What does blended learning look like in my classroom?
Blended learning allows students to incorporate several online learning opportunities with traditional face-to-face instruction.
Why blend instruction? Research shows that blended instruction is more effective than both traditional and completely online classes (read about the research here and here). In a blended classroom, students have some control over the pace of their learning while also having traditional access to their teacher and classmates.
In my classroom, students use available Chromebooks, smart phones, and their own mobile devices to access materials for learning. Class websites, Google Classroom, and Moodle are incorporated into daily learning activities.
Blended instruction has changed my teaching:
Why blend instruction? Research shows that blended instruction is more effective than both traditional and completely online classes (read about the research here and here). In a blended classroom, students have some control over the pace of their learning while also having traditional access to their teacher and classmates.
In my classroom, students use available Chromebooks, smart phones, and their own mobile devices to access materials for learning. Class websites, Google Classroom, and Moodle are incorporated into daily learning activities.
Blended instruction has changed my teaching:
- I can provide more detailed feedback in online environments. Moodle and Google Classroom with Google Drive allow me to give students personal and in-depth feedback on their learning.
- Formative assessments are easier to deliver and can be used to collect data on student learning.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is easier to implement as students can receive information in a variety of methods, students can demonstrate their learning in multiple ways, and students are engaged through many levels.
- I look for ways to make learning more student-centered and less teacher-driven. This year, my students will be participating in Genius Hour, class time devoted to exploring what they want to learn. Students will share what they learn through blogs updated weekly.
- I teach my students about Copyright, Fair Use, and Creative Commons, and how each applies in our educational setting.
- Google tools like Flubaroo and Goobric make management of online materials efficient. My inbox is now more organized and clutter-free! My desk . . . is still a work in progress.