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Tips for Getting Started with Blended Learning

1. Enter with the right perspective.
   The key word that people miss in blended Learning is “blended.” Technology will not replace the great work you already do in your classroom. It should reduce the mundane, repeatable tasks that bog down your class time. Technology helps us become better teachers by identifying needs instantaneously and reducing wait time for valuable academic feedback.
2. Start with Google Classroom.
   Google Classroom is easy to set up and lets you send materials and instructions to your learners immediately. Also, most educational apps connect with Google Classroom to import rosters and post assignments. Start simple; post your daily agenda only on Google Classroom and make it part of your students’ entrance routine to check for the agenda and a “Do Now” activity online.
3. Investigate different learning models.
   Blended learning is going to look different in every classroom since each teacher will blend technology in their own way. Assess your comfort level by looking at some models used in successful classrooms. Check out:
   
   • Station Rotation: Great when device availability is limited. Learners rotate through stations that include small-group instruction, collaborative paper-and-pencil tasks, and independent practice on the computer.
   • Flex Model: Learners work through content and course material online while the teacher takes the roll of facilitator and guide. In the flex model, learners are in charge of content and material.
   • Flipped Classroom: Learners access new concepts at home for homework while class time is freed up for hands-on learning and guided practice.
4. Assign something.
   Get started by giving learners a list of online assignments in the form of a playlist  or hyperdoc. Playlists and hyperdocs flip the responsibility of learning from the teacher to the students in the form of a self-paced list of assignments and resources. This frees the teacher to help individual students and provide more meaningful instruction in small groups.
5. Ask for help.
   Don’t be afraid to ask for help from administration, coaches, and other teachers who are successful in blending their classrooms. Remember, you’re just getting started. Keep in mind that technology shouldn’t be used just for technology’s sake—everything you do should be for the benefit of your students.

Source: eSchool News

1. Enter with the right perspective.
   The key word that people miss in blended Learning is “blended.” Technology will not replace the great work you already do in your classroom. It should reduce the mundane, repeatable tasks that bog down your class time. Technology helps us become better teachers by identifying needs instantaneously and reducing wait time for valuable academic feedback.
2. Start with Google Classroom.
   Google Classroom is easy to set up and lets you send materials and instructions to your learners immediately. Also, most educational apps connect with Google Classroom to import rosters and post assignments. Start simple; post your daily agenda only on Google Classroom and make it part of your students’ entrance routine to check for the agenda and a “Do Now” activity online.
3. Investigate different learning models.
   Blended learning is going to look different in every classroom since each teacher will blend technology in their own way. Assess your comfort level by looking at some models used in successful classrooms. Check out:
   
   • Station Rotation: Great when device availability is limited. Learners rotate through stations that include small-group instruction, collaborative paper-and-pencil tasks, and independent practice on the computer.
   • Flex Model: Learners work through content and course material online while the teacher takes the roll of facilitator and guide. In the flex model, learners are in charge of content and material.
   • Flipped Classroom: Learners access new concepts at home for homework while class time is freed up for hands-on learning and guided practice.
4. Assign something.
   Get started by giving learners a list of online assignments in the form of a playlist  or hyperdoc. Playlists and hyperdocs flip the responsibility of learning from the teacher to the students in the form of a self-paced list of assignments and resources. This frees the teacher to help individual students and provide more meaningful instruction in small groups.
5. Ask for help.
   Don’t be afraid to ask for help from administration, coaches, and other teachers who are successful in blending their classrooms. Remember, you’re just getting started. Keep in mind that technology shouldn’t be used just for technology’s sake—everything you do should be for the benefit of your students.

Source: eSchool News