Blended Learning is becoming a popular teaching model in all levels of education. Today, you will learn a bit about what blended learning is and what it may look like in the classroom. We will discuss the various models of blended learning and give you true testimonials from your colleagues who are currently blending either math or language arts. We will discuss the challenges you may face and develop some possible solutions to them.

Ultimately, I want for you to consider using the blended model in your classroom because you will see and hear the benefits if blending.

What is Blended Learning?

At your table is an article that defines Blended Learning. Take a moment to read the article. Once your group has finished reading it, develop your own definition of blended learning (Allow 10 minutes for reading and discussion). Article - The Definition of Blended Learning

Gather as a whole group again and have tables share their ideas, finding similarities and differences. Based on the article, you can see that is a teaching method that combines face to face instruction and online instruction. TeachThoughtStaff (2013)

North Springs is in a great place because we are 1:1 computing in grades 3-5. Our 2nd grade classes all have 6 Chromebooks in their classroom with 2 carts that they can share between classes. We have the technology to begin moving into this direction. But, why? Let me tell you how things are going in two classrooms that are already blending here at NSE.

How did we start this process?

I was able to visit a 2nd grade classroom in our district who was already blending. It was amazing to see all the students working at their own pace using a checklist to guide their learning path, moving around the classroom to different stations, and the teacher sitting with a small group focusing on their individual needs. I thought to myself, we can do this at North Springs.

I approached 2 of our teachers who I knew were interested in Blended Learning and who I knew could take this challenge on together. Our principal gave us 1/2 day professional leave to visit 3 different schools within our district who were already implementing this teaching method. What better way to learn about this than seeing it in action? I wanted our 2 teachers to really see it in action, be able to ask the teachers and students questions so they can get a better picture of this method.

We debriefed after our tours, discussed how they were feeling about it, I asked what they would need to get it started and planned our 1 day of professional planning to get their first unit ready. Yes, our principal gave these 2 teachers 1 professional day to get their first unit planned. I asked for 2 district professional to come in to guide us as we planned together, as they did help the other teachers along too. We were in fact the learners in this process. Were our 2 teachers hesitant, absolutely. There is something to be said for a teacher who takes himself or herself out of the front seat, giving all the instruction at the front of the room.

What does it look like?

There are different models of Blended Learning, 6 that are most common. At each table there is a short synopsis of a model. I want your group to read it and develop a short summary of what it is. We will share our ideas in about 7 minutes.

Each model has a variance of teacher roles, how the space is used, instructional methods and the structure of a schedule you might use. DreamBox Learning (2013)

I want you to understand that each time you visit a classroom that is using blended learning you will see a slight variation or completely different model being used. Your classroom has a different group of "apples" than the next class. You may have a different method that works for you and your students and that is ok.

Take a moment and think to yourself - Which model do you think works best for you?

Which model would work best for you?

Here is the list of models we just discussed. Take a sticky note from the middle of the table and jot down what you think would work best for you and why? Take that sticky note with you today.

Here is a little story about
our 3rd grade teacher. ND, admits, "My first unit did not go as well as I hoped but I have made numerous changes and am confident that the current unit will provide greater results." We spoke after the first day and she wanted to stop immediately. Not even go on with blended anymore. Just as any failed lessons that we have, I know we have had them, we reflect and think "What am I going to do differently."

Student driven and self paced-

In a blended learning classroom, the students are in the driver seat, taking ownership of their learning and learning at their own pace.
"98% of my students have taken ownership of their learning. I rarely have discipline issues (they don't even notice me) while they are working." says TG, the 2nd grade teacher.
"The students are definitely enjoying the process- they are able to work at their own pace and ask for help as needed." says the 3rd grade teacher, who will be referred to as ND.

Wait-how do you know where your students are?
In 2nd grade TG, tracks student progress (ideally) everyday. I check exit tickets and I keep a running list of students that struggled to complete that particular skill (exit ticket). I use this list to help plan instruction for that small group. I check off all exit tickets to make sure all students are completing the work. I also do "Spot Checks" of the independent practice work that is completed before students can do the exit ticket. We debrief twice a week in the morning with our math journals and the document camera."

