eLearning Strategies Symposium Blended Learning 3-Hour Workshop

1. Rob Darrow, Ed.D.
President, Online Learning Visions; Bay Area BlendEd
Consortium (http://www.BlendEdconsortium.org/)
College Career Coach (www.ForwarDirections.org)
December 2015
Planning, Implementing
and Sustaining a
Blended Learning Program
Rob’s Wiki: http://robdarrow.wikispaces.com

2.  A little about you:
 Teachers
 Administrators
 Other
 K-6; 7-8; 9-12; college
 Me: Consultant, College Career
Coach, K-12, Adjunct Professor
CSUFresno, Online Charter School,
coordinator of libraries, teacher;
Lifelong California educator.
Introductions

3. Workshop Documents
 Rob’s Wiki:
http://robdarrow.wikispaces.com
 Workshop Start:
http://bit.ly/blindex2015
Today’s Meet:
https://todaysmeet.com/ESS2015

4.  Defining Blended Learning
 Understanding Blended Learning,
Implementation and Sustainability
 Applying Blended Learning in your
school or district
Session Focus

5. Workshop Outline
 Starting Place: http://robdarrow.wikispaces.com
 Workshop Direct Link: http://bit.ly/blindex2015
 Join Today’s Meet
 Background Info
 Milk Video
 Defining Blended Learning
 Framework: The Six Elements
 BREAK
 Case Study Groups (See handout)
 Case Study Reports
 Think Tank: 6 Elements – Choose one (or two)
 Think Tank Report Out
 Applying the elements to your school or district
 Final Discussion / Feedback / Whip Around

6. http://youtu.be/_LyuLJSByvI

7. How well is our current
K-12 system functioning?
The critical question is whether we are preparing
our students for the knowledge workforce; the
globally competitive workforce.
 National high school graduation rate: 72%
 80% of jobs are requiring a post-secondary degree or
certification
Depends on who you ask

8. Why is this important?

9. The Learning Curve (2014). http://thelearningcurve.pearson.com/

10.  K-12 Online Learning already here
 Every school (K – College) will become a
blended learning school to better personalize
learning and better engage all students
(Common Core Assessments facilitating this)
 Ultimate goal: College and career ready
students and 100% graduation rate
Tipping Points

11. Common Core Assessment Technology Shifts
From To
Scale - Individual state
tests
- Multi-state consortia sharing common tests, common
infrastructure, and economies of scale.
Content - Low complexity
items and task
response modes.
- Cognitively complex tasks that leverage use of
multimedia, interactivity, authentic tasks, multi-part,
simulations – and address traditionally difficult
to assess skills within the Common Core.
Delivery - Once a year
- Paper and pencil
- Computer-based assessment system including
summative, mid-year, diagnostic
components + curricular and professional
development resources.
Scoring &
Reporting
- End of year
- Decontextualized
- High Level
● Data to inform instruction
● Contextualized to CCSS
● More granular feedback
Data Student responses ● Responses, interactions, patterns
● Data for state longitudinal systems
● Results will be interpretable across states (for example
when a student moves from one state to another)
Infrastructure - Procured services
- State-specific
● Common consortium infrastructure
● Scalable, flexible, extensible
Interoperability Virtually none - Common standardized formats for results data, items,
and student registration allow interoperability across states
and across technical components.

12. “Blended learning
is the engine to
power the shift
away from the
factory model.”
- Horn & Staker (2014)

13. What is Blended Learning?
 A. Students control their own learning plan
 B. Online tools used in face-to-face
classrooms
 C. A change in teaching pedagogy that better
personalizes learning for students.
 D. Putting lesson plans and videos on the web
 E. All of the above
Quick Poll

14. What do you say Blended Learning Is?
 A. Students control their own learning plan
 B. Online tools used in face-to-face
classrooms
 C. A change in teaching pedagogy that better
personalizes learning for students.
 D. Putting lesson plans and videos on the web
 E. All of the above
Quick Poll

15. Online and
Blended Learning is a
catalyst for change

16. Blended Learning:
What does “it” look like?

17. Yes, No, Maybe?

18. Yes, No, Maybe?

19. Tech-rich = blended

20. Teaching and Learning
 What the student is
doing and where the
student is.
 What the teacher is
doing and where the
teacher is.
 What and where the
content / curriculum is.

