#INeLearn Archive
The #INeLearn hashtag is used for both asynchronous sharing and synchronous conversations. Include #INeLearn in your tweets if you want to share resources or questions with Indiana educators and school leaders. Asynchronously, the #INeLearn hashtag provides educators across the state of Indiana a central space for sharing. On Thursday evenings beginning at 8 CST/9 EST when you use the #INeLearn hashtag, you are joining a live conversation--the #INeLearn Twitter Chat. For one hour, we interact in real time having a virtual discussion.
Thursday September 8, 2016 9:00 PM EDT
Welcome to tonight’s chat! We will be discussing personalization in a blended learning environment.
Q0: Introduce yourself to the group and share something that made you smile this week!
Pam O'Risky, eLearningCoach, MSD of MV Debriefing at the Summer of eLearning today in Indy!
R0 John, elem principal in Bloomington. I learned an easy green screen method this week from Still smiling!
Michelle w/the Office of . Ive been grinning all week as people share their plans-Share yours https://t.co/YeZINAAnPY
John Wells from Evansville - T English/Tech Coach - my kids drove the golf cart for the first time Monday
Mike here, I teach preservice teachers at Indiana University about technology integration. Excited for tonight's chat!
Looking forward to tackling some tough questions about personalization in a blended environment with you all tonight.
Hello! Jordan- senior preservice teacher from IN! My friend leaves inspirational quotes on my door every morning- makes me smile!
A0: I'm Elizabeth from Carmel - I teach in the Computer Lab of an elem sch. The 1st gr S who said, "Let's hack it!" made me smile.
Brandy Hicks technology integration at Milan community schools. Watching a student created video.
No way that was my professor last semester. Dr L is phenomenal for those who haven't met her!!
Hello! Chris Tucker, assistant principal at Western Boone HS.
Media Specialist from Indy; I'll admit it: sleeping in on Monday.
Q1: What is personalization? Let’s share as many characteristics of it as we can.
Brittany Reedy, Indiana University preservice teacher. Can't wait to gain some great information!
I'm doing my student teaching in a 1st grade classroom in Carmel! I'm w/ the tech coordinator at my school!
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for IU High School (online). Hoping to read tweets as they scroll by.
Anne Leftwich, Indiana University Associate Professor. Listening to my little ones sing "Let It Go" for the millionth time
A0 I am Becca a junior preservice teacher from Chicago studying at IU! Today I FaceTimed my puppy from home and it was AWESOME!
Daniel from southwest Michigan. Former IN teacher and now instructional technology worksheet in Michigan. Tuesday was our 1st day
We have two preservice teachers on Twitter Chat tonight! https://t.co/ablvMCjwXX
Brittany Reedy, Indiana University preservice teacher. Can't wait to gain some great information!
A1 Based on needs & ability level. Got to start where your learners are at with what they're motivated by and passionate about
Great to see some pre-service teachers on here tonight!
more impressive is that you got the puppy to use tech! I can't get mine to pee outside. Is there an app for that?
R1: Personalization is meeting them where they are at, not where you want them but working them to that point
R1) I think of personalization as more interest based and differentiation as more skill based. Both related to Ss' needs.
Key words: STUDENT motivation and STUDENT passion https://t.co/0yFmrEHKWG
A1 Based on needs & ability level. Got to start where your learners are at with what they're motivated by and passionate about
A1: personalization is meeting the learner where they are at & maintaining a many different starting lines
R1- Curriculum accessible for all where students can work at their own pace and level for improvement.
A1 Learning how to manipulate material so that it best fits your learners needs as well as their interests
R1 The ability to allow students to be empowered with freedom in their creation.
I count a couple more...! :) Lots of great learning about to happen!
R1 Personalization is about educational equity-opportunities designed to meet the individual Ss' unique needs
R1 allowing them (Ss and Ts) to choose what best fits their needs and comfort level for task at hand
A1 Strengths. Focusing on the students strengths help personalize their education and help aid to their weaknesses
A1: If it's personalized, it should be customized and engaging for the student.
Q2: How does a blended learning environment help make personalization more manageable?
