Blended Learning in Grades 4-12: Leveraging the Power of Technology to Create Student-Centered Classrooms

by Catlin R. Tucker

Overview

Use technology to focus on your students!

In this step-by-step guide, teacher and education blogger Catlin Tucker outlines the process for integrating online discussion with face-to-face instruction in a way that empowers teachers to focus their energies where they’re most needed. With concrete strategies, ready-to-use resources, and sample rubrics grounded in the Common Core State Standards, this book shows teachers how to:

• Increase engagement and drive higher-order thinking
• Prepare students for high-stakes exams without sacrificing class time
• Assess online work
• Personalize learning and differentiate lessons
• Move toward flipped instruction to create a student-centered classroom

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452240862
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	06/13/2012
Series:	Corwin Teaching Essentials
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	16.40(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Catlin Tucker is a Google Certified Innovator, bestselling author, international trainer, and frequent Edtech speaker, who teaches in Sonoma County where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2010. Catlin’s books Blended Learning in Grades 4-12 and Blended Learning in Action are both bestsellers. She has also written a book titled Creatively Teach the Common Core Literacy Standards with Technology to support teachers in thinking outside of the box as they shift to the Common Core. Catlin is working on her doctorate at Pepperdine University. She writes the “Techy Teacher” column for ASCD’s Educational Leadership. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally ranked education blog at Catlin Tucker.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
About the Author
Preface
1. The 21st Century Classroom
Crossing the Digital Divide
Developing 21st Century Skills Critical to Future Success
What Does the 21st Century Classroom Look Like?
Student-Centered Learning
2. Blended Learning
What is Blended Learning?
6 Common Blended Learning Models Currently in Use
Emerging Blended Learning Model: Teacher Driven Blend
Discussions are Critical to a Successful Blended Learning Model
Community of Inquiry Framework
3. The Role of the Teacher in a Blended Learning Model
Choosing a Learning Platform or Learning Management System
Blackboard
Moodle
Edmodo
Schoology
Collaborize Classroom
Defining Your Role as Facilitator
Silent Facilitator vs. Involved Facilitator
Effectively Differentiate Instruction with Online Discussions
Weaving Online Work Back into the Classroom
4. Art of Asking Questions Online
Encourage Conversations With Well-Chosen Questions
Question Types That Foster Conversation
Consider These Sample Questions
English Question Grid
History Question Grid
Science Question Grid
Math Question Grid
Question Types that Kill Conversations
Tips for Designing Strong Questions
What Does a Good Online Question Look Like?
5. Develop a Dynamic Learning Community Online
Creating and Maintaining a Safe Space Online
The Dos and Don’ts of Student Communication Online
Strong Sentence Starters
Creating Class Code of Conduct
Visually Display Your Expectations for Participation on Your Site
Building an Online Community
Break the Ice Online
5 Student Icebreakers Adapted for an Online Community
5 Parent-Student Icebreakers Adapted for an Online Community
Start Simply to Cement Routines and Correct First Missteps
Teach Students to Say Something Substantial
Preface for Chapters 6-9
Chapters 6-9 Are Based on the Following Assumptions
Teaching the Common Core State Standards Using Blended Learning
6. English Language Arts
Upper Elementary— Middle School— High School
Example Online Discussions and Activities
Explanation of Common Core State Standards Addressed
Weave Online Work into the Classroom with Student Centered Activities
7. History/Social Studies
Upper Elementary— Middle School— High School
Example Online Discussions and Activities
Explanation of Common Core State Standards Addressed
Weave Online Work into the Classroom with Student Centered Activities
8. Science
Upper Elementary— Middle School— High School
Example Online Discussions and Activities
Explanation of Common Core State Standards Addressed
Weave Online Work into the Classroom with Student Centered Activities
9. Math
Example Online Discussions and Activities
Explanation of Common Core State Standards Addressed
Weave Online Work into the Classroom with Student Centered Activities
10. Flip Your Instruction with Online Discussions
What is the Flipped Classroom?
“Homework” in the Flipped Classroom Model
What Happens in the Flipped Classroom?
What If a Student Doesn’t Do Their Homework?
Tips for Successfully Flipping Your Classroom
Ideas for Flipping Your Class
English
History/Social Studies
Science
Math
11. Accessing Work Online
Managing Online Participation
Rubrics
Online Discussion Rubric
Writing Rubrics for Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School
Preparing Students for High Stakes Exams
Released Test Questions Online
Tucker’s Test Taking Tips for English Language Arts
Tucker’s Test Taking Tips for Math
Index

Editorial Reviews

Catlin Tucker takes on the questions that serve as teachers' biggest barriers in exploring what technology can bring to their professional experiences. Questions of assessment, time, and access, as well as practical suggestions for how to begin working with modern collaborative resources, serve to guide teachers through the philosophical and pedagogical challenges of exploring the promise of blended learning.

Rushton Hurley

This book comes at the right time with answers for teachers, principals, and schools who want to be on the cutting edge of the effective use of technology, the internet, and teacher pedagogy.

Jim Anderson

A must have for any teacher who wants to connect with students who are either reluctant to participate in class or who have everything to say. The book's tools provide a welcome segue into their terrain and show you how to master it. Included are many ideas and suggestions for bringing the Internet into your classroom and harnessing its power for the benefit of your students.

Melody Aldrich

This book will appeal to a wide range of educators and provide them with the foundation for creating a perfect blend for their classrooms.

David Callaway

This book provides a wealth of information related to teaching in a blended classroom. Designed for 21st century educators, this text is a powerful and valuable resource for those that want to challenge, engage, and facilitate learning for all students.

Judy Brunner

"This book shows teachers how to use technology and blended learning practices to blend online discussion with face-to-face classroom instruction. "

Midwest Book Review

This book will help teachers move their students online while maintaining effective teaching practices!

Cathy Bonneville Hix