Blended Learning

I'm just dipping my feet in the blended learning idea to see what it's all about.  Here's what I'm finding... click on the pictures for more information.  I'm sure I'll find a ton more if I keep looking, but then I'd be up all night long!

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media

What is Blended Learning? from The Learning Accelerator on Vimeo.

What do you think?  Do we already teach like this?  Do we need this emphasis?  Could we do more or less?  What age groups would be best to begin formal "blended learning"?  

            

Happy Teaching! 

Non-Fiction Reading Website- with leveled text!

It's conference time!  I have been meeting with parents and giving them all the good news (and a few friendly reminders), but I've had a six hour break in between my morning conferences and my evening conferences so I've been busying myself with catching up with the internet.  I've also been home twice to switch my laundry.  Everyone here thinks I'm some kind of crazy laundry lady now.  Then I had 212 unread teacher blog posts on Bloglovin'.  No joke.  After I read 212 blog posts (no I didn't), I hopped over to my email and I came across the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Is sliced bread that amazing?  Sometimes I slice my own bread and I find it to be no big deal.

Regardless, I found the greatest website.

Sometimes I like to use {ReadWorks} passages for my guided reading groups because I can locate passages by Lexile level and use them for when I ability group my students.  It's pretty nice and it's totally free.  But that's not the website I'm talking about.

Today I was reading an article from {Sophia.org} that I found {here} and it led me to this little internet gem.  If you haven't come across {Sophia} yet, you should definitely check it out.  It's another one of my favorite internet discoveries.

dah-dah-DAHHHH.  Newsela. 

 I had never heard of it before.  It is awesome- especially if you teach upper elementary or middle school students.  It takes current event (non-fiction!!!) news articles and offers them at different Lexile levels.

It reads just like a news website.  You can click on the area of interest at the top and it will take you to current event articles.  Some articles have anchor standards already on them.  If you hover over the number by the anchor it will tell you what standard that article will help to teach.  

THEN you can click on the chosen Lexile level on the right.  They range from 4th-8th grade level.  The anchor articles also have quiz questions to go with them.  The Lexile level you choose will adjust the quiz questions that are presented.  I put an example below so that you can see the difference between a 4th grade question and an 8th grade question for the same article.  

It's pretty cool because once you create an account, you have access to a classroom code.  You can assign students readings to do and have them take the quiz at home.  Or you can do it together in class, or click on the handy-dandy print button and make copies for guided reading small groups.  

I became the happiest teacher.  I love when I find high interest non-fiction for my students that can be leveled and is FREE.  Free things are my favorite.

I have another non-fiction website that I like, so stay tuned.  It might be a few days because my sister gets married this weekend and if I'm blogging when I should be dancing, then we have a serious problem.  

            

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Flipping Your Classroom: A compiled list of resources

I keep hearing about flipping the classroom, so when I was in Houston I made sure to stop by a session about it.  Our speakers gave so many great options to start flipping your class, so I went ahead and compiled a list of  the best of what they gave us (in my opinion!) and a few things I scrounged up.  I guess I should start by saying that I am not in any way, shape, or form, associated with these companies or webpages and am just posting them because I found them to be helpful and wonderful for the flipping classroom concept.  I'm trying to cram a lot of information into this post while not writing a novel, so here it goes...

First, here's video from Aaron Sams about how he uses the flipped classroom approach in his teaching.  If you're curious about what flipping the classroom is, watch this real quick:

 

So...what is it?
Basically, flipping the classroom has instruction happening at home and the practice happening at school, instead of the other way around.  This way, students can review on their own, watch again, take notes at their own pace, and then come to school ready to apply their learning from the night before.  Does that sound intimiating enough??  The key is starting with just one class at a time and making it work for you and your classroom. 

The BIG Question: How are students held accountable?
I know what you're going to say..."Sounds great, but what about my little darling who never does their homework and how do I know they even watched or listened to it?"
Typically the assignment (video, podcast, etc.) is given with a small assignment attached.  For instance, watch this video and complete this graphic organizer.  On some of the hosting sites, you can include a short 3-5 question "quiz" about the information. 

We all have students who don't do their homework. That's not going to change.  If a student comes without having completed the assignment, they simply do it in class and miss out on the application activity you had planned for that time (what a bummer!).  Whenever the student finishes, they hop in and join the group.  If you know there is a student who does not have access to technology at home, you can arrange a separate time for them to complete the assignment- again, you have to make it work for you and your classroom.  You can use a bunch of different ways to assess students.  Click on the links below to check out Edmodo, Google Docs, TodaysMeet, and Socrative.  Do you have a favorite? ...or one to add?

    

 

     

Where can I find pre-made media sources?
There are SO MANY great options out there.  Here are a few great resources:

YouTube

TeacherTube

Khan Academy

TED

Hippo Campus

Do I have to make my own videos? 
You don't HAVE to... but as our presenters mentioned- your students have a connection to YOU (because, after all, you are the best teacher ever!).  While sending them to watch something that is already created on the web is fabulous, they will tune in and do more active learning if you are the one presenting.  No pressure.  You don't have to make every media source yourself, but throw in a few to keep them coming back for more.

What website and programs can I use to create and/or host my media?
Again, so many options out there!
I think the "easiest" way to create a video would be to record on your tablet, phone, or webcam and upload to YouTube.  However, if you want to get a bit more complex you can use some programs to help you out. 
Audioboo
YouTube
I Said What?  (app)
Garageband
...or my favorite, any apps that turn your voice into a talking sockpuppet or animal! 

Once you have your video made, you will want somewhere to host it.  Some people use their own blog or webpage to showcase their information.  However, if you are wanting a hosting website to send your students to, here are some that were mentioned:  YouTube, TeacherTube, Edmodo, iTunesU, Podomatic.


Awesome blogs to check out:
(either about flipping your class or great for teacher education)
Flipping with Kirch (Julie was one of our presenters)
Learning in Hand (Tony Vincent)
Copy/Paste (Peter Pappas)
TechSmith

Ok, I saved my favorite for last (as an added bonus for those of you troopers who read through this entire thing!).  Have you heard of Sophia?  A-maz-ing.  The website is partnered with Capella University, Bill Nye (the science guy!) and some other great places.  You can create and host all kinds of media options for FREE, plus it has tutorials and FREE professional development videos.  Check it out.  It is awesome and worth a look.

So I'm curious- have you tried flipping your classroom?  What resources do you use?