June 13, 2015 Blog Post #4: Integration and blended learning framework: introduction and roll out.6/12/2015 BLOG POST PROMPT
This week we introduced blended learning. Your school is interested in enhancing technology usage through integration and blended learning might play a role in that. Building on the CIM, Adult Learning Theory, and Blended Learning, discuss how a framework like Blended Learning would be introduced and rolled out at your school site. It is detrimental that the introduction and roll out of a particular blended learning framework would include buy-in by the stakeholders (Stephanie Fagnani, 2014). The chosen framework should support the mission and philosophy of the school site. If stakeholders are included in the decision making process, then there probably will be additional buy-in. It would be necessary for parents, teachers and administrators to understand the cost and the benefits of the many options before a model is finalized. In order to create a successful program, the stakeholders must be willing to prepare the appropriate research and to plan and implement the necessary training. This would be a good time to begin researching appropriate devices and to review the infrastructure making sure that it will be capable of supporting the amount of devices that are in your plan. Selection of devices should be in part based on the desired outcomes of the stakeholders. If funding is an issue, this process may include the need to identify potential funding sources or fundraising to assist the creation of the proposed model. Another choice is to have the learners bring their own devices. BYOD could be a solution if you do not have a sufficient budget or if you have a small or no IT staff. When these details have been addressed, stakeholders should be trained on the usage of both the appropriate technology and the chosen blended learning model. Teachers will require adequate training and support at the school site in order to gain the confidence necessary to create a successful program. The amount of training necessary to implement the program may differ depending on the confidence level of each individual teacher. Stephanie Fagnani, 2014 suggests an alternate method of selecting teachers who are already drawn to data-driven instruction to pilot a blended learning program. These teachers can later be used to train other teachers at the school site. Another consideration is choosing online learning programs that will be best for the school’s plan. The stakeholders may choose a curriculum provider or go purchase programs “a la carte?” Check with the stakeholders to see if they are already familiar with online learning programs that could easily be integrated into the framework. (Alison DeNiso, 2014) suggests that some districts are using teachers to create online curriculum that can be utilized to integrate with in-class instruction. While a less expensive option, this could mean more training for the selected teachers. Idealistically, teacher training would occur when students are off-track and teachers had the time necessary to learn the system and for teacher collaboration. The technology integration specialist would use the core instructional model to guide teachers through the process. A good start would be teaching the staff standards based alignment, assessment and data analysis. The TIS should begin to demonstrate some of the tools and strategies that teachers will need to learn to use in the classroom during the training period. For example, if you want your teachers to use Plickers then you should demonstrate a lesson using the app to show its effectiveness. When working with the teaching staff it is important to go slow and try to get buy-in. One way to do this is to show your teachers how new knowledge and skills can immediately be applied to current problems. Demonstrate the usefulness of the technology and teachers will be more likely to participate. References Bailey, J. E., & Scott Schneider, Carri Vander Ark, Tom(2013, February) Digital Learning Now! Blended Learning Implementation Guide http://digitallearningnow.com/site/uploads/2013/02/DLNSmartSeries-BL-paper_2012-02-05a.pdf DeNisco, A. (2014, January) Digital Learning Now! Teachers create own blended learning courses http://www.districtadministration.com/article/teachers-create-own-blended-learning-courses Fagnani, S. (2014, August). DA District Administration. 7 steps for choosing platforms and changing the game in K12 achievement http://www.districtadministration.com/article/rolling-out-blended-learning
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