Q1: Last week we talked about the instructional aspects of Blended Learning, share a success or a challenge you’ve faced (or heard about) with #BL since then. #NoVAedChat#BlendedLearning
Excited to join tonight! I know, I know, it’s been awhile! I’m Rashida Green and I’m a proud Assistant Principal at @WSESfox ❤️ I’m curious about ways to Makerspace and STEAM Labs - specifically how to get them up and running in schools starting from beginning stages #NovaEdChat
A1: I count a day where I don’t have to use a staid textbook activity as a win! Challenge is for sure keeping kids on task with a lot of freedom built in! #NoVAedchat
With regard to #blendedlearning, one of the challenges I’ve seen is people’s inability to navigate the online setting, causing frustration which gets in the way of learning #NovaEdChat
A1: a success I have had is using BL station rotation models to support PBL at the secondary level. This year my challenge is to use Google Sheets and single point rubrics to close the feedback loop during project time.. work in progress! #novaedchat
Most definitely some of the great benefits of #blendedlearning is how it enhances the in-person learning and allows for Ss to practice what they’re learning. It’s also better for paper waste! #NovaEdChat
It's so important to build community and understanding online and offline for learning to take hold! That means routines and procedures to ensure all can access! #NoVAedchat
Another great thing I’ve seen with #blendedlearning is it is dynamic—including videos, interactive features, and more. Also, Ss get to feel more independent and empowered by their learning #NOVAedchat
YES!! I had a total game changer experience last year when @dmhicks introduced me to the autocrat add on in google sheets as a feedback tool! #NoVAedchat
One issue I’ve come across looking over my niece’s work is how some of the examples lacked cultural responsiveness. She could not relate to reading about golf, for example—a passage she had to read. #NOVAedchat
I agree! I implemented #blendedlearning a lot last year when teaching 4th grade and I really had to collaborate with my SBTS to learn tech tips myself & then teach my students how to use the online settins. But it was so worth it in the end! #NoVAedChat
That’s so true. People tend to miss this very important step. The idea is for tech to enhance in-person. Sometimes, they’re seen and treated separately and don’t always integrate as well as they should #NoVaEdChat
My go to is “go slow to go fast” and “embrace messy” - sometimes I think we’re almost too quick to jump in. But if we take our time then we will be able to really soar later #NoVaEdChat
A1: A success I’ve observed is teachers using blended settings to enhance personalized learning experiences & differentiation; challenge is making blended learning experiences truly unique vs what has been done in traditional paper/pencil applications. #NoVAedChat
A2: My go to is “go slow to go fast” and “embrace messy” - sometimes I think we’re almost too quick to jump in. But if we take our time then we will be able to really soar later #NoVaEdChat
Dig in and get your hands dirty learning the technology too! Collaborate with teammates and other school resources. It’s so worth it! #blendedlearning#NovaEdChat
A2: when getting started, teach students about tech etiquette as well as routines. Additionally, if there is chatting capability, teach about #cyberbullying#NoVAedChat
A2: My go to advice, know that it is going to be messy at first. Model resilience for your kids and keep working at it. Don’t be afraid to fail. #NoVAedchat
A2: Just get started. Dive in! Don’t let the newness or uncertainty scare you; don’t let the struggles you’ll encounter intimidate you. You’ll get better and the investment is worth it. #NoVAedChat
A2: Use the tech in a non-content related way to build community. When it's time to apply it to content Ss are confident, & they can focus on the learning task rather than "how do I use this?.." Also, clear expectations, procedures, & routines model what we expect. #novaedchat
A2: additionally I would share with S how to manage their emotions when things don’t go as well as they’d like in tech. Sometimes tech / internet is finicky #NoVAedChat
A2: my last and most important piece of advice is to ensure that if you send Ss with HW they need to do on the internet or computer, be sure that they have access to both—and if you don’t, you share where they can access & manage your expectations #NoVAedChat
A1: I 💜 the new GC format. It helps me keep classwork + at-home work organized for Ss. All the material is in one place! A challenge — finding a balance between tech + the face-to-face communication we have in the language classroom in the community we’ve built! #NoVAedchat
Absolutely! It's so important to not just serve as a substitute. Helping teachers take that step to envision something more is so critical ... and connecting them with teachers who have taken the next step is a good way to start! #Novaedchat
Also, back to Q1, teachers, one thing that I find overwhelming is having a billion apps / LMSs to log into. I can’t keep track of it all and would love one place to do everything. Lol. Wishful thinking. Anyone relate?! #NoVaEdChat
A3: I started with Seesaw. I like that it's a digital portfolio and simple to use. I started with my 2017-2018 class and they were independent with it quickly. #NoVAedchat
There are a ton of these quotes - I heard a version today from Amy Miller, principal at Saratoga ES #NoVAedchat It doesn't mean rush, but don't be afraid to take that first step.
