IMPLEMENTATION OUTLINE

 

Blended Learning: Digital Learning Environments Through Station 

and Individual Rotation Models

 

OVERVIEW

 

• This innovation plan introduces an alternative digital setting to the existing physical learning environments that are recommended in every early childhood education and primary grade level classroom. Through a blended learning station rotation or individual rotation model, students will have another option to access learning centers while in class or even at different locations and times. 

 

• While students are already familiar with some of the digital software that will be utilized with this plan, it is still imperative that thorough practice and demonstration be provided to familiarize them with the plan. Collaboration among the teachers, the administration and other content specialists is also recommended. Devices and other technology need to be properly installed with all necessary software and updates. These are just a few steps to consider for the blended learning model to be in place. Some other important actions will guarantee its effective implementation.

 

Phase 1: Presentation, Planning, Approval of School Administration (January- February 2021)

 

• Formal presentation of innovation plan to the administration for approval

 

• Upon approval, plan and plot the schedule for proposed 2021-2022 blended learning implementation

 

Phase 2: Vertical Planning and Assessment of Data and Digital Programs - March – May 2021

 

• Vertical Planning of PreK-2nd Grade teachers to analyze data (running records, classroom observations, and student behavior log) and identify specific student needs/ priority skills with planned digital learning centers

 

• Assessment of existing student digital platforms and programs (efficiency, meeting learning expectations, maintaining student engagement and motivation)

 

Phase 3: Development of Digital Learning Environments - June- August 2021

 

• Development of first 3 digital learning environments using Seesaw, Khan Academy, or Starfall

 

• Alignment of digital learning center activities and goals with PreK Guidelines or Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills/ TEKS)

 

• Installing of necessary programs and software on every student’s iPad by the district’s technology department 

• Test and practice all digital programs focusing on appropriateness and accuracy of activities. Make necessary adjustments as needed

 

 

 

Phase 4: Pilot Implementation of First 3 Digital Learning Centers (Blended Learning)

                                                September- December 2021

 

• Back to School Night: Share with parents and guardians new digital learning centers. Request feedback, recommendations and comments.

 

• Introduction of digital learning centers to the students (digital and traditional). Focus on one station every day, explore materials and resources available. Discuss goals and expectations. Provide modeling and demonstrationincluding how to transition from one center to another.

 

• Administer baseline assessment and group students accordingly. Plan for different groupings, encouraging interaction, peer tutoring, and development of interpersonal skills.

 

• Arrange student’s schedules to participate with learning centers for at least twice a week. 

 

• Record all observations, including student response, engagement, and other learning behavior during center time. Track data from both traditional learning and digital settings. 

 

Phase 5: Mid-Year Assessment, Feedback and Adjustment- January 2022

 

• Mid-Year Assessment (teachers, administration and staff) to provide a mid-year report of blended learning. Summarize highlights, both positive outcomes and areas for improvement. 

 

• Assess digital platforms and programs and install updates and other necessary revisions

 

• Make all to other necessary adjustments and changes to improve system and routine during center time.

 

Phase 6: Implementation of 4 More Digital Learning Centers (Blended Learning)

                                                 February- May 2022

 

• Introduce additional digital learning centers every month from February until May.

 

• Teachers will continue to facilitate center time, providing constant feedback and guidance as needed. 

 

• Monitor students demonstrating more independence, choice and ownership of learning.

 

Phase 7: End of the Year Reassessment, Feedback, and Report- June – July 2022

 

• End of the year report (formal, informal assessments, teacher-charted records, data logs from digital platforms, parent and student feedback, etc.) to review overall outcome of the blended learning station model center time.

 

• Student and/or parent’s survey (feedback, comments and suggestions for improvements)

 

• Reassessment of digital learning environment (efficiency, appropriateness activities, how it addresses learning goals and expectations.

 

Phase 8: Professional Development for ALL Prek-2nd Classroom Teachers – August 2022

 

• Blended Learning Professional development training for all PreK- 2nd grade teachers. Include observations and outcomes from previous school year’s pilot implementation and plans and preparations for upcoming school year

 

• Blended Learning Workshop having all the teachers immerse as students exploring each digital learning environment and trying various transition routines and schedules. 

 

• Teachers complete a survey for feedback and improvement

 

Phase 9: Schoolwide (PreK-2nd Grade) Implementation – September 2022- May 2023

 

• Schoolwide implementation (PreK- 2nd grade) of at least 3 digital learning environments. Weekly grade-level meetings will provide updates and reflections to improve current set-up or resolve issues.

 

• The school will now have a blended learning team/committee to lead in providing support and continuous professional development to the teachers