Utlizing the Blended Learning Approach to Engage More Students by Bryan Olkowski
Greetings from Stamford, Connecticut, USA. I am writing to you about ways to effectively engage all students using technology. Over the past few months, I have blogged about distance language learning programs like My Chinese 360 and asynchronous online programs such as Virtual High School. Both programs use technology to engage students. Some provide a way for schools to access "hard to staff" courses and allow students to be exposed to learning opportunities, which are not readily available at the local level. Most times, these packaged programs, are geared towards the more independent student/learner. The asynchronous nature of Virtual High School really lends itself to the student who knows how to take control and responsibility for his/her learning. On the other side of the coin, other programs offer school districts options to use online technology classes for credit recovery. Many of these programs are expensive. Some require districts to invest money in training staff to receive certifications. Others require specialized hardware and upgraded servers. Furthermore, these programs usually come with an annual subscription rate forcing districts to spend money every year. I wonder if there is a way for schools to incorporate certain aspects from exemplar asynchronous online programs that challenge EVERY student and can be purchased by a district at a one time fixed cost....
The answer is the "Blended Learning" classroom. In this classroom, teachers use both f2f (face to face) learning and online learning. Teachers instruct online 2 - 3 times per week and face to face 2 -3 times per week. The costs in developing blended learning classrooms are relatively small when compared to purchasing packaged programs, which usually support a specific type of learner.
Districts can make a huge impact in using technology to reach all students using the Blended Learning classroom. First, the district must make an initial investment in computers and infrastructure. Once this initial investment is made in a particular school, the district's costs will be limited towards upgrades and repairs every several years. Second, the district should focus on having staff members become adept at one Open Source LMS (Learning Management System). Many districts in my area use Moodle as their online platforms. The great thing about Moodle is that it is free! Teachers will need support in installing the program on their computers, but it is relatively easy to navigate and use. The district may even wish to hire a consultant to create a Professional Development Program for teachers. Once a cadre of teachers learn how to post their lessons onto the LMS (in this case Moodle), they will be able to train other teachers in their buildings. This is known as the "train the trainers" model of professional development. The great thing about using Moodle is that the costs are mainly upfront. Once a teacher creates a module on the LMS, it is there forever. As the curriculum changes, teachers will only have to make the necessary adjustments on their computers. Because the teachers create the modules/lessons at the local level, they will undoubtedly do a better job in reaching all students. The lessons will not be targeted to students who need credit recovery or those needing additional enrichment. Instead, the teacher will be able to focus on the students who are in their classrooms. Finally, because this method will be so new to students, they will think it is cool and become more engaged in their learning. To me, the blended learning classroom sounds like a "no-brainer" for schools/districts looking for new and innovative ways to integrate technology into their curriculums. I welcome your comments and feedback about using the "blended learning" approach.
"The views expressed in this blog are those of the author alone, and they are not presented as the position of the Stamford Public Schools".
About Bryan
Bryan Olkowski is a former high school Social Studies Teacher and ELL Central Office Administrator who currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Scofield Magnet Middle School. He enjoys working collaboratively with teachers and administrators to integrate educational technology into classrooms to provide more opportunities for students to learn. He has also worked on creating educational exchange programs with schools in China. You can reach Bryan at bolkowski@ci.stamford.ct.us.
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