and Sustaining pedagogical
practices
4. Integrate collaborative experience
Project-based learning
5. Considering which Blended Learning modality to use: Station Rotation, Flex, or Flipped?
Catlin Tucker's Response: Consider learning objectives, teacher's best use of time, and student needs.
Catlin Tucker: Playlist vs. Choice Board, What's the Difference?
How is technology being used for instructional effectiveness?
Things to Consider:
Use a lesson design template like the 5E model templates:
The 5E Model Template by Hyperdocs.co (See other lesson design templates here too)
The 5E model Video (SBCSS Digital Learning Services)
The 5 E Model template and resources (SBCSS Digital Learnng Services)
2. Build in choice in how students learn and apply their learning.
Choiceboard Templates, research and resources - Wakelet (SBCSS Digital Learning Services)
Provide students with creative ways to present (SBCSS Digital Learning Services)
3. Ensure that technology is being used meaningfully.
If using station-rotation model - here is a station rotation template.
4. Ensure Learning intentions and success criteria is clear.
Learning Intentions and success criteria examples.
3. Consider scaffolds for all learners
Use Assistive Technology ideas to support students with disabilities
Use scaffolds for English language learners
Technology platforms: See presentation by SBCSS Digital Learning Services Considerations for English Learners Online
Use the UDL Resource Flipkit technology tools to support personalized learning
4. Use technology for effective design thinking
5. Check out some of the ideas on the Accessing Blended Learning in Education guide created by the Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee's Digital Learning and Computer Science committee. (See below)
How are you designing instruction to meet the needs of your learners?
Things to Consider:
Be proactive in lesson design
Take an asset-based learning approach that values culturally sustaining pedagogies. More information can be found on the California Department of Education site.
Use the UDL Resource Flipkit strategies for designing meaningful experiences that considers learner variability
UDL Barrier Removal Tool (Katie Novak)
Use Generative AI like ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, Google Bard or Poe.com to create 5E lesson plan ideas. Remember to engineer your prompts. See template.