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Table of Contents
How does this all work? .................................................................................................................................. 3
Benefits of Blended Learning for Teachers and Students .................................................................. 4
Lets Be Real, Can I do this? ............................................................................................................................ 5
What is Blended Learning? ............................................................................................................................ 6
Examples of Blended Learning ..................................................................................................................... 7
Resources for Blended Learning .............................................................................................................. 10
Why Choose Blended? .................................................................................................................................. 13
Blended Learning: Making a Plan ............................................................................................................. 15
Blended Checklist ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Content Curating............................................................................................................................................. 20
Create your Website ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Planning your website .................................................................................................................................. 27
Website Creation Tools ................................................................................................................................ 31
Start Small, Student Projects ...................................................................................................................... 35
Stop! Reflect! .................................................................................................................................................... 36
SAMR Model ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
Student Creation Options ............................................................................................................................ 38
Creating Community in the Classroom ................................................................................................... 50
Learning Management Systems ................................................................................................................ 58
Online Assessment Tools ............................................................................................................................. 66
Dont Reinvent the Wheel, Finding Content ......................................................................................... 73
Content Sources .............................................................................................................................................. 74
Harnessing the Power of YouTube........................................................................................................... 83
The Power of Play, Games for Learning ................................................................................................. 89
Creating Content ............................................................................................................................................. 99
iPad Apps, For Blending ............................................................................................................................. 100
Lesson Plans for Blending in the Classroom ...................................................................................... 110
Finding Blended Learning Lesson Plans and Ideas .......................................................................... 111
Blended Learning Lesson Plan Template ............................................................................................ 116
Digital Citizenship ........................................................................................................................................ 118
Its Not Working! Tech Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 120
Building Your PLN ........................................................................................................................................ 122





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What questions do you have about blended learning?





Questions I would like to have answered:






Things that concern me:





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How does this all work?

Blending is about creating more opportunities for students to learn different
content and more one on one interaction with students. You might think blended
learning is where learners only learn online or watch videos but it is really more
than that. Not all of your classroom content or instruction has to be online. For
some elementary classrooms blended learning may be an online discussion using a
backchannel chat or creating a Google Presentation together as a small group.

You could set up your blended classroom using a center based idea where students
learn about a concept by watching a short teacher led video and then working on an
activity to reinforce that idea. What if you could share content or ideas with
students making the most of times when instruction usually isnt an option for
instance during times when students are transitioning or hanging up backpacks?
Showing a video of yourself or a talking avatar to get students to work on topics
while you are helping others.




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Benefits of Blended Learning for Teachers and Students

Benefits for Teachers:
Collection of resources to use with students this year and beyond
More time for in class one on one interaction
Individualized instruction


Benefits for Learners:
Increased Engagement
Deeper learning opportunities
Open times beyond the usual classroom hours
Reluctant students may be more open and participate

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Lets Be Real, Can I do this?

Blended learning is not something you can just jump into without any planning.
Ask yourself,
Do I have time to create content? Do I have time to find content? How will you
share content? What will you do if something doesnt work the way it is suppose
to? Will parents and administrators support my blended learning classroom?
Where can you find help if you need it? Do I have time in your schedule to build a
blended classroom?
1


These questions can seem a bit overwhelming but the more prepared you are the
better off you and your students will be when you implement your Blended
Learning classroom. Today, we will address these questions and answer any more
you may have.







1
http://www.remc.org/projects/blendedlearning
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What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning isnt just one idea or one way of doing things. Blended learning
by most definitions is learning both online and in a face to face classroom.
Students are able to review lessons for better understanding and access content
inside and outside the physical classroom. There are many different versions of
blended learning and not just one right way.

2



2
Our Story. Digital image. Canva. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. Canva.com

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Examples of Blended Learning

The grade you teach and your goals for learning will determine which blended
learning model will work for you. Maybe you want students to participate online
while they are in the computer lab or maybe you have devices in the classroom and
want to create an environment where students rotate through different activities.
There are many ways of organizing your blended learning environment. Be open
to try new things and be ready to fail at least once or twice. Things will go wrong,
they always do, but having a plan and reflecting on what went well and what to do
differently will be very helpful.

Your Ideas for Blended Learning:



8
Rotation Model

Students rotate through different areas of the classroom. Students work
independently on the computer or other device, students work together
collaboratively and also work in small group with the teacher. For teachers who
have centers in their classrooms this type of blended learning model may seem
familiar. Learn more about the Rotation Model by watching this short video from
Khan Academy.
3
http://goo.gl/HiXLLJ

Your Thoughts?


3
"The Station Rotation Model." Khan Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.

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Lab Model

Students complete assignments or projects during a scheduled lab time during the
week. Students may also complete items at home depending on internet and
device access. In some classrooms teachers have set up a lab time during the
beginning of the morning. This allows the teacher to take attendance and get the
day started while students work on activities such as a daily blog post or online
activity. Learn more about the Rotation Model by watching this short video from
Khan Academy.
4
http://goo.gl/HiXLLJ

Your Thoughts?