A3: Hyperdocs were a great start for me! https://t.co/wPbuXwU9cT has great examples and starting points. Also baby steps! Maybe include one BL tasks at a station rotation? Team up with another T and divide and conquer! It doesn't have to be a solo mission! #novaedchat
A2: my last and most important piece of advice is to ensure that if you send Ss with HW they need to do on the internet or computer, be sure that they have access to both—and if you don’t, you share where they can access & manage your expectations #NoVAedChat
A3: Google Suite, Padlet, Flipgrid seem to be what most of my Ts are using on a consistent basis. I Dream would be more shading docs across schools - there is so much knowledge out there #NoVaEdChat
A3: Virtual spaces like @GoogleForEdu classroom are undeniably helpful, but I particularly like tools that encourage authenticity and collaboration. Thinking of @Flipgrid and @voicethread, to name a couple of faves. #NoVAedChat
A3: you have to have solid classroom management and routines in place before you get started! And, like so many have said; find a partner or two and start with one thing like a hyper doc that will work in your classroom #NoVAedchat
A3: Not necessarily an instructional tool, but I find it helpful to think about my audience and overall goal. It’s easy to take something handwritten and turn it into a Google Doc, but our Ss need to know how to use tech in creative & exploratory ways #NoVAedchat
Agree @RashidaJGreen! A3 #NoVaEdChat The G. Suite can open doors for Blended Learning. Starting small and building proficiency w/ Classroom is a great place to start.
#FCPSsbts are doing such important work with teachers, students, administrators and more to move learning forward! LOVE the shout out to @techwithlennon#NoVAedchat
One of my favorite knowledge nuggets I learned in my 1:1 journey ... and I can't remember who said it. Tech in the classroom is like a highlighter. It shines light on the great and the not-so-great so be sure to have strong core instruction/routines and relationships #NoVAedchat
A3: you have to have solid classroom management and routines in place before you get started! And, like so many have said; find a partner or two and start with one thing like a hyper doc that will work in your classroom #NoVAedchat
I feel like we kind of talked about this one in #3 :) What other tools have you used OR share how you use them to enhance student learning? #NoVAedchat
A4: @Flipgrid is the best! It is such a simple, quick way for me to formatively assess speech output. I love attaching visual supports, and Ss are big fans of filters & personalizing their vid! #NoVAedchat
A4 I think my favorite (and go-to) is google slides. Sharing one slide deck with a class and doing the work together is SO powerful! Not only do we each learn as we work, but then learn with each other and push each other with feedback #NoVAedchat
A4: @padlet hyperdocs, @Flipgrid Google Edu Apps, anything that allows and encourages students to collaborate, make their thinking visible, and incorporates choice and flexibility. #novaedchat
A4: I love GSuite but #wixie is also a go to for primary. They have a lot of templates, collaboration through the “team” feature, and it’s getting a lot better at working with google classroom. #NoVAedchat
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A4: I really want to give some new insight but feel like it was pretty well covered in Q3. I will say that @GoogleForEdu has opened whole new frontiers for the teachers I work with. @Desmos, @khanacademy, and @YouTube are also great resources. #NoVAedChat
A4 I'm a broken record on this, but I LOVE Google Docs for writing. Whether work is done in school or at home, it's a window into the student's writing process and allows for meaningful and timely feedback. #NoVAedchat
A5: I think it’s less a new platform or app but more just searching for ways to improve production and engagement. I feel like I’ve got a good start, always looking to improve! #NoVAedchat
Not answering the question, but I would love to find an elementary class to be reading buddies via #flipgrid with my middle school Ss. Know anyone??? #NoVAedchat
A5: I love getting into other classrooms where blended learning is happening. So much of the time I find things I didn’t even know I was looking for. #edcamp#pineapplechart#NoVAedchat
Flori Stavros, 3rd grade teacher, Willow Springs Elementary. I just recently got the Level 1 Google Certificadion over the summer, and I look forward to working on level 2 this school year! #NoVAedchat
#NoVAedchat A5 I've read through the ISTE Grade Level standards https://t.co/8H1S1EdsfV
I'm still looking for some specifics. Like, by the end of K a student can ..., ...., and ... This would help get a benchmark and goals to aim for per grade.
A5: I’m really interested in discovering some good hacks around building blended stations in a workshop model, especially when dealing with resource scarcity. #NoVAedChat
A5: I also hear a lot of questioning from teachers about how best to manage the self-pacing side of #blendedlearning. How do you offer that while keeping up with a pacing guide or curriculum map? #NoVaEdChat
A5: Finally, I am always seeking new insight to how to effectively and efficiently personalize the blended experience within the reasonable confines of what a teacher can accomplish in a day or week or planning. #NoVaEdChat
Hey! #novaedchat I’m Summer a HS tech coach and I’m super late to this chat because I’ve been distracted by postseason baseball. Excited to catch up on all your #blendedlearning wisdom!
A5 I think equity in access to tech is still an issue. I also wonder about Ss who need additional support - ESOL and SPED. NOT a reason not to do #blendedlearning but
needs to be considered. #NoVAedchat
Not answering the question, but I would love to find an elementary class to be reading buddies via #flipgrid with my middle school Ss. Know anyone??? #NoVAedchat
A5: I would like to do BL more but like I mentioned in Q1, with younger kids and limited devices that's difficult. I'd like to work with older students who are 1:1 in our district. I feel I can do more with them. #Novaedchat
I connect with the fact that online learning allows us to take the paper resources, lessons, ideas, and so many other things from traditional education and bring them all together in one easy to access place. #NoVAedChat
Q1: Blended Learning is combining what’s great about online learning with what works in traditional education. What about this idea do you connect with? #NoVAedChat#BL#BlendedLearning
Equity will always be a concern in home-based blended experiences, but class-based #blendedlearning innovations have the power to dismantle these barriers.
A6 Not a "tool" but I need to make sure I stay connected to classrooms. Lots of #blendedlearning has happened since I left, but it's all cool stuff that I want to be aware of so I understand how it fits into the education big picture. #NoVAedchat