R1 Focusing on helping individualize instruction for Ss. Not them picking - that's not as effective
R1 lots of comments based on Ss but we cannot forget this is about Ts as well
R2 With blended, you can differentiate for different S needs
A1- Can be based on needs, ability, and interest level! Anything that helps students be successful should be personalized!
Yes, . Personalization is as far from industrial-age traditional school as can be imagined
Do you view personalization as student-choice? Or where we customize learning for S?
A2 Some programs and websites allow students to work at their own pace and become more responsible for their own learning.
focusing on Ts is critical. Must find meaningful ways to connect all learners, regardless of roles (Admin too)
Side note: Don't think we have 2 choose betwn differentiation&personalization. I think the latter gives more student agency though
Pushing you - Does this mean Ss choose - or does personalization mean Ts customizing instruction for individual Ss?
R2 Blended learning allows for the incorporation of so many different types/levels of media that can address a variety of needs
Should we always let Ts choose their learning based on preferences? Does this always work with Ss?
R2: blended provides more options and pacing techniques to help all learners. Blended can make easier to manage as well
there should always be room for student-choice. In the context of BL & personalization > customized
I think personalization happens when Ss drive the learning. Differentiation happens with T instruction
R2: would blended allow for multiple channels / pathways for the info at multiple speeds, at diff times, for diff reasons?
I view personilization as student choice with the guidance of T's to meet curriculum standards
I was talking about w/ Ts. But, I def think Ss should be able to choose to personalize their learning!
A2 using apps or technology to push students to their full potential can be very helpful while keeping the students engaged
I absolutely think so. :)
Not gonna lie - this makes my brain hurt. . . . https://t.co/3FX4C5EE2u
R2: would blended allow for multiple channels / pathways for the info at multiple speeds, at diff times, for diff reasons?
Some things must be non-nogetionable. Same w/ Ss, Ts, & As. Must provide voice & choice when possible
ALWAYS makes the answer no but buy in is typically greater with choice. Then intro new ideas https://t.co/9aQIKDScXM
Should we always let Ts choose their learning based on preferences? Does this always work with Ss?
Absolutely I think that is the primary goal that blended learning accomplishes
Q3: How does planning and preparation shift for teachers when using personalized learning?
Great way to word it. https://t.co/EX4YsRL7tW
I think personalization happens when Ss drive the learning. Differentiation happens with T instruction
R2 Honestly my worst fear is that BL & personalization translates to a program that collects data and sorts accordingly Ts are key
A3: Ts must be more cognizant of where all Ss are, able to follow many diff. paths keeping Ss on track https://t.co/XrcxXqmsa3
Q3: How does planning and preparation shift for teachers when using personalized learning?
R3 this is a question I pondered today. As I spoke with someone that mention they're having students help write the curriculum.
R3: planning may be more difficult if trying to do without tech assistance. Using tech & only tech can also cause issues
R3: Ts have multitudes of resources to consider & data to analyze in order to create different pathways.
Changes w/ age/abil of child? Ss choose topics in Lab (ele sch). But I'm there to meet kid halfway. https://t.co/ksuCzsA0zN
Pushing you - Does this mean Ss choose - or does personalization mean Ts customizing instruction for individual Ss?
R3 Having more options (all of which are aligned to objectives/standards) and less concrete paths. More room for flexibility
There are certain things only a teacher can do. Tech should automate what it can, so we can maximize our time with Ss.
R3 As a T you have to have the course planned out with a menu of ways to engage w/content. More front loading Key: being flexible.
R3 Being way more flexible as a T. Tech to help facilitate choices/tutorials/resources. Frees T to become guide
There's a lot you can do with tech, absolutely. But teacher sets up/thinks thru what works best, no? https://t.co/zKYnN6rLan
A2 Some programs and websites allow students to work at their own pace and become more responsible for their own learning.
A3 paths become curvy, backtrack, crisscross, start/stop rather than a straight line everyone must follow
. how do we help teachers be the difference? We can't have babysitters looking over shoulders at computer programs!
Great point! Is there any easy way to keep track of this? Any resources you have to share??
R3: And no matter what type of instruction, there is always the assessment question; what is valid and relevant?
Plus that's not personalization. We now have to teach Ss how to be advocates for their own learning for this to work
. thank you-it's a deliberate word choice. Just a pinch of competency-based learning tossed in ;)
RT R3: And no matter what type of instruction, there is always the assessment question; what is valid and relevant?