4
"The Station Rotation Model." Khan Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.

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Resources for Blended Learning

If you are thinking about blended learning for your students it can be a bit
overwhelming to find quality information. A number of resources out there are
available for you to use. Here are just a few quality resources to help you better
understand blended learning and how it can transform your teaching. Feel free to
jot down questions on this page about the different resources you might want to go
back and explore.

I want to know more about


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Blend My Learning
http://www.blendmylearning.com

Blend my learning not only explains what blended learning is, but also gives
examples of how teachers are blending in their classrooms. On this site you will
find videos illustrating different blended environments in different classrooms.
You can even share your own experiences with blending.

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iNacol- http://www.inacol.org
The International Association for Online Learning has wonderful resources
including standards for online learning, resources for starting out and building your
blended classroom and a research clearing house where you can find journals and
resources on blended learning. You can also view different videos about what
different blended learning environments look like in different classroom settings.



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Why Choose Blended?

The big question is why do you want to blend your classroom? The blended
classroom shouldnt revolve around technology, but how you can reach your
learners and best meet their learning needs. Think about obstacles for learning you
may encounter in your own classroom. Maybe you want to provide instruction for
students while they are absent or maybe you want to provide video or audio
feedback to students, allowing you the opportunity to work one on one with
students beyond the limits of classroom time.




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Blended Learning: Making a Plan

Just like a good lesson plan you need to have a plan to implement blended learning
into your curriculum. Remember, this is not something that will happen overnight,
this will take time and you will change your mind as you implement your plan.
You will try things that fail and some plans will be a soaring success. Changing
your plan doesnt mean blended isnt for you or your students, it means you are
finding the best way to reach all learners. Major questions to ask are how will this
change my planning? Will I need access to technology at all times? How can this
reach learners that I may not be reaching with a traditional model?


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Step 1: Address Goals and Objectives

Is there a need you are filling by blending your course? For example some
teachers may want to just add lessons or videos that students can access when they
are gone from the classroom or maybe you want students to blog so that they can
have an authentic audience. Blending will look differently based on what your
goals and needs are.

What are my students needs?





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Step 2: Think About What Lessons Can Be Improved
Look at your lesson plans you already have, consider how you could implement
online tools to support what you are doing in your classroom. For example if you
are having students discuss a certain question in class this may be an opportunity to
utilize an online discussion tool like Todays Meet or a discussion forum in
Edmodo. Maybe your students are working on poetry, you could have students add
their writing pieces to a classroom blog.

I would like my students to do/to have more


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Step 3: Organization and Setup
Think about how you want to organize your classroom to facilitate the changes in
your lesson plans. If you want students to take part in an online discussion, but are
afraid that they may not have access to the internet from home, than you may want
to create stations in your classroom where students can be online. You may also
want to talk with your administrators about opening up times where students can
access the computer lab after or before school school or during lunch.

If my students do not have access to the internet at home I can

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Blended Checklist

Administrative Support
Parent Permission for accessing Internet resources and creating content
Place to store content
Instructing students on how to access content
Room setup and options for accessing technology
Plan for students without access to technology at home



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Content Curating

If you are saving resources by bookmarking them to just your device my
suggestion would be to stop. If your computer breaks down or your IT department
wipes the hard drive, all those resources are gone. Today there are lots of ways to
save links that you can access on any device with Internet capabilities. The trick is
finding the one that will work for your needs. Do you want students and parents to
be able to access your bookmarks? Would you like the capability to add notes
about certain websites you have bookmarked? Do you want to have others build
collections of websites on a certain topic? Online bookmarking sites allow you
many options.








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Diigo-https://www.diigo.com

Diggo allow you to access all of your websites and saved links anytime you have
access to the Internet. You can share resources with others and even add a
bookmarklet to your web browser to easily save sites.

Why use this tool:
Allows you to save websites and access them from any device
Diigo allows you to create notes on websites that you can share with
students.
You can annotate websites and save those annotations
Collaborate with other groups or individuals in your classroom and building
Can be used on the computer or iPad



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Bitly- https://bitly.com

Bitly is an online bookmarking system that you can use to create bundles of
resources for you or your students. Bitly uses a bookmarklet in your web browser
to collect websites easily and quickly.

Why use Bitly:
Allows you to even create a short link and QR code to share with students
As a teacher you can share resources with other teachers and build bundles
of websites
Free and easy to use




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Symbaloo- http://www.symbaloo.com
Symbaloo is a very visual bookmarking system. In Symbaloo you can create
webmixes that you can share with students either through a url link or embedding
on your website.

Why Use Symabloo
For younger students or students who struggle with reading pictures indicate
specific sites
You can find other webmixes that you can change and add to for your
specific needs
You can easily bookmark items to add to your Symbaloo by using the
bookmarklet tool for your web browser
Free



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Blendspace- https://www.blendspace.com

Blendspace allows you to create online lessons that you can use with your students.
You can build classrooms for sharing Blendspace lessons and even add quizzes
and your own documents.