21.  Important for research
 How to teach others
(professional development)
 Implementation
Blended Learning Definition

22. A formal education program in which a student
learns at least in part through online learning,
with some element of student control over
time, place, path and/or pace … and
at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar
location away from home (such as school)…
and
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The modalities along each student’s learning
path within a course or subject are connected
to provide an integrated learning
experience.
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Christensen Institute:
Blended Learning Definition (2012)

23. There are blended learning
Models

24. Emerging blended-learning models
Horn & Staker, 2012

25. Rotation Flex Self-Blend Enriched Virtual
• Station rotation
• Lab rotation
• Flipped Classroom
• Individual rotation
Online platform with
F2F support and fluid
schedules
Students attend
physical school &
take 1 or more
courses online
Students learn
sometimes at a
physical school,
other times remotely
Emerging models of blended learning
More Traditional --------------- Blended Learning ---------------– More Online

26. The models are good,
but…

27. But…the models don’t discuss:
 How to best implement blended learning
 How to support teachers in a blended
learning program
 The types of technologies that need to be in
place
 How school leaders can best support
blended learning teachers
 The purpose for moving to blended learning
Many of the models are in charter schools
vs. traditional public schools

28. Blended Learning Question?
 Why are you moving to blended learning?
 Many of the models are in charter schools
vs. traditional public schools

29. There is some blended learning
Research

30. Research Perspective:
Can’t study it if it doesn’t exist
1994 – First K-12 online schools
2001 – First K-12 online schools report
2004 – First report about “blended learning” –
college
K-12 Online Learning: About 20 years old
K-12 Blended Learning: About 15 years old

31. What does the research say?
Very little because:
 First time “blended learning” in the literature:
 2004 – at college level
 Around 2008 in K-12
 2011: “blended learning” was first defined
in K-12
 Takes time to study an innovation
 Case Studies – always begins research

32. Case Studies: See Handout
Blended Learning Proof Points:
http://www.christenseninstitute.org/publications/pro
of-points/
Christensen Institute Blended Learning Universe:
http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-
learning-universe/
Donnell-Kay Foundation:
http://dkfoundation.org/our-work/blended-learning-
resources
Dell Foundation:
http://www.msdf.org/programs/urban-
education/initiatives/united-states/blended-learning/

33. Implementing blended learning
(or any innovation)
takes time

34. Rogers: Adopter Categories
Innovators – Early Adopters – Early Majority – Late Majority - Laggards

35. In every study…
(Rogers, 2003)
 Role of “change agent” or champion
 Common adoption characteristics from
innovator to laggard
 Common way innovation reaches
“critical mass” or “tipping point”
 Common communication methods that
influence earlier adoption
 S-shaped curve of adoption over time

36. We are pretty clear
Face-to-Face Teaching
 Students in classroom
 Teacher in classroom
 Interaction face-to-face, mostly
verbal, some visual
 Fixed schedule of classes to
attend
 Prescribed curriculum based
on standards / use of textbooks
Online Teaching
 Students online
 Teacher online (minimal face-
to-face interaction)
 Interaction online video
conferencing, email – more
visual, less verbal
 Flexible schedule for work
completion
 Prescribed curriculum based on
standards / text

37. From Textbook to Online Teaching
Online
Teaching
Textbook
Enhanced
Teaching
Technology
Enhanced
Teaching
Web / Online
Enhanced
Teaching

38. …And pedagogical shifts take time

39. Not About the Technology
 Change in teaching
 Change in learning
 Change in pedagogy
 Change in class organization
 Things should look different in a blended
learning environment;
more student centric
more personalized learning

40. Blended Learning is About…
 Rethinking how class is structured
 How time is used
 How resources are allocated
 Personalizing the learning for all
students – better learning engagement
 Student centric learning
 Teachers using data daily to customize
learning for students

41. Successful Blended Learning
involves Six Elements
 Leadership
 Professional Learning /
Professional Development
 Teaching/Instructional Practice
 Operations / Admin
Systems/Policy
 Content
 Technology
A Roadmap for Blended Learning Implementation.
iNACOL, 2013.

