As I transition into my new role as a teacher, my goal is to use technology to enhance student engagement through blended learning strategies in both my Art and PALS (Peer Assistant Leadership) classes. By incorporating QR codes and iPads, I aim to create an interactive and dynamic learning environment that encourages self-directed learning and collaboration. Using the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework, I’ll stay focused and structured as I implement these strategies to benefit my students.
Discipline 1: Focus on the Wildly Important Goal (WIG): The Wildly Important Goal (WIG) for both classes is to integrate QR codes and iPads to make learning more accessible, engaging, and hands-on.
Art Class (Fine Arts):
The WIG is to use iPads and QR codes to provide students with access to digital tutorials and resources on techniques like shading, color blending, and composition. This allows students to work at their own pace and revisit materials as needed, fostering confidence in their skills.
PALS Class:
The WIG is to enhance leadership skills through interactive resources accessed via iPads and QR codes. These tools will provide students with videos, case studies, and team-building activities they can use to prepare for class discussions and leadership scenarios.
In Art Class:
Lead Measure 1: Develop QR codes linked to resources such as art tutorials, design apps, and artist profiles.
Lead Measure 2: Use iPads to access drawing apps and create digital portfolios.
Action: Plan for weekly activities where students use these tools during lessons or free work periods.
Tracking Method: Use feedback forms and monitor student portfolios on shared platforms like Google Drive.
In PALS Class:
Lead Measure 1: Provide QR codes linked to leadership podcasts, video workshops, and digital collaboration tools.
Lead Measure 2: Utilize iPads for real-time collaboration on group projects and reflection activities.
Action: Assign weekly leadership tasks requiring students to access QR-linked materials and complete exercises on iPads.
Tracking Method: Track usage via Google Classroom and evaluate completed tasks or reflections.
Art Class:
A digital scoreboard will track students’ use of QR codes, tutorial completions, and progress in their iPad-based portfolios.
Students will receive badges or achievements for reaching milestones, which will be visually displayed on the scoreboard.
PALS Class:
The scoreboard will reflect leadership modules completed, participation in group activities, and use of iPad tools for collaborative assignments.
It will also feature progress bars for each student or group to foster friendly competition and accountability.
Weekly Check-Ins:
I’ll hold short check-ins to discuss progress and address any challenges with using QR codes or iPads. In Art, we’ll focus on how tutorials are enhancing their projects. In PALS, we’ll review leadership skills applied in recent tasks.
Monthly Reflections:
A more in-depth review at the end of each month will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their growth and adjust their goals as needed. For both classes, this will include a class discussion and feedback session to refine our approach.
How the Influencer Model Supports 4DX: The Influencer Model ensures that behavior changes become sustainable by leveraging multiple sources of influence.
Art Class:
By incorporating peer influence, students will share their portfolios and tutorials with classmates to inspire and learn from one another.
Using iPads for digital art creation fosters excitement and motivation as they see tangible results from their efforts.
PALS Class:
Peer discussions and collaborative exercises encourage students to hold one another accountable for using the QR codes and iPads.
Leadership activities will be centered around real-world applications, strengthening intrinsic motivation.