Why Use Blendspace?
Create lessons from many different resources
Create classes that you can save and assign resources to view
Collaborate with colleagues on different lessons to share
Monitor students progress
Easy to use and free




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Create your Website

If you dont have a classroom website this is one of the first things I would
recommend to all teachers. A classroom website can be a landing page for
communicating with parents, sharing links with your students, a place to house
forms and permission slips and much more.



Reasons to have a website:
Meet the needs of all your learners
Great way to have class handouts and assignments to look back on
Keeps you organized
Great way to communicate all the wonderful things you are doing in
your classroom
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Resources for students that can be used in the classroom or at home
One place where parents and students can access calendars and files

Possible Problems
Difficult to keep current
Some parents may not have access to Internet









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Planning your website

Planning your site can be very confusing, what should you put on your site? How
should you organize it, what is the purpose of the site? Do you want a class
calendar or classroom links? What should it look like? You might want to take a
look at what other teachers have created to get ideas. Here are a few sites that have
examples of teacher websites. Look at the sites and decide what things you like or
dislike about certain sites.

http://teacher-sites.weebly.com
http://edtech.jcisd.org/websites.html




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Website Address
Things I like about this
website
Things I would change

















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What is the purpose of my site?







Who will view my site?
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What content should be available on my site?






Page Titles:







Subpages:


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Website Creation Tools

Google Sites- sites.google.com
Google Sites is part of the Google Apps Suite for Education. Not only can you
create your own website, but you can add Google Drive created documents, sheets,
and presentations quickly and easily.

Why Use Google Sites:
Integrates with other Google Products
Embed Google Calendars and Youtube videos easily and quickly
Create websites that look clean and professional
Free to use




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Weebly
Weebly is a very easy platform to use. It is a drag and drop website builder that
makes it very easy for teachers to create a website they can use in ten minutes.

Why Use Weebly:
Easy to build professional looking websites
Publish immediately for parents and students
Parents and students can access files easily
Embed videos for student viewing
Can add blog page for students
Free


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Wix- http://www.wix.com/
This free site has a lot of different ways to display content on the web. Wix allows
for lots of formatting and layout options. There are many themes, for someone
who wants a more advanced website tool this one is for you.

Why Use Wix:
User friendly interface
Share site with others before publishing to get feedback
A wide collection of pictures to use on your site
Mobile editor to see what your site will look like online
Animation options



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Class Jump- http://classjump.com/
Class jump is great because it is specifically designed for teachers. The site has
pre-created pages such as a link page, welcome page and classroom news to get
you up and running quickly. This resource even has features that allow you to
accept documents from students and share photo albums.



Why you should use Class Jump
Easy to use
Students and parents can access your materials online
Students can submit work
Free

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Start Small, Student Projects

You cant do it all. The best advice for teachers who want to start blending in their
classrooms is to take one thing at a time. The first year you may just decide to use
your website to post assignments or videos of certain lessons.

Think about the things in your classroom that maybe are difficult or a lesson you
feel you could improve. Dont simply add a tech tool to fill a requirement, but to
actually improve instruction or understanding. For example, if you are having
students create a piece of writing try having them create a Story Bird project If
you want students to collaborate with each other on their writing pieces try
incorporating a Google Doc.




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Stop! Reflect!

Take a moment and write down one thing you would like to do with your class this
year? Could you make this an interactive experience online? What is the goal of
this lesson?

I would like to do this with my students:




How could I make this experience more interactive or engaging?

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SAMR Model

When considering tools to use with students it may be easy to find tools that
razzle and dazzle the learner, but are these tools really supporting what you
are trying to do with students?

The Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model (also known
as SAMR) allows teachers walk through a lesson and really consider if the tool
being implemented is going to change how students are learning.
Here are some links to learn more about SAMR and how to apply it in your
classroom.

How to Use SAMR
http://www.edudemic.com/how-to-use-the-samr-model-for-classroom-tasks/

SAMR Framework
http://www.edudemic.com/how-to-use-the-samr-model-for-classroom-tasks/

SAMR Examples on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/langwitches/samr/

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Student Creation Options

You have your lessons and units and now youre wondering what kinds of projects
or activities can I have students complete in order to support learning. There are
many options out there to engage students. The following are some options for
blending learning through online projects and other tools.





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Produce story problem videos- http://www.techsavvyed.net/archives/2352
This sounds a bit complicated, but really all you need is a camera that records
video or even just a camera to take pictures. Think of all the times you have had
students answer story problems on worksheets, how engaging would it be if those
same students created their own story problems. There are many examples of
video story problems out there, but one of the best sites Ive found is from Ben
Rimes who has had students create their own video story problems. Check out his
site to get more information http://www.techsavvyed.net/archives/2352


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Collaborate on a virtual document
In my classroom I really tried to have students write in every subject area. My
students had access to Google Docs which allowed them to edit and change their
document as many times as they would like. You can have students collaborate on
creative writing pieces or research papers, students can collaboratively add data to
a spreadsheet and see the results of the whole class. Google Docs has options to
see who has edited the document to ensure everyone is contributing. Google Docs
also is universal, anyone with Internet access can view and edit a document,
therefore; you as a teacher do not have to figure out how to open a document that a
student may have created using software you do not have access to. To get started
you will want to have your technology department set up Google Apps for
Education in your building.



