Blended Learning in Grades 4–12: Leveraging the Power of Technology to Create Student-Centered Classrooms(Corwin Teaching Essentials)

Use technology to focus on your students! You′ve heard about blended learning, which mixes online learning with traditional classroom instruction. You have the support of your principal, the backing of your district, and you are ready to take the leap. Now what? 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 is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, works for your students, and allows you to focus your energy where it is most needed. Catlin Tucker will teach you how to: Use the online environment to increase engagement and drive higher-order thinking Design dynamic online discussion questions Create a safe space online Prepare students for high-stakes exams without sacrificing class time Assess online work Personalize learning and differentiate lessons Move toward flipped instruction, which shifts the focus of class time from teacher to student With concrete strategies, ready-to-use resources, and sample rubrics grounded in the Common Core State Standards, Blended Learning in Grades 4–12 is the ideal tool for the busy 21st-century teacher looking to create a student-centered classroom.

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

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 CatlinTucker.com.

Review :
“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.” “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.” “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.” “This book will appeal to a wide range of educators and provide them with the foundation for creating a perfect blend for their classrooms.” “This book will help teachers move their students online while maintaining effective teaching practices!” 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. "In Blended Learning in Grades 4-12, Tucker takes on the questions that serve as teachers′ biggest barriers to exploring what technology can bring to their professional experiences. Too often, exploration of educational technology is more about the tools than the learning, and consequently it is a pleasure to read this book in which inspiring and empowering students serves as the primary frame for discussion. The skilled examination of the larger question of how to teach well using whatever one has will make Tucker′s book a valuable resource for teachers for a long time to come." "This book shows teachers how to use technology and blended learning practices to blend online discussion with face-to-face classroom instruction."