42. Form Groups

43. Group Work - Handout
(30 Minutes)
Introductions (position, etc. stage of blended learning)
20 Minutes Group Work by Case Study
 Learn about School (reading, videos, etc.)
 How has teaching/learning changed?
 What is different about this school?
 Framework: Six Elements
Report Information on Google Doc
 http://bit.ly/blindex2015
 10 Minutes Report Out

44. Blended Learning Tools

45. Rubric Indicator: Leadership
• 1.1 Measurable goals have been written and communicated
with all staff.
Well Developed
Ongoing progress towards each goal is being collected
and tracked by teachers and administrators.

46. Rubric Indicator: New Staff Roles
2.1 Teacher as facilitator/coach
Well Developed
 Teachers regularly circulate around the room meeting with
small groups and individuals identifying progress toward
learning goals.
 Teachers regularly document student progress daily through
some digital record keeping system.
 Student data is regularly used as a means for differentiating
instruction.

47. Tool: How to Observe a Blended
Learning Teacher
Adapt the Rubric
View student computer/device screen
View teacher interaction with students
View data teacher uses
Talk with students
Talk with teacher

48. Tool: Classroom
Walk-Throughs / Checklist
 Evidence of student centric
 Student learning focus / Students in groups
 Student computers/devices on a course
management system (access school and home)
 Students can explain what and why they are doing
 Evidence of personalization
 Teacher working with individual or groups
 Student data used by teacher
 Variety of ways for student to communicate with
teacher (verbal, discussion boards, email, twitter,
etc.)

49. Mott Hall V, New York City
7th Grade Science
One-to-One
Group Projects

53. Prep Academy at Southeastern High School
Detroit, Michigan
Science Classroom

54. Prep Academy Management:
Student chooses their weekly schedule

55. Data to personalize learning

56. Implementation:
iNACOL’s
Blended Learning
Roadmap

57. Six Elements Emerged
Result:
A Roadmap for
Blended
Learning
Implementation

58. Key Learning
Clear Goals need to be established, written and
discussed in ongoing way
Leadership determines sustainability and success
(Administrators and Teachers)
Collaborative leadership style is essential
School culture of support, innovation
(it is ok to try and fail)
Ongoing professional development
(formal and informal)

59. Successful Blended Learning
involves Six Elements
Leadership
Professional Development
Teaching/Instructional Practice
Operations / Admin
Systems/Policy
Content
Technology
A Roadmap for Blended Learning Implementation.
iNACOL, 2013.

60. Components within each of the
six elements
 Evaluation
 Quality
 Funding

61. School Implementation
 Identified administrator/leader and teachers at each school
 Ongoing interactions (one-on-one, formal and informal) and
meetings of those involved
 Administrators, teachers and administrators work together
towards the blended learning goals established in each school
Promising Practices
 School culture of innovation and empowerment
 Start small and build
 Communication is strong and occurs between involved people
in a variety of ways (one-to-one, phone, email, chat, etc.)
1. Leadership

62. School Implementation
 Both formal and informal (Schedule ongoing group and individual
support – online and face-to-face)
 Modeling, webinars, small conferences, workshops, cohort
meetings
 Support teacher / school librarian / implementation managers are
key
Promising Practices
 Scheduled Time (within work week)
 Participating Teachers as Resources
 Professional Sharing / Professional Learning Community
 School Support
2. Professional Learning
(NOT Development)