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Create a digital book trailer
Instead of having students write a book report have them create a digital book
trailer. You can incorporate all of the pieces of a traditional book report only have
students create a book trailer showcasing things like theme, plot, and characters.
Once students have created their book trailer add them to a blog page for student
comments. You can create a digital book trailer using a number of different tools
or just having students record their thoughts using a camera on a mobile device or
a donated cell phone. Digital book trailers allow students the opportunity to share
books they love and learn about copyright, storyboarding, voice, genre and more.

Free Video Creation Tools:
Annimoto www.animoto.com
Shadow Puppet for iPad- http://goo.gl/VcKUiY
WeVideo- www.wevideo.com






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Digital Book Trailer Resources:
Lesson plans and more for digital book trailers
http://schools.spsd.sk.ca/curriculum/techyteacher/tag/book-trailers-2/
https://projectelite.wikispaces.com/Book+Trailers
http://digitalprojectresources.wikispaces.com/Digital+Book+Trailer+Project





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Add a writing piece to a blog
A blog is a place where students can add their work and comment on others work.
There are a number of student blog sites that allow you to give students as much
freedom as you choose, you can set up your blog so only certain items are
viewable to the public or lock down so only parents with passwords can see their
childrens work with a paid subscription.









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Resources for Blogging:
Brainpop Blog Video
http://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/blogs
Blogging with Students
http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/blogging-with-students
Kidblog
http://kidblog.org/home/
Langwitches Blogging with Students Wiki
http://langwitches.wikispaces.com/Blogging+with+your+Students





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Create a podcast or vodcast
If you are looking for a way to have students add their voice to a presentation or to
share a reflection of a project. Podcasting can be used to create a classroom news
channel or a to review a book. You could have students who struggle with writing
create their own podcast on a writing piece or classroom discussion topic.

Create and upload audio content
Audioboo https://audioboo.fm/
Sound Cloud https://soundcloud.com/
Photos and audio
Yodio Add audio to pictures using
http://www.yodio.com/


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Ideas for Podcasting
Edtech Teacher
http://edtechteacher.org/tools/multimedia/podcasting/
Technology Toolbox
http://usd308tech.weebly.com/videovodcast.html

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Create a video explaining a concept to other students
Students often learn from each other so why not have students create a video
showing how to solve a problem that can be shared with other students? These
videos can also help assess student understanding. Students can record themselves
explaining a topic on a piece of paper while recording with a mobile device or
using an iPad on an app like Explain Everything (see page 98).



See how one teacher gets students to work together and uses videos to assess
student understanding:
Flipping with Kirch
http://flippingwithkirch.blogspot.com/p/student-created-videos.html

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Let Someone Do That for You!
If you are interested in having students blog or create their own projects and want
to connect with other classrooms around the world, check out the Connected
Classrooms Project. Teachers can sign their classrooms up to participate in
monthly challenges ranging from a Mystery Connection where students try to
figure out the location of another classroom to creating a Digital Story Problem to
share with other students. Along with each project you will find resources to help
you make the most of your classroom project. This resource is completely free and
you are connected to classrooms without having to find your own classroom
connections.

Sign up your class here: https://sites.google.com/site/connectedclassroomsprojects/


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Content for Your Website
Now that you have your website youll want to think about what you want to put
on the site. How about creating a newsletter and adding it to your site? Or having
a blog page with a list of daily assignments. There are lots of tools out there to
help teachers interact and collaborate with students.


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Creating Community in the Classroom


Communication is key for a blended learning experience to be successful,
communication between students, between you and students, and between you and
parents. While classroom newsletters are handy and familiar, sometimes they can
end up in the bottom of backpacks where parents may never see them. Email is
wonderful but most parents do not check email frequently and may not at all
during the week.
So, how do you reach parents? How do you make them aware of all the wonderful
things you are doing in your classroom? Here are just a few possible tools to use
with your students and their parents to share news from your classroom.









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Texting without your own number
Remind- www.remind.com
Remind is a free online service for teachers and parents. You can text parents and
students without using a personal phone number.

Why use this tool:
Remind students when items for class are due
Text parents when permission slips need to be turned in
Schedule text messages in advance send parent and students text messages
for recurring events such as weekly quizzes
Remind students to take part in discussions
Text only certain groups of students or parents


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Remind has added a few new features recently including the ability to leave voice
messages and allows for parents and students to give feedback through stamps.

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Creating Newsletters and Flyers:
While you will always have students and parents who want traditional paper
newsletters there will be times where an online classroom correspondence could be
a better fit for your students. Smore is a great site that allows you to make five free
flyers to use in your classroom.


Smore www.smore.com :
If you make newsletters for your classroom Smore may be for you. Smore allows
you to create interactive flyers that parents and students can access via social
media sites like Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter. You can also share your newletter
by simply using a link or embedding it into your website.


