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Bestseller!

Blended Learning in Action

A Practical Guide Toward Sustainable Change

First Edition
By: Catlin Rice Tucker, Tiffany Wycoff, Jason T. Green

Blended Learning in Action is the resource educators need to help them shift to a blended learning model and transform education for the 21^st century.

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Product Details

Grade Level: PreK-12
ISBN: 9781506341163
Published By: Corwin
Series: Corwin Teaching Essentials
Year: 2016
Page Count: 224
Publication date: September 06, 2016

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Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.

Description

Shift to blended learning to transform education

Blended learning has the power to reinvent education, but transitioning to a blended model is challenging. Blended learning requires a fundamentally new approach to learning as well as a new skillset for both teachers and school leaders. Loaded with research, examples, and resources, Blended Learning in Action demonstrates the advantages a blended model has over traditional instruction when technology is used to engage students both inside the classroom and online. Readers will find:

Breakdowns of the most effective classroom setups for blended learning
Guidelines to build a blended learning toolbox of tech and resources
Tips for leaders
Ideas for personalizing and differentiating instruction using technology
Strategies for managing devices in classrooms and schools
Study questions to facilitate professional development and deeper learning

Written with system-wide transformation in mind, this is the resource teachers and leaders need to help them shift to a blended learning model and transform education for today's learning environment.

"The time for blended learning is now and the place is ALL classrooms throughout the country. This book provides educators with essential information and practices that will prepare students for the 21st Century."
Kim Weber, 4th Grade Teacher
Mandell School, New York, NY

"This book is different. It is deeper and more serious about creating the change students deserve than most others. The fact that each and every chapter starts out with a student's perspective confirms that it is built on a vital pedagogical foundation."
Brad Gustafson, Principal and Author of Renegade Leadership
Greenwood Elementary, Wayzata, MN

Author(s)

Catlin Rice Tucker

Catlin Tucker is a Google Certified Innovator, bestselling author, international trainer, and frequent Edtech speaker, who teaches in Sonoma County where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2010. Catlin’s books Blended Learning in Grades 4-12 and Blended Learning in Action are both bestsellers. She has also written a book titled Creatively Teach the Common Core Literacy Standards with Technology to support teachers in thinking outside of the box as they shift to the Common Core. Catlin is working on her doctorate at Pepperdine University. She writes the “Techy Teacher” column for ASCD’s Educational Leadership. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally ranked education blog at CatlinTucker.com.

Tiffany Wycoff

Tiffany Wycoff is an innovative school leader with a specialization in blended learning and school technology integration. She was an early adopter of blended learning at the K-12 level, teaching and leading in both online and face-to-face setting. Tiffany has served as a school leader at Grandview Preparatory School in Florida and The Mandell School in New York, helping both schools establish technology rich learning environments and to incorporate blended learning models into the academic program. She has presented on blended learning and the use of social media in education at conferences and universities, and has helped other schools transform their programs through blended learning implementation. Tiffany collaborated on the design and development of the Redbird Professional Learning Platform which provides online professional development to teachers and leaders. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, and an Executive MS in Technology Management from Columbia University. Tiffany writes an educational leadership blog at www.TeachOntheEdge.com and is active on Twitter @TeachOnTheEdge.

Jason T. Green

Inspired by his youth development and nonprofit work as a student at Morehouse College, Jason Green has dedicated his career to creating positive change in education. As a member of the leadership team with Redbird Advanced Learning, Jason partnered with Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education to re-envision professional learning. He led the design of the Redbird Professional Learning Platform which now helps prepare thousands of teachers globally for 21st century learning. Jason has traveled nationally and internationally to help schools and districts build cultures of innovation and adapt to education’s changing landscape. Jason has spoken at leading universities and conferences including Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, NCSM and iNACOL and has been featured in the Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, and NBC. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College, Jason is driven by the belief that all children have a right to a high-quality education. Jason holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and an M.S. Ed from University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Jason has served as an adjunct professor and a board member for various nonprofits. Connect with Jason on Twitter @jasontoddgreen.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Introduction

PART 1. SHIFTING TO A BLENDED CULTURE

Chapter 1. Going Blended to Meet the World

Scaling Blended Learning Transformation

Clearing Up Blended Learning Confusion

It Starts With Culture

A Blended Learning Culture

Where the World Is Going: Our Students Are Already There

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 2. Getting Started

Phase 1: Building the Foundation

Stage 1: Engagement and Vision–Cohesion of Vision and Pedagogy

Stage 2: Assess–What Is Our Starting Point?

