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Global Perspectives

      We live in a tech world where the incorporation of digital learning is a necessity because the 21st century student is a digital learner. Educational leaders are being challenged to incorporate technology on their campuses and specifically, in their classrooms. Blended learning, according to Michael B. Horn and Heather Staker, is “any 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” (Horn, M. B., & Staker, H., 2015, p. 33). I want to implement this student-centered approach at Coble Middle School to increase engagement, close achievement gaps and prepare students for the future. 

      I made adjustments to my previously proposed blended learning innovation plan, based on recent discoveries in my literature review of ICT programs around the world. The video above will provide an introduction and overview of my research to the staff. My plan will then commence with research and planning by an assorted committee from our school community. Next, a volunteer team of teachers will pilot blended learning environments and serve as a line of support for the staff. An alternative professional learning plan will be utilized to provide on-going support throughout this transition. Campus teachers will attempt to implement two blended lesson plans per grading period. The committee will routinely collect and analyze campus data and address hurdles, as they arise. Through the collaborative efforts of strategic planning and continuous, widespread, support this BLE transition will have a heightened chance for sustainable success.

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Click here to read my
Blended Learning Literature Review:
A Global perspective

      Based on my review of ICT programs, I found the following facts to be the most vital to the success of our BLE program.

What worked?

  • Start with the “why” to address needs

  • strategic planning

  • Establish digital literacy in teachers & students

  • Systemic on-going support (technical & pedagogical)

  • The surrounding educational system promotes innovation

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What could have been done better?

  • Beginning with the technology first and making it the focus

  • Lack of training and support

  • Failure to consider barriers prior to implementation

  • ​No inventory or alignment of  resources to intended educational outcomes

  • Lack of funding and full community support

 

How to apply the lessons learned?

  • Conduct adequate research prior to implementation

  • Use academic & demographic data of the campus/district

  • Align technology resources to intended educational outcomes

  • Implement a professional learning plan

  • Anticipate potential roadblocks

  • Establish an innovation committee that represents the full school community

  • Disburse tasks for collaborative inquiry, accountability, & equal voice

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