Planning for Implementation
Last week I created my first video that could possibly be used for Blended learning in my Spanish class. In the video, I taught a lesson on constructing questions in Spanish and incorporated visuals, which I thought would help, but realized that I didn't actually know if it would be effective or not. So this week, I'm taking a look at how we can actually plan and prepare for transitioning into Blended Learning.
The book, "Navigating The Digital Shift: Implementation Strategies for Blended and Online Learning" by John Bailey, Carri Schneider and, Tom Vander Ark, provides an overview of what to consider with Blended Learning implementation. The four big concepts to consider are to Create Conditions for Success, Plan, Implement and, Improve. Each one has various subfactors that need to be decided upon. They are as follows:
Creating Conditions for Success
Define Academic Goals- This will help later when decided the approach and model that will be implemented as well as interaction time.
Building Support- Consider the family/guardians of the students as well as other teachers and administrators who can offer additional support.
Funding the Shift- Teachers also need to consider the type of blended learning ( ex: rotation of 1-to-1) to know the resources they will need from the school. Most schools, if they are not 1-to-1 already, will have laptop carts that can be checked out. You can also consider federal/state/local funding or philanthropic or local donations.
Planning
Strategy and Timeline- Turnaround from planning to implementation
School and Instructional Models- Intentionally integrate technology to boost learning (Rotation vs. Flex)
Platform and Content- Platform choice can limit instructional resources while content can limit platform options.
Device Aquisition-Device planning and purchasing
Staffing- More teachers involved can allow for more collaboration and support
Improvement and Impact Measurement- how and by who will progress and success be measured
Implementation
Infrastructure- power, networking, and facilities
Integration- accounts for students
Professional Development- adaptive and technical skills, qualities and mindset
Tech Support- Hardware and software maintenance and problem-solving
Implementation Support- tools, training, and programs
Culture- values, equity, innovation, and collaboration,
Communication- students, parents, and administrators
Continuous Improvement
Measure Impact- assess activities, processes, and oppertunities for future innovation
Multiyear Budget- financial success and sustainability
This information was targeted not only to teachers wanting to transition their class to Blended Learning but also for schools or districts to plan implementation. I found it very interesting and informative for planning blended instruction in my own classroom. Although this talked a lot about software and programs, I would like to find some more information on creating my own material, like the video assignments that we have had in class.
Book: Bailey, J., Schneider, C., & Vander Ark, T. (2013). Navigating The Digital Shift: Implementation Strategies for Blended and Online Leraning. Digital Learning Now!.
Hello Angelica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information. In theory I think blended learning sounds nice and "easy" but as someone who has never implemented blended learning with rotations and all of the components a lot of planing needs to go into this model. I specifically liked the point where it asks how will you assess student learning and engagement. As someone implementing this model for the first time I would really need to find a tool that would allow me to assess over a large groups of technology not just one assessment for one rotation/online activity.
Hola Angelica!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing an overview of how to implement blended learning into your classroom. Your post was well-organized and very easy to follow. Although it is important to understand how to implement blended learning into your lessons, but it is just as important to know how to improve from them. Reflecting back on your teaching is paramount in students' successful learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for your post!
Thank you for your post. I am glad that you focused on the planning aspect of BL, as this is critical for the overall success of this methodology. We know as educators, planning is everything. I also appreciate that you looked at both planning at the classroom level and school-wide implementation.
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