Links to the Classroom: Participating in Discussions About Mindset

Stage 3: Planning and Design

Stage 4: Pre-Pilot

Identifying and Enlisting Pre-Pilot Teachers

Links to the Classroom: Engaging Student Voice in Pre-Pilots

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 3. The Blended Learning Elements of Effectiveness

The Elements Described

Cohesion of Vision and Pedagogy

Capacity Building

Links to the Classroom: Building Student Capacity

Technology Utilization

Links to the Classroom: Getting Creative With Limited Resources

Data Management and Usage

Student Ownership

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 4. Preparing Teachers for Blended Instruction

What Works in Professional Development

Guiding Principle of Blended Learning Professional Development #1: As the Student, So the Teacher (CHOMP)

Links to the Classroom: Help Students Connect

Hands-On Learning

Ongoing Learning

Mindset Shifts: Start With the Why Not the What

Personalize Choice, Differentiation, Pace, and Skills

Links to the Classroom: What Are Your Strengths Now?

Guiding Principle of Blended Learning Professional Development #2: Differentiate to Cross the Chasm

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

PART 2. BLENDED LEARNING TOOLBOX

Chapter 5. Devices and Digital Tools

Different Tools for a Different Generation

Building Blocks of a Digital Classroom

Links to Leadership: Supporting an Iterative Practice

Productivity and Collaboration Environments

Learning Management Systems

Links to Leadership: Access to Technology

Links to Leadership: Professional Development

Building Technology Toolboxes to Promote Technology Fluency

Deciding on the Right Device

Which Funding Model Is the Best Fit?

Links to Leadership: Engage Stakeholder Voices

Mobile Devices

Tablets

Chromebooks

Laptops

Finding the Right Tool

Stay Connected and Keep Learning

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 6. Digital Curriculum

What Is Digital Curriculum?

Types of Digital Curriculum

What Are the Benefits of Digital Curriculum?

How Can Digital Curriculum Foster Student Ownership?

What Are the Challenges of Using Digital Curriculum?

How Do I Select the Right Digital Curriculum?

Links to Leadership: Helping Teachers Select the Best-Fit Digital Curriculum

Build Capacity Through Committees

Engage Students as Owners via Student Input

Build Capacity Through Professional Development

Digital Curriculum and the Planning Process

Organizing and Sharing Digital Curriculum

Links to Leadership: Helping Teams Plan Together

Digital Curriculum in Blended Learning Models

Whole-Group Rotation Digital Curriculum Integration

Station Rotation Digital Curriculum Integration

Flipped Class Digital Curriculum Integration

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 7. Assessment in a Blended Environment

What Do We Really Mean by Assessment?

What Drives Student Learning?

Reading and Responding to the Data Narrative

Links to Leadership: Tools and Time for Managing Data

Maximizing the LMS

Beyond Grades and Data

Making It Personal

Leading and Learning With Formative Assessment

How Can Formative Assessment Foster Student Ownership?

What Are the Challenges of Assessment in the Blended Environment?

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 8. Onboarding and Supporting Students

Why Do We Need to Onboard “Digital Natives”?

What Do We Mean by Onboarding?

Onboarding Through Effective Backward Design

Links to Leadership: Establishing a Schoolwide Onboarding Practice

Build Capacity Through Student Trailblazers and Buddy Programs

Engage Students in Peer Support Systems

Embracing Teachable Moments

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

PART 3. BLENDED LEARNING: EXPLORING CLASSROOM MODELS

Chapter 9. Station Rotation Model

What Is the Station Rotation Model?

What Are the Benefits of the Station Rotation Model?

Station Rotation Model Can Take Many Forms

Links to Leadership: Access to Technology

Planning a Station Rotation Lesson

Station Rotation Lesson Template

Links to Leadership: Helping Teachers to Meet and Overcome Challenges

Building Capacity

Additional Staffing or Parent Volunteers

Tip for Designing a Station Rotation: Go Horizontal With Your Traditional Agenda

Design a Station Rotation to Target a Specific Skill

What Are Some of the Challenges Associated With the Station Rotation Model?

Logistical Concerns

Grouping Strategies

What Is the Teacher’s Role During a Station Rotation Lesson?

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 10. Whole Group Rotation: A Modern Spin on the Lab Rotation

What Is the Whole Group Rotation?

What Are the Benefits of the Whole Group Rotation?

Designing a Whole Group Rotation Lesson

Whole Group Rotation: Sample Lessons

Whole Group Rotation: Drag-and-Drop Lesson Template

What Are Some of the Challenges Associated With the Whole Group Rotation?

Links to Leadership: Access to Technology

Logistical Concerns

How can I make sure students are on task during online work?

How can I make time to work one-on-one with students?