63. Professional Learning
 Is your school Future Ready ?
 Check out the Professional Learning
Resources
Professional Learning Toolkit:
http://tech.ed.gov/futureready/professional-
learning/

64. Professional Learning Toolkit:
Primary Areas
 1. Adopt digital-age dispositions and values
 2. Facilitate and inspire learning and creativity
 3. Design and develop digital-age learning
experiences and assessments
 4. Promote student success through clear
expectations, prompt responses, and regular
feedback
 5. Model digital-age work and learning
 6. Promote and model digital citizenship and
responsibility
 7. Engage in professional growth and leadership
 8. Engage in systemic improvement

65. School Implementation
 Common Vocabulary / Resources / Tools for Implementation and
Observation
 Support for new blended learning teachers – modeling and
mentoring
 Analyzing real-time data to personalize learning for each student
Promising Practices
 Classroom Setup
 Data Analysis
 Individualized Instruction
 Student Engagement
 Digital Content
3. Teaching/Instructional Practices

66. School Implementation
 Restructuring of the traditional school class / school day
 Emphasis on using real-time student performance data
 Change in instructional delivery model
Promising Practices
 Removal of institutional barriers / policies
 Operational support
 Policy development examples
 Data-driven instruction
4. Operations /
Management Systems/Policy

67. School Implementation
 Common course management system
 Content providers to choose
 Professional development and teacher sharing about content
provider and platform use
Promising Practices
 Content Decision Making (purchase or build your own)
 Customizable platform – teachers use base curriculum and
customize based on student needs
 Customizable for individual students
5. Content

68. School Implementation
 School leadership ensures that technology needs of students
and teachers are addressed, and proper training provided.
 Dedicated technical support for the blended learning
programs.
 School leadership is visible in their own use of technology;
modeling expectations.
Promising Practices
 Infrastructure, network, hardware and software
 Technology Training
 Technology Support – Technician on site
6. Technology

69. Blended Learning Think Tank Groups
 Leadership
 Professional Development
 Teaching/Instructional Practice
 Operations / Admin
Systems/Policy
 Content
 Technology
A Roadmap for Blended Learning Implementation.
iNACOL, 2013.

70. Case Study Work Groups
(30 Minutes Each Round)
20 Minutes Group Work by Element
 Designate facilitator and note taker
 Key questions and some solutions
 What metrics to measure progress?
 Quality, Budget
Report Information on Google Doc
 http://bit.ly/blindex2015
10 Minutes Report Out

71. Think Tank Groups: Round 1
Leadership
Professional Development
Teaching/Instructional Practice
Operations / Admin Systems/Policy
Content
Technology

72. Think Tank Groups: Round 2
Leadership
Professional Development
Teaching/Instructional Practice
Operations / Admin Systems/Policy
Content
Technology

73. Your School / District:
What is in place? Timeline?
Leadership
Professional Development
Teaching/Instructional Practice
Operations / Admin Systems/Policy
Content
Technology

74. ESS Sessions: Blended Learning
Blended Learning Roadmap (Allison, iNACOL)
Blended Learning for Deeper Learning
Blended Learning Strategies
Blended Learning Teacher Competency
Framework (Allison, iNACOL)
Building a Blended Learning Culture
Blended Learning and SAMR (Rob)
Transforming PD to Prof Learning (Rob)
Building Successful Online/Blended Program

75. Whip Around:
One thought, comment, key point
shared by everyone in the room.
What is one thing you are going to do
with the information you gained today?

76. As we consider providing more customized learning
for our students via online and blended learning
…remember:
“The only thing harder than
starting something new – is
stopping something old”
- Russell Ackoff -“Redesigning Society”

77. Contact Information
** Let’s Meet Up! Free Consultation **
Rob@onlinelearningvisions.com
www.onlinelearningvisions.com
Rob’s Wiki: http://robdarrow.wikispaces.com