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Why use this tool:
Parents and students can access your classroom information online easily
You can add event location maps for field trips
Add videos for parents/Students to view right in your newsletter
Add links to website you would like to use with students






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Class Messenger my.classmessenger.com:
Class Messenger allows you to assign work, give surveys, ask for classroom
volunteers, and send reminders to students and parents by email, text messaging or
push notifications via Class Messengers free app.



Why use this tool:
Reach out to parents you can attach newsletters through the app
Create student exit slips using the class survey option
Ask for classroom donations
Send resources students

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Backchannel Chat- http://backchannelchat.com/
A backchannel chat allows you to start student discussions and monitor those
discussions. Posts can be made by everyone in class and can be moderated by the
classroom teacher. Each student can add their own posts and up to 30 students can
chat at one time. For a $15 fee you can get added features such as unlimited
students, student avatars, search options and private messaging.

Why use BackChannel Chat:
Created for classroom use
Engage students who may not participate in classroom discussions
Works on all devices
View only option
Possible Problems:
Requires younger students to type
57
Paid version offers many more options
Contains advertisements



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Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems (also called LMS) are online classrooms where
students can have discussions, turn in assignments, take part in online activities
and take online assessments.

There are a number of LMS tools available for teacher use. Depending on your
class and what you want to do with your students really depends on the LMS you
choose.
5


5
"Tagxedo - Word Cloud with Styles." Tagxedo. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.

59
Take a moment and jot down things that would be important for you when
deciding on a LMS. Examples might be online quiz options, discussion
forums, places to upload documents etc




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Edmodo www.edmodo.com :

Edmodo is a free online student management system that looks a lot like
Facebook. The great thing about Edmodo is that you can build posts which
then students can comment on and reply to each others posts. You can also
create parent logins, manage student posts, give quizzes and provide
resources.


Why use Edmodo:
Easy to use with students
Assign student work and attach files
Students can turn in work
Align exit slips to Common Core Standards within Edmodo



61
Chalk-up- https://www.chalkup.co


This LMS lets teachers assign homework, hold discussions, create rubrics and give
feedback. This freemium tool will even let you create flashcards for students.


Why Use Chalk-up
Create a rubric to help you easily grade assignments
Create flashcards you can share with your students
Messaging system to communicate with other staff and students
Upload assignments straight from Google Drive
Mark-up option for grading assignments
Free for teachers

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Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com
Google Classroom works together with your students Google Drive accounts. You
can assign homework and students can turn in their documents. Because Google
Classroom allows you to create assignments within your Google account, all
assignments that are turned in are collected in one folder.

Why Use It:
Students can work on documents and turn in assignments
Can easily collect and grade student work
Integrates with Google Drive
Students can view missing assignments and due assignments easily
Free for educators
Possible Problems
63
You must be a Google Apps for Education School to use Google
Classroom
Does not currently offer options for assessment
Best in an upper elementary classroom


64
Otus: http://my.otusplus.com
Otus is an LMS, that unlike others, allows for split screen note taking on the iPad.
Besides being an iPad app there is also the option to use on the web meaning
teachers and students can access there Otus classroom using a desktop or laptop.
Within this tool there are options to give students assessments and direct students
to certain websites.




Why use Otus:
Options for students to enroll in your online course
Add videos and files for students to download and access
65
Connects with Google Drive
Allows students split screen capabilities on the iPad, view a website
and take notes that are added to Google Drive
Built in blog

Possible Problems
In Bata, may be discontinued
Better suited for 3-12 grade


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Online Assessment Tools

Maybe you are looking for a way to easily and quickly assess students
understanding or prior knowledge. There are lots of options for online tools that
you can use with your students. Many of these tools are freemium tools, meaning
that while there is a basic free account, there is also a paid version that will give
you more options. Depending on how you want to assess students will determine
which tool you should use. If your school uses a student data system you may also
want to consider which tools can easily export assessment information. Another
consideration is the devices your students will be using. Its a good idea to utilize
tools that are online and accessible by all devices if youre not working in a one to
one environment where each student has their own device.





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Nearpod- www.nearpod.com
Nearpod has a lot of different features that teachers love, one of which is the ability
to share presentation slides to devices like iPads and Chromebooks. If you are
using a the Chrome Web Browser there is an extension that will easily change your
Google Presentations into Nearpod presentations that can be shared with students.

Why Use Nearpod:
Create presentations and share to your students devices
You control what students see what they are in Nearpod
Interactive capabilities where students can answer questions within
presentations
Class reports for teachers
Nearpod library has teacher created resources that can be edited to fit your
needs




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Infuse Learning- http://infuselearning.com
Infuse learning is great for elementary students as well as older students. Infuse
learning allows teachers to ask a question of students and see their individual
responses in real time. This tool does not require a student to login with a
username and password.

Why Use Infuse Learning:
Quickly see your students understanding through assessments that are
multiple choice, short answer, and drawing tools
Prepare formative assessments ahead of time to give to students
Export student data in spreadsheet or PDF format
Free



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Socrative- www.socrative.com
Socrative allows teachers to poll students, give quizzes and check for understand in
a simple to use platform. Socrative has a built in exit ticket to quickly gauge
student understanding.

