perfect blend catlin tucker @ctuckerenglish english teacher, curriculum designer, & author

Perfect Blend

Catlin Tucker @CTuckerEnglish

English Teacher, Curriculum Designer, & Author

Workshop Objectives

• Blended learning demystified

• Creating a safe space online

• Building an online community

• Designing dynamic questions

• Teaching students to say something substantial

• Flipping your classroom

• Weaving instructional mediums together

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Welcome!

Tell me about YOU:

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My Story

…how discussions transformed my classes.

Blended Learning: Shifting The Paradigm

Brainstorming | Peer reviewing | Debates | Roundtables | Group projects

Discussions are Critical to Learning

“During discussion learners are not passive recipients of information that is transmitted from a teacher. Rather, learners are active participants.”

A) Awesome - Intellectual discourse of the highest order

B) Good – Most students engage

C) Fair – Room for improvement

D) A struggle - Like recruiting for jury duty

What are discussions like in your class?

m.socrative.com

Room 44701

Benefits of Taking Discussions Online

• Less anxiety

• Equity of voice

• Embedded modeling

• Asynchronous flexibility

• More time to collaborate

• Ability to test out new ideas

• Space to question

• Online transcript

Beauty of the Backchannel

www.todaysmeet.com/Tucker

Developing a Community of Inquiry

Benefits of Taking Discussions Online

• Less anxiety

• Equity of voice

• Embedded modeling

• Asynchronous flexibility

• More time to collaborate

• Ability to test out new ideas

• Space to question

• Online transcript

Social Presence

Round Table Discussion #1

What do students need to know about online communication?

What behaviors belong on a “Dos and Don’ts” list for online communication?

How would you introduce & reinforce expectations?

TodaysMeet.com/Tucker

Live Binder: Support Resources

goo.gl/igGTl Access Key: Perfect Blend

Communicate expectations:

• Behavior and conduct

• Quantity and quality

• Learning objectives

• Strategies for blending instruction

Then trust your students!

Create a Foundation for Success

Break The Ice Online!

Which superpower would you choose?

o The ability to read minds

o The ability to stop time

o The ability to fly

o The ability to become invisible

o The ability to heal people

• Practice skill set

• Correct missteps

• Model strong responses

• Build relationships

Return to Collaborize Classroom site.

Find: Time Machine Icebreaker

Click “View and Comment”

Select one option and post your comments. Then reply to at least one person.

*Refresh to see new comments posted.

Practice with an Online Icebreaker

Like improvisation, discussion is a 2 way street… In the great words of Tina Fey…

So, what did we learn?

1. Respect what your peers have created.

2. “Yes, and”…add something of your own.

3. Don’t be afraid to contribute.

4. Make statements.

5. Problem solve and be part of the solution.

6. There are no mistakes, only opportunities.

Substantive postings:

Drive conversations forward.

Require students to really think.

Reinforce understanding of the topic.

Keep quality of discussions high.

Produce more meaningful interactions.

Why is it important to say something substantial?

Round Table Discussion #3

How would you define a “substantive” response?

Why is it important for students to participate in a substantive way?

Brainstorm strategies that students can use to ensure their postings are substantive.

TodaysMeet.com/Tucker

Strategies for Saying Something Substantial

Present a new question to refine or redirect

Share a personal experience

Think outside the box/play devil’s advocate

Ask for clarification

Make connections

Share a resource

Summarize main ideas

Comment thoughtfully

Intriguing Exit Strategies

Teach students how to end responses and replies to invite further discussion.

Intriguing Exit Strategies

Ask for clarification or further explanation.

“I am confused about ______________. Does anyone have any ideas or insights that might help me understand?”

Example Exit Strategies

Invite your peers to draw a different conclusion or share another perspective.

“Did anyone else reach a different conclusion based on the reading?”

Example Exit Strategies

Pose a follow-up question to expand the conversation or shift it in a new direction.

“This topic was not presented in the question, but does anyone have an opinion about __________________?”

Teaching Presence

Round Table Discussion #2

What types of questions do you typically ask?

What strategies do you use when designing questions?

How often will you use your online discussions?

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What does a strong question look like?

Does Reading Cure Racism?

Do you agree with Angelou’s statement that the only way we as a society will be free of the “blight of ignorance” is if we read and learn? Do you agree that reading, knowledge and education are essential to respecting differences and forming cross racial friendships? What experiences in your life have caused you to be open-minded?

Design different types of questions

Start with a catchy title

Incorporate multimedia

Layer questions

Embedding Instructions in Your Questions

Once you have posted your response, read the responses posted by your peers and reply thoughtfully to at least 2 other students. Compliment strong points, ask questions and build on ideas shared!

Signals that participation is required after they answer the question.

Establishes a requirement for the number of replies.

Provides clear strategies for adding substantively.

Design Your Own Discussion Question

Go to our Collaborize site.

Click “Start a Discussion.”

Design a question:

• Catchy title

• Layered questions

• Media

• Expectations for participation

Defining Your Role

Questions to consider:

• What age level are you teaching?

• How many students are you working with?

• What is the goal of your online discussions?

• Where will students participate online?

• How much support do your students need?

Involved Participant vs. Silent Facilitator

Involved Participant

vs. Silent

Facilitator

Actively engages

Models strong participation

*Tip: Don’t overpower conversations

Silently moderates

Blends online work into class

*Tip: Use online work to drive in class instruction

Return to Collaborize Classroom site.

