Modern Classroom
How This class Works
My class works a little differently than you're used to. Instead of using the traditional "one-size-fits-all" model of teaching lectures every day while taking notes and then taking tests, we will instead:
Create hands-on Projects. This means you will be using tools like cameras, microphones, computers and editing software to create interesting projects that develop your technical skills and your curiosity.
Use videos to supplement in-person learning. Sometimes I'll record my own videos; other times, I'll share great videos that I've found online. You can watch these videos in class or at home and re-watch them as many times as you need in order to understand.
Help you learn at your own pace. Learning takes time, so I'll give you the time you need. You won't have to wait if you're ready to move on quickly. And if you need more time or support, I'll provide that. You'll see everything you need to learn during the year but learn it your way.
Make sure you understand. I don't want you to move on to advanced content until you're ready for it. So, after each lesson, I'll give you a "mastery check" to make sure you understand. If you understand, you can move on - and if you don't understand yet, I'll help you and give you another chance to show your mastery.
This approach is inspired by the work of the Modern Classrooms Project.
Tips for Success
There are many things you can do to master the skills in this class while having a great time:
Watch the Videos Carefully. There will be one or two lecture videos per week.
Complete every "Must Do." The "Must Do" part of the projects are the minimum amount of things you need to get a passing grade. The "Should Do" parts will ensure you get a high grade and the "Aspire to Do" parts of the project are fun activities that will enhance your skills and engage your creativity even more.
Go at your own pace but don't fall behind. You will be able take time with the videos and with the practice, but remember that at the end of the week a project is due, no matter what. You will always have a chance to revise.
Access all the resources. Make sure you check the Google Classroom often and that you check your grades continually as well as any questions I have answered or any announcements. Also, browse this website for all the tutorials and other materials that might be helpful in your projects.
Ask Questions! In this class we have a "3 before me" rule when it comes to answering questions. Become you come to the teacher, check in with a couple of your peers or google your question. However, I am always here and happy to assist you if you get stuck. This rule is not because I don't want to help you, but because I want you to learn through discovery and inquiry.
Extra Resources
Check out this video for information about all the digital resources we will use in this class, including Synergy, Google Drive, Canva, this website and specially Google Classroom.
We will be using Google classroom extensively in this class to gather resources and complete assignments and upload completed projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll probably have some questions if this approach is new to you! Here are questions that I often receive:
Does this approach really work?
Part of the reason I've chosen to use this approach is that it's backed by rigorous academic research. Decades of studies have demonstrated the benefits of blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning, and research by the Modern Classrooms Project shows that learners in Modern Classrooms feel more engaged, more capable, and more effective than do learners in traditional classrooms.
The Modern Classrooms Project is currently studying the effects of this model on student achievement. Please contact research@modernclassrooms.org to learn more.
What if I can't learn from videos?
Videos are part of how you'll learn in this class, but they aren't the only way. In addition to videos, I'll also be working with you and your classmates as a whole class, in small groups, and one-on-one. You can also work with your classmates! So videos will be a helpful tool, but not the only tool.
Also, think about things you'd like to learn outside of school. Would you ever watch a video on YouTube to learn a new dance move, recipe, video game strategy, or anything else? If so, you can learn from videos in school too!
What will you be doing during class time?
It's true that, in this class, I won't be standing at the front of the room every day. Instead, I will be:
Working closely with you and your classmates, individually and in small groups.
Giving you prompt feedback on your work, so you can improve right away.
Getting to know you as a person, not just a name on my roster.
I'm still teaching - just in a more personal and responsive way. I hope this makes class nicer for both of us!
I'm a parent or guardian. How can I support my child in this class?
If you're supporting a learner in a Modern Classroom as a parent or caregiver, here are some things you can do:
Watch my videos. I put all my videos on a Learning Management System (LMS), so learners can watch them at any time. Ask your child to show you around our LMS, so you can see how everything is organized. If your child struggles to understand something, watch the video with them, and help them learn!
Keep track of progress. In a self-paced classroom, I'll provide suggested deadlines and plenty of support, but your child is ultimately responsible for their own progress. You can help your child by asking: "How are you doing? Are you on pace or catching up? What do you need to do next?" Asking these questions helps ensure that your child is progressing and helps your child get better at managing their own learning. So ask!
Emphasize perseverance and self-advocacy. I truly believe that any student can succeed in my class - even if it's hard. (If learning were easy, students wouldn't need schools!) However, grit isn't built overnight. It takes time for students to become confident problem-solvers, and often they'll fail before they succeed. When this happens, encourage your child to keep trying and ask for my support whenever they need it. Eventually, and with enough effort, your child can master anything.
If you'd like to learn more about the Modern Classroom approach, you can also enroll in their free online course! This is where I learned a lot of the techniques I'll be using this year, and I hope this course helps you understand.