Technology is meant to transform and enhance learning not replace it.
. having different levels & activities Ave keeping all on save page. Some Ss might quit if T isn't involved!
It's important for Ts to make the most of conferring w/ Ss, having reflection as part of the process as well.
We should do an chat on the good, the bad, and the ugly of competency-based learning.
one way I've done this is have a class goal sheet where students post their goal for each day, reflect on next steps 1/2
. we absolutely do. We must also convince Ts and Admin too continue to advocate for change, support, and growth!
True, We need leaders who see the value of investing in Ts to be the curriculum master & providing PD to support
AND to personalize PD and support too.
reflect all day long! reflection should be one of the first parts of a lesson, no reflection, no next steps
Good point, Definitely a concern. Even moreso Ss need opps to be creative-not easy to auto score
Now for the question you all are thinking in the back of your minds right now, but haven't muttered to the Twitterverse yet...
Q4: How do you personalize instruction with mandated books/material/syllabus?
I love that tweet. I completely agree, students learn BEST through personal and group reflection!
And GAFE makes this even easier -loved my conferencing time w/Ss 2just a couple of mins can go a long way!
R4: imo standards and mandated curriculum are the walls of the house. You design the inside and arrange the furniture.
A4 You can use the content from those mandated materials and put them into different formats that support blended learning
we're all on the same wave path! Students owning the learning is THE BEST!
R4 If the content source is mandated, there's always the option for personalization of artifacts Ss create to demo understanding
A4 use mandated resources as foundational curriculum, personalize thru targeted instruction/small group - max instructional time
A4 integrating the multiple intelligences & letting kids express their comprehension of material through their choice
R4 allowing student voice within the preset parameters. Invite Ss And explain we have to use this but what can we do w/ it also?
true. Ts must find way to be active, even in online & credit recovery courses. Show the Ss that you care!
A4: Take the time to get to really know your Ss as there's no personalization without the relationship building.
a5: even with specific items to cover, students need to be given choice, include them in options to showcase their learning
R4 (for real) curriculum is the "what" we need to teach not the "how" we teach it. Those are VERY different
That is a really good way to explain things
. my belief since day one in the classroom. This is what you have to teach, but there was no how you have to do it.
True. Lots of things can be personalized not just content. Path, pace, assessment, tools, content of skills instruction
have to empower them to own their learning, set up for success :) provide structure to bring about flexibility
R4) Ss don't have to engage w/ material and/or respond to it in same ways. Can build choice/voice into what they do w/ reqs.
Q5: What steps can we take to implement personalized learning in small ways if we are not ready to jump in fully yet?
R4 This makes me think of AP Courses. Even so there's instruct'l strategies that incorp comm & collab that purposefully engage Ss
Monumental battle for my attention between , , and football prep tonight. There needs to be more than one of me.
. providing options and rolling due dates can do a lot for assisting with that. BL Ave personalization helps!
A5 For lower grades use a specific subject to integrate personilization
R5 Small steps are great! Try just one activity a week or a quarter that's personalized and build from there!
Dialogue w/ Ss to see what is & isn't working for them; allow them input on how to make it meaningful or connect to them
R5: provide multiple forms of proving the content. Roll due dates. More checks for understanding. Small groups & station learning
A5) Think of a lesson/unit you really hate teaching & think about how it could be totally redesigned w/ S choice built in.
true, but so are you saying teaching facts from a history lesson is more important than making it fun and engaging?
A5 Station learning is a great way to implement
R5: An easy way to take small steps toward personalized learning is to offer different products to Ss https://t.co/09XKaF2F5N
Q5: What steps can we take to implement personalized learning in small ways if we are not ready to jump in fully yet?
. even ask them for feedback once a week! Take their pulse and figure out their needs!
R5 start with small groups that are already established in content areas (Daily5, math groups, etc)
I personally don't worry so much about "fun." I sound cold-hearted, but engagement does not mean entertainment
R5 Love ' rolling due dates - incorp check points for Ss. Great way to also break the FINAL DRAFT mindset
...I would rather students be engaged and focused on meaningful, hard work than simply enjoying themselves
R4 some of the stories in my LA text book are awesome! Make sure to utilize it for what it's worth, but supplement the rest
A6 Was just listening to a podcast about playlists, which teacher uses to differentiate but builds in choice for Ss
It's like when I'm in flow at work... not having the time of my life or anything, but super engaged
. and slow procrastination in the class. Many formative assessments along the way to inform practice!
