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The Distance Learning Playbook, Grades K-12
Effective teaching is effective teaching, no matter where it occurs
The pandemic teaching of mid-2020 was not really distance learning, but rather crisis teaching. But starting now, teachers have the opportunity to prepare for distance learning with purpose and intent—using what works best to accelerate students’ learning all the while maintaining an indelible focus on equity.
Harnessing the insights and experience of renowned educators Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie, The Distance Learning Playbook applies the wisdom and evidence of VISIBLE LEARNING® research to understand what works best with distance learning. Spanning topics from teacher-student relationships, teacher credibility and clarity, instructional design, assessments, and grading, this comprehensive playbook details the research- and evidence-based strategies teachers can mobilize to deliver high- impact learning in an online, virtual, and distributed environment.
This powerful guide includes:
· Learning Intentions and Success Criteria for each module to track your own learning and model evidence-based teacher practices for meaningful learning
· A diversity of instructional approaches, including direct instruction, peer learning, and independent work that foster student self-regulation and move learning to deep and transfer levels
· Discussion of equity challenges associated with distance learning, along with examples of how teachers can work to ensure that equity gains that have been realized are not lost.
· Special guidance for teachers of young children who are learning from a distance
· Videos of the authors and teachers discussing a wide variety of distance learning topics
· Space to write and reflect on current practices and plan future instruction
The Distance Learning Playbook is the essential hands-on guide to preparing and delivering distance learning experiences that are truly effective and impactful.
- Grade Level: PreK-12
- ISBN: 9781071828922
- Published By: Corwin
- Year: 2020
- Page Count: 208
- Publication date: June 29, 2020
Price: $32.95
Description
Effective teaching is effective teaching, no matter where it occurs
The pandemic teaching of mid-2020 was not really distance learning, but rather crisis teaching. But starting now, teachers have the opportunity to prepare for distance learning with purpose and intent—using what works best to accelerate students’ learning all the while maintaining an indelible focus on equity.
Harnessing the insights and experience of renowned educators Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie, The Distance Learning Playbook applies the wisdom and evidence of VISIBLE LEARNING® research to understand what works best with distance learning. Spanning topics from teacher-student relationships, teacher credibility and clarity, instructional design, assessments, and grading, this comprehensive playbook details the research- and evidence-based strategies teachers can mobilize to deliver high- impact learning in an online, virtual, and distributed environment.
This powerful guide includes:
- Learning Intentions and Success Criteria for each module to track your own learning and model evidence-based teacher practices for meaningful learning
- A diversity of instructional approaches, including direct instruction, peer learning, and independent work that foster student self-regulation and move learning to deep and transfer levels
- Discussion of equity challenges associated with distance learning, along with examples of how teachers can work to ensure that equity gains that have been realized are not lost.
- Special guidance for teachers of young children who are learning from a distance
- Videos of the authors and teachers discussing a wide variety of distance learning topics
- Space to write and reflect on current practices and plan future instruction
The Distance Learning Playbook is the essential hands-on guide to preparing and delivering distance learning experiences that are truly effective and impactful.
To purchase from an Authorized Corwin Distributor click here.
A Spanish translation of the Distance Learning Playbook, Grades K-12, Aprendizaje a Distancia Guia, Guia de Preescolar a Bachillerator, can be purchased by contacting Irene Yepez from Editorial Trillas at vigaexporta@trillas.mx.
Author(s)

Douglas Fisher
Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Doug was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. He is the recipient of an International Reading Association William S. Grey citation of merit and an Exemplary Leader award from the Conference on English Leadership of NCTE. He has published numerous articles on teaching and learning as well as books such as The Teacher Clarity Playbook, PLC+, Visible Learning for Literacy, Comprehension: The Skill, Will, and Thrill of Reading, How Tutoring Works, and How Learning Works. Doug loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others.

