A call to Action

As I studied the research of other blended learning programs in education, I gained much knowledge of what has worked, not worked, and what lessons were learned by others. After reflecting on these lessons shared, I have created this motivational video to convince others within my organization to join me in implementing blended learning to enhance student engagement. It is my hope that I can inspire others by the research and work I have done to gain a deeper understanding of blended learning and all the possibilities (good and bad) that we may come across together.

Updated Innovation Plan Proposal

Dear Mrs. Hernandez,

The way educators provide instruction has remained fairly stagnant over the past 100 years. We are now in the twenty-first century where learners are required to have critical thinking skills in order to be successful in higher education and their career. In a traditional setting classroom, teachers are unable to provide instruction that is student-centered and engaging for every student; furthermore, the task of differentiation for every student is enormous.

How can educators evolve their teaching practice in order to meet the needs of twenty-first century learners? The answer is: by implementing a blended learning model within their classroom! With the help of technology, educators can create a learning environment that is student-centered, engaging, truly differentiated, and which also fosters students’ critical thinking skills. If more schools implement blended learning, “the transformation could be breathtaking” for twenty-first century learners (Horn et al., 2011)!

I am proposing to implement a Station Rotation model of Blended Learning within JAM classrooms in which:

Students will use their district created Schoology, ST-Math, and Lexia accounts when participating in rotation stations.
Students will use 1-1 Chromebooks and iPads already provided by NISD.
Students will document their academic growth with on-going data charts that are posted in their Schoology accounts.

I am excited for us to take on a different teaching method that will benefit all JAM students. Mrs. Hernandez, I ask that you support my plan and consider the implementation of blended learning throughout our campus in the near future based on my findings of what worked, what did not work, and the lessons I have learned from others.

What Worked:

Blended learning has allowed students to take ownership of their learning.
Providing choice and ownership to students often has extremely positive outcomes both with intrinsic motivation of students and student data.

What Didn't:

Professional Development focused on how to use technology versus showing teachers how to integrate it within their own teaching style.
Lack of ongoing professional development for teachers.
No clear plan or goal in mind.

Applying the Lessons in my Innovation Plan:

Having and instilling a growth mindset with myself, students, and peers is imperative to a successful implementation of blended learning.
Technology needs to be properly integrated into a teacher’s teaching style.
Focus needs to be on the goal in mind- not on the technology devices themselves.

With the implementation of a successful blended learning environment, we can create life-long twenty-first century critical thinkers. Let’s lead the way of innovation together!

Sincerely,
Nina Salinas

References:
Horn, M. B., Staker, H., Hernandez, A., Hassel, B., & Ableidinger, J. (2011). The rise of k-12 blended learning.

Solochek, J. (2019, August 25). In 'flipped classrooms,' teachers lecture online, use class for practice. Tampa Bay Times.
Retrieved May 09, 2021 from: https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/in-flipped-classrooms-teachers-lecture-online-use-class-for-practice/2218710/

Watson, A. (2015). How to motivate students to take ownership of their learning. The Cornerstone For Teachers.
Retrieved on May 09, 2021 from: https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/motivate-students-take-ownership-learning/

Click here to view my original Innovation Plan Proposal from EDLD 5305!

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Updated Literature Review

In support of my original innovation plan, I have written the following Literature Review which analyzes research to support that the implementation of a blended learning instructional model maximizes student engagement, boosts opportunities for student-centered learning, and increases students’ academic achievement in twenty-first century classrooms.

Additionally, the new cases reviewed show what worked, what didn't work, and what lessons were learned by others. Learning from others will better support my blended learning innovation plan be successful.

Click here to view my original Literature Review from EDLD 5305!

Learning from others

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

What Worked:

Blended learning has allowed students to take ownership of their learning.
Persevering through the “downs” of blended learning and having a growth mindset as a campus/district.
Providing choice and ownership to students often has extremely positive outcomes both with intrinsic motivation of students and student data.

What Didn't:

Focusing on the use of technology itself versus how it can transform the way students learn.
Professional Development focused on how to use technology versus showing teachers how to integrate it within their own teaching style.
Lack of ongoing professional development for teachers.
No clear plan or goal in mind.

Applying the Lessons in my innovation plan:

Having and instilling a growth mindset with myself, students, and peers is imperative to a successful implementation of blended learning.
Technology needs to be properly integrated into a teacher’s teaching style.
Focus needs to be on the goal in mind- not on the technology devices themselves.
I will need to provide ongoing support for teachers on campus.