I read that recently (didn't listen). Found it really interesting/intriguing.
Good starting place -and you could mix-up where you integrate stations: pre-learning, into content, and post
Textbooks don't have to be a bad word. ;-)
R5 Find interests for students who are struggling. Reach them to get them back on track, then try to branch out!
I think that giving a meaningful education straggles the lines of both enjoyment and focus
Q6: What tips do you have for personalizing instruction for a large group of students? Classroom management tips?
that makes much more sense. I think the hardest part is finding that balance
I love this approach-makes it a win/win effort https://t.co/vL19sNJ3et
A5) Think of a lesson/unit you really hate teaching & think about how it could be totally redesigned w/ S choice built in.
A6 Practice first with a short activity, set clear (socially constructed?) expectations, be active and moving around the classroom
It is tough! I have to ask myself when using tech... Am I just "edutaining" kids or am I using tech to transform
Great chat! Hate to cut out early but I have 9 year old who is refusing to sleep. I have a personalization plan in mind for her!
For me, it was on lines of thinking, "This unit/lesson cannot get any worse so let's try something completely different."
R6: be ready to facilitate! Move. Assess as you go. Check in with all Ss. Chances are multiple Ss having problem. Hold workshop
And probably make it more enjoyable for you to teach in the process. :)
A6 It is really important to provide independent learning opportunties so that Ts can observe and analyze Ss for personilization
I know I use "love" too much, but I do LOVE that we can share things like this in Chats! https://t.co/hx77ttKOjJ
For me, it was on lines of thinking, "This unit/lesson cannot get any worse so let's try something completely different."
what strategies within the subjects do you think you could use? Similar strategies within subjects?
We do have a great culture in our little community.
A5 trying out new strategies & tools teachers can use in their classrooms will help give students options that will help them best
So how do you manage a room full of students working on different things? Does it change the reality of grading?
https://t.co/I6ZW6yQB5B
A6: I create videos for my YouTube channel for students. They can watch & research, & I get to meet up with Ss one-on-one.
If it's competency/standards-based then hopefully it doesn't matter too much what they create!
. if assessing standards, it shouldn't. Have to be mobile and connect with Ss. pull a small group aside to reteach
R6 Rethink your grade book-don't try to keep trad'l practice and assess everything for points
RT If it's competency/standards-based then hopefully it doesn't matter too much what they create!
I grade components instead of the overall. Have multiple rubrics that add up to the same points, too.
A6 dont be afraid to try new strategies!! I am ALL about staying open to trying new things esp when it comes to technology
You're right. A personalized classroom is not the traditional factory model. It's okay to challenge what's always been done
Teachers need to stop being afraid to experiment. We are pedagogy scientists!
That's awesome. Do you find it takes a great deal of time for you to do that?
RT Teachers need to stop being afraid to experiment. We are pedagogy scientists!
R6 From the start teach your Ss how to advocate for themselves. Set up processes for communication. You'll thank yourself
Learner Profiles can help students learn how to do that too.
Let's finish strong with a tool share...
I agree! Always keep moving. Get those steps in!
I've never heard that term, "edutaining" oh my goodness that is such good point. Definitely something to keep in mind!
Q7: What open educational resources are available to personalize learning?
I'm working on a major PBL where choice is key. No pre-made examples. I don't want to taint the creativity.
Sorry to have missed my peeps tonight. I'll snag the info from the archive and catch ya'll down the road! Have a great Friday! 👊🏽
R7: I loved using Canvas as an LMS to organize. As former SS teacher, I loved primary sources Ave rewordify to help. Newsela too
You don't need anything fancy to create a learning playlist... a simple document is a good starting point.
That was actually an extra question I had planned but didn't get to... how to use an LMS to help personalize
I'm so lucky I don't have a set textbook. I love curating my own texts, sources, etc. https://t.co/8H8DP00W9P
Q4: How do you personalize instruction with mandated books/material/syllabus?