Find: What is your preferred facilitation style?

Click “View and Comment”

Select one option and post your comments. Then reply to at least one person.

*Refresh to see new comments posted.

Preferred Facilitation Style

Weave Work Online Back Into the Classroom

• Review discussion highlights

• Answer remaining questions

• Follow up debates

• Discuss results

• Groups present

What is the Flipped Classroom?

Traditional Approach to Flipped Classroom

There is no frame or context…

Why Use Online Discussions When Flipping?

Do you agree with Noam Chomsky’s statements about President Obama?

Vote “Yes” or “No” then support your position with details from this video and our reading. Reply thoughtfully to your peers.

How can I flip instruction in my subject area?

You would be surprised how much you can “flip” to free up class time for hands-on work!

Document/PDF Attachments to Drive Discussion

Magazine Articles

Newspaper Articles

Documents, PDFs,

Handouts, &Lecture Notes

Picture Attachments to Drive Discussion

Graph

Artwork

Flow Chart

Video Attachments to Drive Discussions

Documentaries

Teacher Recorded Lectures

News ClipsRecorded Demonstrations

Tips for Flipping Your Classroom

Break it up.

“Don’t reinvent the wheel.”

Check for understanding using a variety of

assessments in class.

Design student-centered activities to build on

ideas presented online.

Introduce project in class

Students work online to

accomplish task

Reenactments

www.covenantschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/APUSH-Battle-Reenactment1.jpg

Student-Centered Activities

Student-Centered Activities

Introduce project in class

Students work online to

accomplish task

In Class Debate

www.dailytarheel.com/media/00/00/01/09/10959_0224_studgov_kellyf.jpg

Introduce project in class

Students work online to

accomplish task

Creative Artistic Projects

mrsmanzellastudentartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/01/3rd-grade-collograph-prints.html

Student-Centered Activities

Introduce project in class

Students work online to

accomplish task

Field Work

academics.smcvt.edu/biologymatters/images/Spring10/Picture1%20CR.jpg

Student-Centered Activities

Introduce project in class

Students work online to

accomplish task

Labs and Experiments

brd.hilliardschools.org/wp-content/uploads/Dana-001.JPG\

Student-Centered Activities

Designing a Flipped Lesson

goo.gl/RA0V5

Cognitive Presence

Benefits of Taking Group Work & Discussions Online

• Less anxiety

• Equity of voice

• Embedded modeling

• Asynchronous flexibility

• No need to physically meet outside of class

• More time to work together

• Easy to assess quality of participation

• Stronger finished product

Student Driven Projects

Teacher sets structure & students drive process.

goo.gl/bK2EE

Tapping Into Our Collective Intelligence

Expert Group Investigations

Empower students to be the experts on a topic.

Teach research skills.

Analyze credibility of resources.

Communicate with peers.

Create a presentation.

Present findings to class.

#1 Expert Group Investigations

Step 1: Give groups a topic to research.

Solar Power as an Alternative to Fossil Fuels

#1 Expert Group Investigations

Step 3: Present research

Weebly or Wix.com

Solar Power

Web Quests Without the Hassle

Allow time to explore best resources.

Embed multimedia into safe online space.

Engage critical thinking.

Ask students to apply knowledge.

Facilitate communication & collaboration

#2 Web Quests Without the Hassle

Step 1: Embed the best online resources into your learning platform.

#2 Web Quests Without the Hassle

Step 2: Post information for students to explore and discuss.

Discussion Qs:

• What is the purpose of this?

• What fears are exploited?

• Identify stereotypes present.

#2 Web Quests Without the Hassle

Step 3: Create a modern example of propaganda.

Glogster.com or Google Drawing

PBL: Challenge Based Learning Project

Requires that students:

• Ask questions – inquiry based

• Problem solve

• Collaborate on real world issues and solutions

• Recognize their ability to have an impact

• Communicate with peers respectfully

• Leverage technology

= Makes learning relevant and interesting

#3 Challenge Based Learning Project

Big idea: Voting

Step 1: Group students and present a big idea or theme.

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#3 Challenge Based Learning Project

Step 6: Groups present their challenge, solution, evidence of implementation and reflection in the form of a multimedia project to publish.

• Dynamic informational website

• Power point or Prezi presentation

• iMovie or informational video

• Organized event

Creating a Student-Centered Classroom

Photo: LajosRepasi/iStockPhoto.com.

Amplifying Curiosity with Mobile Devices

QR Codes & Mobile Devices in the Classroom

Use QR codes in class to:

• link students to a helpful video.

• go on a virtual fieldtrip.

• design an in-class web quest.

• direct students to quizzing site.

• make a textbook interactive.

• post important info.

QRStuff.com

Help Students Organize Information

Evernote App

Help Students Organize Information

Get Every Student Involved in Discussions

Collaborize Classroom App

Get Every Student Involved in Discussions

Share Conversations

Voice Thread App

Share Conversations

Create & Comment on Digital Media

Create & Comment on Digital Media

Engage Students with Response System

Socrative App

Engage Students with Response System

Immediate Results

Immediate Results

Fun Class Competitions with Space Race

Fun Class Competitions with Space Race

Google in the Classroom

Google App

Google in the Classroom

Questions?

Catlin Tucker

Twitter - @CTuckerEnglish

Education Blog - www.catlintucker.com

Blended Learning in Grades 4-12: Leveraging the Power of Technology to Create

Student-Centered Classrooms (Corwin – June 2012)

Contact Information