Digital Tools That Transform the Classroom

Digital tools are becoming an endless resource from apps to web based programs. Some teachers use the tools exclusively while others use the tools as a supplement. Ideally, in my classroom, I will be using the tools to supplement when needed but mostly to foster learning in a new manner!

After much review of Wiki Spaces, Google Sites, Weebly and PB Works, I recently chose Weebly as the new home of my virtual learning space. Weebly is a free web hosting site that also provides website editor online. The excitement arose when I found I could create separate pages for each grade level in which I could post mini video lessons, link to other educational websites and allow for file uploads.

In my classroom, I have used this to facilitate digital learning centers throughout the room on the iPad. The daily objective is to learn at least 3 new concepts in 20 minute sessions. The Weebly provided a link to the lesson I created in ShowMe. Students watched the ShowMe and then returned to the Weebly to find a survey or instructions for a board game that would allow them to practice their new skills. No more worksheets or chalk board lessons that cover me in yellow dust! The only exciting moment there was when I wound up with yellow streaks across my back!

Furthermore, the Weebly has also served as a review portal for students at home. Many students report that they watch the instructional videos at home when they were not quite sure of a concept or skill. I can also provide optional or enrichment activities for High Ability and those who need extra practice thus allowing for a differentiation in the classroom as well as out of the classroom.

For me, the Weebly has allowed me to connect to ALL students in a way that they find appealing!

http://sellersmusic.weebly.com/composer-complication.html
http://sellersmusic.weebly.com/note-identification.html
http://sellersmusic.weebly.com/melodic-shape.html
http://sellersmusic.weebly.com/rhythm.html

I introduced the Weebly to three elementary classroom teachers. At first they were hesitant but when they realized that students could practice math concepts at their own pace in a progressive manner, they were hooked! One stated, "Oh my gosh! Now I can spend time with students who need just a little more support and not feel bad about the lull in class time. Class goes on this way!" I very much agree with her statement as now, students are learning at their pace and as often as they wish.

I would suggest Weebly to anyone. Recently, Weebly has offered Weebly for education! Check it out!

http://http://education.weebly.com

Technology Integration Matrix

Currently, I have limited access in my classroom to integrate iPads however I take every opportunity available. Recently, students have studied the main elements of a music composition. As a class we narrowed the list down to four critical elements. Students were then presented an iPad and asked to created a composition demonstrating those elements. Furthermore, I challenged them to include the concept of FORM. In another project, students were presented with a problem: A composer needs to apply for a job but they were in a car accident which caused amnesia. I provided a link to the application and from there students had to devise a way to help.

As a technology specialist, I have also guided teachers through the transformation process of paper to digital. In many cases, we have transformed direct instruction lessons into digital project based learning units.

Overall, I would place myself in the Active Infusion/Transformation stage. In order to be fully immersed in the Active Transformation, I would need technology in my room on a consistent basis. I am very eager to reach this stage and I would like nothing more than to facilitate and guide students through the learning process. I greatly enjoy observing a student's delight when they discover that they have created a great project that answers my driving question.

Blended learning presents some obstacles but presents far more benefits that outweigh the challenges. The common obstacles are commonly associated with a lack of experience with digital or online courses as well as a lack of experience with the learning management system. However, these obstacles can be tackled with ease with guidance from the online teacher.

The benefits cover the realm of at-risk students, advanced placement, student illness or homebound students and professional development. At-risk students commonly display a disklike for all activities presented in the classroom. This is often the case due to a fear of failing in public or "not looking cool". However, blended learning environments tend to diminish those behaviors as the students become engrossed with the technology and the change from public learning to personal learning. The student is willing to take responsibility. This was the case recently in my classroom as we explored composition on the iPad. The student was not likely to participate in verbal conversation leading up to the experience however they were willing to compose and discuss the details of the composition created afterwards. The digital content was a motivator for successful classroom discussion.

In the case of advanced placement, a learning management system can provide endless resources. Currently, I am working with a Calculus/Statistics instructor. Prior to this year, her classroom was exclusively face-to-face. She spent hours of after school with students as well as Sunday afternoons. While this was beneficial it was exhausting and not always full proof. This year we have used Explain Everything to create step by step help videos for each concept she has taught. She posts these videos the night before the lesson (which only lasts 20 minutes of the 50 minute class). A majority of the students watch the videos prior to class which creates a flipped classroom experience for them. All of the students watch these videos after class and throughout the semester to review and master the skills. She has seen an increase in success and mastery this year and attributes the success to the blended learning environment. She is now both a teacher and facilitator and students have taken responsibility for their learning.

Homebound students, whether due to behavior or illness, can also benefit from an online learning situation. In some cases, homebound teachers are not able to visit the child thus lending themselves to a digital learning environment. A homebound student can participate to full capacity with his or her classmates either through a website, chatroom or learning management system such as Edmodo or My Big Campus. This could also be the case for a student who is homebound but is also available for face to face time with a homebound instructor.

In the case of professional development, a blended learning situation can be priceless. In this case, an administrator has the ability to created a flipped classroom model ensuring that the staff is prepared for the PD session. Preparation and ability to provide input is an obstacle that many administrators battle.
Teachers can also obtain additional professional development online through the request of administrator as well as on their own.

Overall, blended learning models have opened doors for students who otherwise would not succeed or find interest in learning. In my opinion, the greatest obstacle in the past decade has been student ownership and responsibility. Blended learning has brought about a new excitement for both students and teachers. No longer is education stale!