In 3rd grade, ND says "I try to meet with every student at least once a week. I meet with students displaying some difficulty two - three times a week. I meet with struggling students or students that are staying on task every day. I try to meet with every student at least once a week. I meet with students displaying some difficulty two - three times a week. I meet with struggling students or students that find staying on task every day.

Benefits of Blended Learning-

In our 3rd grade classroom, ND has found many benefits to using the blended learning process.

1. The students are definitely enjoying the process- they are able to work at their own pace and ask for help as needed.
2. Students are not timid in regards to asking questions and expressing themselves openly during small group or one on one sessions.
3. I am able to better understand their thinking and immediately help them with misconceptions
4. The greatest benefit is being able to meet with students one on one and in groups. I have been able to work them on minor details misconceptions related to foundation skills that I would have missed during whole group.
5. The model works extremely well for students who are pulled for other services.
6. Students are becoming more independent in regards to downloading and accessing apps, and maneuvering their way through Google classroom. (Google classroom is an organizational platform teachers can use in their classroom to promote collaboration and essentially go paperless.)

Benefits found in the 2nd grade classroom-

1. First, my students really love math, because I use EngageNY for the most part, but now that I've started the blended model they never want to stop.
2. 98% of my students have taken ownership of their learning.
3. I rarely have discipline issues (they don't even notice me) while they are working.

Can anyone else think of some benefits for using this model?

Let's think about the 21st Century skills "the 4C's" and how this process can help build those.
1. Collaboration - working together to achieve the same goal
2. Creativity - thinking outside the box or the discovering of something.
3. Communication - having the students communicate with each other about their deeper understanding or even helping someone who just has not "gotten it yet"
4. Critical Thinking - having a deeper understanding of the content.

The problems we have encountered:

1. In 3rd grade ND found that some students were skipping guided and independent practice activities, which resulted in me having to do journal checks every few days.
Any other suggestions for this issue that you guys can think of?

2. One constant problem I've seen is kids venturing off to other sites during math time. I have started using Hapara heavily in the classroom, called parents, and sent home notes, but every day there seems to be a new culprit. (Hapara is a classroom management site that allows teachers to have access to what is on the each student's computer, such as Google Drive, email, and websites. Critical tool to ensure students are using the computers appropriately.)

Let's brainstorm some other ways to solve these issues.

Issues found in 2nd Grade

1. A lot more work on the front end of every new unit.
My suggestions that I have found is that you should start out small and build from there. Take it slow, teach your students the process and discuss the expectations on a daily basis. Who else can think of a solution?

2. Learning how to video tape lessons and getting over yourself and the way you sound on the video. (That may just be my issue.) Working out the kinks.
My suggestion is to tape 1 time and that is it. Think about when you are in front of the classroom teaching and you make an error, you move on. Same thing here.


TG admits "I have learned if you let the students tell you what is working and what you need to change, it flows easier. (Yes, second graders can tell you what's not working for them.)"

Isn't that something?

What other challenges can you think of?

At your table, please brainstorm problems or issues that you can think of. (Allow about 5-7 minutes.) Use the following padlet to record your information. http://padlet.com/nallmann/psblended


Here are some suggestions/ideas to think about:
Technology
Organizational
Instructional/Design

(Display the padlet on the screen)

What are your thoughts and concerns about blended learning?

Open the floor to anyone who wants to speak. Allow all people to discuss the problems and possible solutions. When they ask a questions, have a conversation with all the faculty and staff. Reinforce with the teachers that I am not the one with all the answers, but I will hold your hand as you go through the process. I will assist you in developing the curriculum and units of study.

Let's hear from some of our students.

I polled our students to see what their thoughts were to their new learning process. Please pardon the grammar and spelling error on this slide. I did not want to alter their answers in any way.

I asked the students how learning was different when they used their Chromebooks (our 1TWO! device) and what they enjoyed the most. These are just 7 different responses. If you want more, let me know and I can get that information for you.

(Read through these answers in case anyone is unable to see this.)

So today, you learned what blended learning is and what it may look like in the classroom. We discussed the various models of blended learning and gave you true testimonials from your colleagues who are currently blending either math or language arts. We definitely discussed the challenges one may face and developed some possible solutions to them. I will share this padlet with you all so we have this at our fingertips to use.

Who is ready to start blending in their classroom? Understand that I am here to help you in each stage, the planning, implementing and reflection.