Why Use Socrative:
Easy to use
Pre created exit ticket
Export student results in a number of different ways
Share quizzes with other educators




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GoSoapbox- www.gosoapbox.com
Go Soapbox is great for gauging student understanding as you are teaching a
lesson. If you have a bring your own device environment or if students have
access to devices you can quickly see while you are teaching who understood the
topic and who may need more assistance.

Why Use GoSoapBox:
Quickly see who understands a lesson or topic. Students choose either Im
getting it or Im confused
View student responses in multiple formats
Have an online discussion amongst students during a lesson
Students can ask questions of the instructor



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Kahoot- https://getkahoot.com/
Kahoot makes assessing your students learning fun. This game-like assessment
allows you to easily create a game where students answer question in a game like
format.



Why Use Kahoot?
Free and easy to use
Engaging
Easily export data
Students can create their own quizzes to use as a study guide


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Possible Problems
Students may not enjoy playing against other students
Currently free but may become paid service




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Dont Reinvent the Wheel, Finding Content

You have limited time in your very busy day. While creating your own content is
best, it is also time consuming and difficult to do for every subject or topic. There
are lots of resources for every topic and subject out there you just have to know
where to find them. Maybe you are looking for a video on multiplying double -
digit numbers or how to write a complete sentence. These videos can be used as
placeholders until you have time to create your own or even better have students
create their own content videos for each other.




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Content Sources

Glean-https://glean.co/ allows you to find educational videos and assign them to
students. You can give short quizzes and view who has accessed those quizzes. I
like this resource because you dont have to search through tons of YouTube
suggestions to find what you are looking for easily.

Why Use Glean:
Videos aligned to standards
Assign lessons to students
Discussion area for student questions
Free and easy to use


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MathisPower4U- http://mathispower4u.yolasite.com
This site offers lots of math videos you can use with your students. Videos are
organized by topic and offer a wide range of levels from Kindergarten through
high school.

Why Use Mathispower4u:
Videos are organized by topic
Playlists for math units
blog and additional resources
Free



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Possible Problems:
Only math videos
Some content may be higher level for younger students
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Khan Academy-
Khan Academy is a wonderful resource and gives options for you to give quizzes
based on the video content. You can create logins for students or have them use a
class code to login.





Why Use Khan Academy:
Assign students lessons
Get results of student progress
Add questions to videos
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Badges for added incentive

Possible Problems
Younger students cant read questions
Videos may be too advanced for younger students

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Gooru-http://www.goorulearning.org
Gooru is great for teachers who may just be starting off in blending. Not only can
you create course for your students, but you can find courses others have created.
You can find content based on subject, grade level, standards and much more.

Why You Should Use Gooru-
Younger students can give feedback using face icons to identify
understanding
Share collections or find collections of lessons to use with students
Embed lessons in your classroom website
Search by format, subject, standard or grade level




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Possible Problems
Bata version may not stay free
Younger students may need help navigating system




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Open Ed- https://www.opened.io
Open Ed is another resource for finding content on the internet. This resource
allows you to create playlists you can share with students. You can also assign
playlists and add assessments. You can build your own assessments or choose
from precreated assessments based on standards.

Why Use Open Ed:
Allows you to pull content from many different resources
Create assessments for students based upon standards
Create a playlist for students to view videos, play games, work with
interactives and more
Free

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Possible Problems:
Can be difficult to navigate for younger students
Content is sometimes not in the correct search location

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Harnessing the Power of YouTube

Youtube is a place for the world to house videos. You can upload a video and add
it to your website or share it through a link. Youtube allows you to create playlists
you can share with students or parents. You can make videos private or share with
only individuals you have a certain link. While YouTube can be a great resource it
can also be a bit scary. Anyone can post anything and students can search and find
items that may be inappropriate. There are many tools out available to teachers
that will help you harness YouTube and make it something that can be used with
your students.



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Viewpure- http://viewpure.com/
Make YouTube videos available without all the adds and comments. This is great
for teachers who dont want students to see comments or suggested videos at the
end of YouTube Videos.




Why Use Viewpure?
Easy to use
Alleviates the worry of something inappropriate appearing after YouTube
Videos
Free

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Possible Problems
Beta-Could become a paid resources











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Safe Share- http://safeshare.tv/
Safe Share is a website that will create a link to a YouTube video that you can
share with students and parents. This link clears all of the comments and
suggested videos that may not be appropriate in the classroom.

Why Use Safe Share
Easy to use
Allows you to share a safe link with parents and students
Free to use


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Creating Your Own YouTube Channel
To create a YouTube account visit www.youtube.com/account. You may find
you already have an account if you have a Google Account. Click on the option
for Channel on the left side of the screen.








This is where others can access your content and uploaded videos. You can also
add playlists to help viewers find specific video topics. For example if you want to
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share student book trailers you may want to create a book trailer playlist for
parents and students.


