Chris Stacey - technology assisted learning

Blended Learning 'Think Tank' at Summer Academy

25/8/2017

Big shout out to our "Celebrity" blended learning teachers who so willingly and eloquently answered the audience's questions about their BL experiences. Cyndi O'Rourke (SEC), Jenna Frerot & Keith Clarke (AVS), Jerry Heal & Dan Bisson (PCSS), and Claus Vogel (RSS).

Many thanks as well to all attendees, too many to name individually, whose presence and participation made the debate so rich and wide-ranging.

The opportunity to learn from colleagues is always powerful. Some of the key messages that came out in this session about making blended learning successful in Yukon schools were:

the face-to-face element of blended learning is critical; limit screen=time
personalize your course where possible e.g. use groups to allow for differentiation
know that editing courses takes a lot of time; creating from scratch also takes a lot of time - so put in as much work up front as you can, then be patient and let your courses evolve
start small - if possible limit how many blended courses you take on to begin with; or start with one or two units rather than a whole course
every teachers' approach to blended learning is unique - there is no 'one size fits all'
students need pacing - provide deadlines for activities and assignments
use the online system to keep parents in the loop e.g. email progress reports, provide parent access
hold regular (daily/weekly) goal-setting check-ins with every student
all students should complete at least one online (e.g. Moodle)-based course before they graduate from secondary school. The skills and experience gained will benefit them hugely for lifelong learning.

What or who did I miss? For those of you who attended, are there other key points that came out in the discussion? What stood out for you?

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