Nancy Frey

John Allan Hattie
Table of Contents
List of Videos
Acknowledgments
Introduction
A Visible Learning Primer
Visible Learning and Distance Learning
A Question of Equity
Module 1: Take Care of Yourself
Learning Intentions
A View From the Early Years
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 2: The First Days of School
Learning Intentions
Develop a Classroom Management Plan for Distance Learning
Establish Norms
Link Norms to Class Agreements
Identify Expectations for Synchronous Distance Learning
Develop and Teach Organizational and Procedural Routines
A View From the Early Years
Design a Considerate Website
Your First Distance Classes
Learn Students’ Interests
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 3: Teacher—Student Relationships From a Distance
Learning Intentions
Characteristics of Teacher–Student Relationships
Judgment and Will, Not Just Knowledge and Ability
Peer-to-Peer Relationships Are Influenced, Too
A “Chilly” Classroom
A View From the Early Years
Reaching the Hard to Teach
Increase Your Touchpoints With All Students
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 4: Teacher Credibility at a Distance
Learning Intentions
Teacher Credibility Defined
A View From the Early Years
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 5: Teacher Clarity at a Distance
Learning Intentions
Start With the Standards
Create a Flow of Lessons: Unit Planning
Create Learning Intentions
Identify Success Criteria
A View From the Early Years
Find the Relevance
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 6: Engaging Tasks
Learning Intentions
Think Functions of Engagement, Not Just Tools
Set the Conditions for Engagement and Learning
Select the Tools That Meet These Functions and Conditions
Design Tasks With Engagement in Mind
A View From the Early Years
Design a Considerate Schedule to Promote Engagement
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 7: Planning Instructional Units for Distance Learning
Learning Intentions
Demonstrating
Collaborating
A View From the Early Years
Coaching and Facilitating
Practicing
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 8: Feedback, Assessment, and Grading
Learning Intentions
Feedback to Students
The Socioemotional Links to Feedback
A View From the Early Years
Feedback at a Distance
Formative Evaluation
Summative Evaluations
Competency-Based Grading
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Module 9: Learning, Distance or Otherwise
Learning Intentions
Learning From Other Crises
Use Crisis Learning to Make Schools Better
Make Learning Better for Students
Make Learning Better for Teachers
Conclusion
Success Criteria
Appendix
References
Index
Reviews
I love this book! It provides practical information to support all our teachers as they shift all or some of their instruction to distance learning. It is the best of what Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey have to teach us about great instruction, all packaged up in a hands-on tool to guide teachers as they plan for the upcoming year. From teacher self-care to feedback, assessment and grading, it’s all addressed here. It’s right on time and it will be a foundational tool to help shape our instructional focus at my school this year.
Jennifer CarrI love this book! It provides practical information to support all our teachers as they shift all or some of their instruction to distance learning. It is the best of what Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey have to teach us about great instruction, all packaged up in a hands-on tool to guide teachers as they plan for the upcoming year. From teacher self-care to feedback, assessment and grading, it’s all addressed here. It’s right on time and it will be a foundational tool to help shape our instructional focus at my school this year.
principal
As we charter the unfamiliar territory of a blended learning platform, we turn to the experts who have gone before us. Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie remind us that the focus is not technology, learning management systems, or devices, but the focus remains student learning. This book serves as a safe haven, as it reminds us what effective teaching and learning entail, and it rewraps it around a digital learning framework. Whether districts are familiar with distance learning, or if they are starting from ground zero, The Distance Learning Playbook is the place to start.
Melanie SpenceAs we charter the unfamiliar territory of a blended learning platform, we turn to the experts who have gone before us. Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie remind us that the focus is not technology, learning management systems, or devices, but the focus remains student learning. This book serves as a safe haven, as it reminds us what effective teaching and learning entail, and it rewraps it around a digital learning framework. Whether districts are familiar with distance learning, or if they are starting from ground zero, The Distance Learning Playbook is the place to start.
Sloan-Hendrix School District, Imboden, AK
Echoing through the pages of this timely book is the message: Effective teaching is effective teaching, no matter where it occurs. Teacher voices and classroom examples animate core principles of research-based teaching and learning, enabling the reader to visualize practices in both face-to-face and online learning environments. Multiple self-assessments and templates for reflection support reader interaction with the content. The authors connect Visible Learning and informed teacher decision-making to all facets of effective lesson design and delivery, and address the important issues of equity and inclusiveness; learner self-regulation and driving of their own learning; and use of formative evaluation and feedback to move learning forward. A must-read book!
Jackie Acree WalshEchoing through the pages of this timely book is the message: Effective teaching is effective teaching, no matter where it occurs. Teacher voices and classroom examples animate core principles of research-based teaching and learning, enabling the reader to visualize practices in both face-to-face and online learning environments. Multiple self-assessments and templates for reflection support reader interaction with the content. The authors connect Visible Learning and informed teacher decision-making to all facets of effective lesson design and delivery, and address the important issues of equity and inclusiveness; learner self-regulation and driving of their own learning; and use of formative evaluation and feedback to move learning forward. A must-read book!