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The Power of Play, Games for Learning

There are many options for online games that will get your students excited for
learning and give you feedback on how well they understand a topic. A number of
different online games allow you to export student responses and import student
class lists. If you are working in a classroom where students have their own
devices or if you a class set of devices you could very quickly gauge student
understanding with these tools.

6



6
Our Story. Digital image. Canva. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.

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IXL- http://www.ixl.com
Practice for math, includes assessments based on Common Core Standards. Check
for student understanding and areas where more instruction may be needed.

Why Use IXL:
Quickly check student understanding of standards
Adaptive, questions change based upon student understanding
Gauge areas where students are struggling




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Starfall- http://www.starfall.com
A free interactive site where students can learn phonics. This site is great for
younger students learning to read, but also for students who are learning English as
a second language. Organized to help students start with letter sounds and work up
to reading.
Why you should use Starfall-
Easy to navigate
Organized to help students learn to read starting at the basics
Start students at their level of learning
Classic version is free

Possible Problems
Some items are paid only options
Younger students may get confused on where to go on the site
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ABC Ya- http://www.abcya.com
Abc Ya has many different resources for K-5 students. Resources are organized by
grade level and allow the student to access different activities. For older students
there is a section on keyboarding and computer terms.

Why use ABC Ya-
Interactive and fun
Games organized by grade level
Allows students who cannot read to listen to stories and see highlighted
spoken words
Teacher created
Available for the iPad
Free


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Possible Problems
Students may not stay in specific game
Requires a browser with Flash access
Advertisements




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Power My Learning-http://powermylearning.org
Power My learning is great for creating a one stop lesson. Students can login see
activities and complete lessons. Students can also find resources to help them
create their own student created content.

Why Use Power My Learning
Easy for teachers to create lessons for students including videos and
interactive tools
Content for different subject areas and grade levels
Options for student creation
Identifies if tools can be used on the iPad
Shows student completion


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Possible Problems
Some interactives may not work on Chromebooks or iPads
Number of possible resources may be overwhelming for some students


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Spelling City- http://www.spellingcity.com/
Spelling City allows teachers to assign specific spelling lists to students. You can
create your own word lists or choose from already created lists. Students can then
login to spelling city and see their lists, take quizzes, practice their spelling and
play games.

Why you should use Spelling City-
Options for students to learn words by seeing and hearing each letter of the
word
Games for students to build spelling skills
Options for vocabulary
Create multiple lists
App for the iPad


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Possible Problems
Advertisements
Paid version allows for more resources including options for testing and
reporting
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Interactive Sites for Education- http://interactivesites.weebly.com
This site has a plethora of resources and games you can use with students. Created
by a teacher for other educators, this site has many options resources organized by
subject. A number of these tools can be used with a Smartboard.

Why use Interactive Sites for Education
Teacher created
Many resources organized by subject or topic
Free


Possible Problems-
Some resources have advertisements

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Creating Content

Finding videos and resources is a time saver but sometimes you really want to
create your own content for different reasons. You know your students best and
studies have shown that students are more engaged when they can hear or see you
in a video. What is the best way to create engaging videos? Well, there are many
options out there for different devices. If youre using an iPad there are lots of
white board apps that allow you to write out and narrate problems on your iPads.
You can also create videos using your phone and recording on a small whiteboard
or paper. If you have a Smartboard in your room you can also record your lessons
and share them with students. The possibilities are endless.

7




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Our Story. Digital image. Canva. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.

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iPad Apps, For Blending

The following are just a few apps that will help you create videos for students to
better understand certain topics. All of these apps are free or low cost. Even
though we will be showcasing how you can create videos using these apps its
important to also look at these apps as a way for students to share their own
understanding and create videos to help their peers. Imagine if you had students
add videos explaining a concept to the class and then sharing that video on a blog
or through YouTube. The possibilities are amazing!



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Explain Everything- http://goo.gl/qBH7x
Explain Everything is an app that is low cost and has many different features. One
of the main reasons I like this app is the videos that are created using this app can
then be saved on your camera roll, which means you can upload these videos to
your website or send these videos to parents without having to upload them to
YouTube.



Why Use Explain Everything
Easy to use and save videos to camera roll
Many different options for adding shapes
Different paper styles
Upload videos to different video hosting sites
Add videos within your own video
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Possible Problems
Paid App




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Showme- http://www.showme.com
Showme is easy to use and has a number of videos created by teachers and students
that can be shared on your website or through a link to your students.



Why Use Showme:
Ease of use
Videos from students and teachers that can be used in your classroom
Records voice along with your finger movement, students see what you are
writing on the screen
Possible Problems
Can only store content on ShowMe server
No option to save to camera roll

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Educreations- https://www.educreations.com
Educreations is very similar to Showme. Educreations has a collection of videos
from educator and students, but unlike Showme this app does have the ability to be
used even if you dont have an iPad. Educreations has an online whiteboard that
will allow you to create a video using your cursor just like your finger on the iPad.



