EdSurge is collecting stories from across the nation on how personalized learning is being implemented in various ways. I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to my education reporter roots to write a piece about my journey in the classroom. You can read the article here.
Several assignments in my blended learning courses asked us to imagine which of the models we could realistically implement in our classrooms with the time and tools at our disposal. Here are five reasons why I believe the station rotation model is the best choice for elementary teachers looking to start blending their learning:
I really would never be able to explain blended learning as well as this amazing infographic from Knewton. So in the spirit of modeling the different modes in which content should be presented to students, here is a pretty visual to get you started on the basics of blended learning.
There are 4 main models of Blended Learning, according to the Clayton Christensen Institute. You’ll notice that these models are considered “blended” because the instruction is a mix of online and the physical school building. You can read more about each model by clicking the image below. I have only used the Station Rotation Model in my elementary classroom so this blog will focus more on that model and its implementation. There are lots of videos online to show different examples of how each model is used and I would love to hear from teachers who have tried the other models. Please comment below if you would like to do a guest post about your experience!
So you’ve started putting your students on the computers more this year. You might even have a few new iPads floating around. This is a great start. Frankly, I do not think schools use enough technology for instruction. However, your increased use of devices does not mean your students are experiencing blended learning — yet.
I walked by this nondescript poster a million times on the back of a door in the teacher’s lounge. Nothing about it said kids or teaching or school. So one day, I finally read it: “Online & Blended Teacher Certification Program.” I needed some courses to complete my master’s plus 32 credits so I decided to look into the program. Naturally, the courses were all online. And it was love at first click.