We are in a place in history where we desperately need answers to questions that will determine the future of our nation's most precious possession -- our children. The Distance Learning Playbook is an incredible resource with a wealth of practical support for teachers and administrators, and it will fill a huge information gap that many schools are experiencing in educating students in a virtual setting. Very practical, easy-to-use samples about how to start and end a class, the social-emotional support needed, and setting up norms to develop a safe culture for students to learn at high levels. This is a must-have for educators at all levels -- district leaders, principals, coaches and teachers in the 21st century and beyond. This resource is ideal for schools that are looking for answers to a whole-child approach to virtual education.
Dr. Charles NewmanWe are in a place in history where we desperately need answers to questions that will determine the future of our nation's most precious possession -- our children. The Distance Learning Playbook is an incredible resource with a wealth of practical support for teachers and administrators, and it will fill a huge information gap that many schools are experiencing in educating students in a virtual setting. Very practical, easy-to-use samples about how to start and end a class, the social-emotional support needed, and setting up norms to develop a safe culture for students to learn at high levels. This is a must-have for educators at all levels -- district leaders, principals, coaches and teachers in the 21st century and beyond. This resource is ideal for schools that are looking for answers to a whole-child approach to virtual education.
Perris Union High School District, Perris, CA
The year 2020 will be forever etched as the Era of Distance Learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused cascading changes that have shifted our educational institutions. This concerted seismic move has elevated the need for robust internet connections and meaningful virtual interactions. The Distance Learning Playbook is an invaluable resource to prepare our teachers to provide a powerful learning environment through technology, while promoting the most powerful tool available to educators -- a caring and challenging relationship with students.
Dr. Francisco EscobedoThe year 2020 will be forever etched as the Era of Distance Learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused cascading changes that have shifted our educational institutions. This concerted seismic move has elevated the need for robust internet connections and meaningful virtual interactions. The Distance Learning Playbook is an invaluable resource to prepare our teachers to provide a powerful learning environment through technology, while promoting the most powerful tool available to educators -- a caring and challenging relationship with students.
Chula Vista Elementary School District, Chula Vista, CA
Never has there been another time in history where the majority of educators around the world jumped into action to reinvent how schools and classrooms function. Using current research of what constitutes ‘best practice,’ The Distance Learning Playbook helps guide us all through ‘pandemic teaching.’ This book is filled with ideas and insight from real educators as they reflect on what they themselves need and what students will need to learn within a new teaching and learning environment. Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie continue to develop relational pedagogies that support cultural responsiveness and social emotional development in order to have a positive effect on student achievement, but this time, in a new setting. They help us understand new research-based approaches to engage every student, and in doing so, help us select the appropriate digital tools. I can’t wait to use this book in our professional learning.
Lisa RiggsNever has there been another time in history where the majority of educators around the world jumped into action to reinvent how schools and classrooms function. Using current research of what constitutes ‘best practice,’ The Distance Learning Playbook helps guide us all through ‘pandemic teaching.’ This book is filled with ideas and insight from real educators as they reflect on what they themselves need and what students will need to learn within a new teaching and learning environment. Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie continue to develop relational pedagogies that support cultural responsiveness and social emotional development in order to have a positive effect on student achievement, but this time, in a new setting. They help us understand new research-based approaches to engage every student, and in doing so, help us select the appropriate digital tools. I can’t wait to use this book in our professional learning.
Gresham-Barlow School District, Gresham, OR
For Instructors
Related Professional Learning
Related Signature ServicesRelated Webinars
Related Resources
- 4 steps for powerful distance-learning experiences [In the News]
- 7 Factors Useful in Facilitating Student Collaboration From a Distance [In the News]
- Access to companion resources is available with the purchase of this book.
- Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast, Nancy Frey: The Distance Learning Playbook [Podcast]
- Introduction to The Distance Learning Playbook [Lessons and strategies]
- Lessons Learned From ‘Quaranteaching’ [In the News]
- Module 1: Take Care of Yourself [Lessons and strategies]
- Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast: Developing and Delivering High Quality Distance Learning for Students [Podcast]
- Podcast: 3Ps in a Pod, Distance Learning with Dr. Doug Fisher [Podcast]
- Podcast: The Best Ideas from the Distance Learning Playbook by Fisher & Frey [Podcast]
- Podcast: The School Leadership Show, Distance Learning Playbook Part 1 [Podcast]
- Podcast: The School Leadership Show, Distance Learning Playbook Part 2 [Podcast]
- Principal Center Radio Podcast: The Distance Learning Playbook [Podcast]
- Teaching MLs Podcast: Distance Learning [Podcast]
- The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast: A 4-Part Distance Learning Instructional Framework that Works [Podcast]
- The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast: Successful Distance Learning for Young Kids [Podcast]
- Three Lessons Learned About Distance Learning [In the News]
- Three Lessons Learned About Distance Learning [In the News]
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