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 11. The Flipped Classroom

What Is the Flipped Classroom?

What Are the Benefits of the Flipped Classroom?

Designing a Flipped Classroom Lesson

Step 1: Pique Interest, Drive Inquiry, or Assess Previous Knowledge

Step 2: Flip and Engage Online

Step 3: Design Student-Centered Application Activities

Example of a Flipped Vocabulary Lesson

Flipping With Different Types of Media

Flipping With Text

Flipping With Images

Flipping With Video

Flip AND Engage

Links to Leadership: Access to Technology

Producing and Publishing Your own Flipped Videos

Step 1: Creating Content

Step 2: Recording Videos or Screencasts

Step 3: Exporting to YouTube or a Video Hosting Site

Links to Leadership: Building Capacity

What Are Some of the Challenges Associated With the Flipped Classroom?

In-Class Flip

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

Chapter 12. Other Models and Possibilities

Individualized Models and Possibilities

Individual Rotations and Playlists Defined

Links to Leadership: Managing Technology Platforms

What Are the Benefits of the Individual Playlist Model?

Designing and Supporting Individual Playlists

Building Community

What Is the Teacher’s Role During an Individual Playlist Experience?

Links to Leadership: Helping Teachers to Facilitate Learning

A La Carte Model Defined

How Do Schools Select Course Providers for A La Carte Integration?

Links to Leadership: Logistics of A La Carte Learning

What Are the Benefits of the A La Carte Model?

Designing and Supporting A La Carte

Links to Leadership: Role Definition and Policy

Building Capacity Through Onsite Facilitator Training and Networking

Beyond the Models

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

PART 4. BLENDED LEARNING: THE ROADMAP TO PERSONALIZATION

Chapter 13. The Roadmap to Personalization

The Path Forward to Personalization

Phase 2: Transitions

Phase 3: Expansion

Achieving Sustainability

The Responsibility of Teaching “They”

Wrapping It Up

Book Study Questions

References

Index

Reviews

"The time for blended learning is now and the place is ALL classrooms throughout the country. This book provides educators with essential information and practices that will prepare students for the 21st Century."

Kim Weber, 4th Grade Teacher
Mandell School, New York, NY

"The authors make blended learning come alive with the use of practical examples and resources beneficial to all school leaders and teachers ready to elevate student learning."

Kelly Fitzgerald, Online Learning Integration Specialist
Leander ISD, Leander, TX

"This book is an excellent tool for administrators and educators who would like to learn more about implementing or improving a successful blended learning program in their school or district. It provides step-¬by-¬step instructions as well as anecdotes from actual educators who have experienced the implementation process themselves."

Juliette Guarino Berg, Lower School Science Specialist
The Mandell School, New York, NY

"Blended Learning in Action will lead to deep discussion with teachers and school leaders on how to move forward with an action plan to link modern and fresh teaching practices in the classroom to technology, while also helping to create rewarding classroom environment."

Kristopher R. Kwiatek, Principal
Kadena High School, Okinawa City, Japan

"Blended Learning in Action is an incredibly thoughtful read that builds a case for the urgent changes needed in schools today. Authors Tucker, Green, and Wycoff bring incredible expertise and passion to this book. It artfully describes the importance of blended learning playing a central role in this revolution coming to education as we know it. Blended Learning in Action is a great road map that balances research and practice for teachers, leaders, and learners."

Robert Dillon, Director
BrightBytes Institute

"This book is different. It is deeper and more serious about creating the change students deserve than most others. Blended Learning in Action is a deep dive into what, why, and how blended learning can be meaningfully implemented and scaled. The purposeful integration of multiple stakeholder perspectives throughout the book was masterful. The fact that each and every chapter of Blended Learning in Action started out with a student's perspective confirms that it is built on a vital pedagogical foundation."

Dr. Brad Gustafson, Author of Renegade Leadership

"Whether you are a district, school, or classroom education leader, Blended Learning in Action will take you through the pedagogy, tools, curriculum and lesson design strategies, and practical classroom models to start transforming learning for your students. The best part of this book is that it can provide educators with innovative ideas whether they are just considering going blended, ready to take the plunge, or have already gone blended and are looking for more inspiration. Don't miss the chance to move your classroom, school, or district forward by creating a culture shift and following through with the school-wide and classroom practices that have been tested by educators."

Kerry Gallagher, Digital Learning Specialist, Director of K-12 Education
St. John's Prep, ConnectSafely.org

Other Titles in: Leadership in Educational Technology | 21st Century Learning

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Review Copies

Related Resources

Chapter 1: Going Blended to Meet the World [Lessons and Strategies]