Why Use Educreations
Easy to use
Online capabilities so that you can create videos on or off your iPad
Collection of videos organized by subject
Can make videos public or private
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Possible Problems
Can only store content on ShowMe server
No option to save to camera roll

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Screencasting Tools

Sometimes you need to explain a website or idea to students. In the past you may
have created handouts with pictures of the online website or simply written out
steps for students. Today there are many free tools to help you show your students
what you want them to notice on a website or show them where to find important
information and that is where screencasting comes in handy. You can quickly
record items on your screen and the cursor clicks as a video. There are many paid
options for screencasting but for teachers who are looking to quickly create videos
that can be made with free online tools.




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Snagit Chrome App- http://www.techsmith.com/snagit-google-chrome.html
If you are using the Chrome web browser I would suggest using the Snagit Chrome
App. This free app will let you record your computer screens with audio and
cursor movements.




Why Use the Snagit Chrome App
Once you create your screencast you can either download it to
YouTube or create an animated GIF for students
Easy to access in web browser
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Free to use

Possible Problems:
Must use Chrome Browser
Sometimes can be glitchy



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Screencast-o-matic- http://ed.ted.com

This tool can be used either within your web browser or by downloading the app.
Screencast-o-matic has a fifteen minute recording time limit and includes tools to
add notes and highlight cursor clicks.



Why Use Screencastomatic
Easily share screencasts on YouTube
Videos can be downloaded on your computer
Record web camera while recording computer screen
Free to use

Possible Problems-
Sometimes requires a download
Does not work with all browsers
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Lesson Plans for Blending in the Classroom

Now that you have all these tools and ideas of how you want to incorporate
blended learning in the classroom lets put it all together. Pick a lesson or unit to
blend. Remember you are not choosing a tool and then forcing your lesson to fit
that tool. You want to look at a lesson and decide where you can utilize a tool for
better understanding. Maybe you want to gather prior knowledge from your
students on a certain lesson, then you might want to use GoSoapBox. Start with
how you would normally write a lesson.

Along with thinking about the tool you want to use with students think about what
tools are available. Will students have access to devices on the day you would like
to teach this lesson, what might be some problems that arise as you utilize tech
tools, will students be expected to access the materials from home if so is there an
option for them to utilize computer labs during school time or other times.
Thinking about these items ahead of time can help when problems arise.

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Finding Blended Learning Lesson Plans and Ideas

If you are looking for blended learning lesson plans here are few places to start.

Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com
Pinterest isnt only for building deck furniture out of pallets. Simply type in
Blended Learning to find tons of resources and plans for building your own
blended learning classroom. Build board specifically for your classroom or follow
another teacher who is blending in their classroom.
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National Education Association- http://www.nea.org/tools/LessonPlans.html
Find tons of lesson plans that you can enhance with technology. This site has lots
of ideas for different subject areas and organized by grade level and subject.

Ted Ed- http://ed.ted.com
Build lesson plans around Ted Ed Videos or find lessons built by other educators.
You can search for lessons by searching content or subject; you can even organize
content by length of video and grade level. You can add discussions to your
videos and students are given the opportunity to dig deeper on a subject of interest.

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Example Blended Learning Lessons

Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1
Demonstrate understanding of the
organization and basic features of print.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1
Demonstrate understanding of the
organization and basic features of print.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.C
Understand that words are separated by
spaces in print.

Objectives:
Put spaces between words
Write simple sentences to share ideas.

Organize words in order to create
sentences.



Prior Knowledge
Students know their alphabet and letters and can form words
Have used the iPad before to create content
Whole Group Instruction
As a group discuss the importance of spacing between words. Together show how
to the right amount of spacing between words.

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Small Group Instruction
With a small group have students use stamps to show where there should be a
space between words. Discuss as a small group why this might be important when
writing.
Independent Learning on Device
Have students use a drawing app such as Doodle Buddy or Draw and Tell (if you
want to also record student reading the sentence) to create sentences. Students
write the words in their sentences putting stamps between each word. Once
students have created their sentences they take a screenshot or save their work to
the computer. This particular lesson works best on the iPad or mobile device, but
is possible on a computer using a tool such as Word Mover where students can
type in words and then make them into sentences.
Once finished student saves to iPad.
Creation Tools:
Doodle Buddy (iPad)

Collaborative Student Activity
Have students organize words into sentences together putting spaces between
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words.
Possible Problems:
Getting student work from the iPad
Students having difficulty staying focused

Possible Solutions:
Students work with Doodle App prior to lesson and save pictures to iPad
Table leader in charge of activity.

Reflection/Assesment:
Look through students work and identify students who need more practice.




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Blended Learning Lesson Plan Template

Standards

Objectives:



Prior Knowledge


Whole Group Instruction



Small Group Instruction


Independent Learning on Device


Collaborative Student Activity

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Possible Problems:


Possible Solutions:


Reflection/Assesment:




Notes:







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Digital Citizenship

Its important to have discussions with students about how they should behave
online and what steps they should take to be safe online. Its difficult to know the
best way to address digital safety with students, especially in a K-6 setting.
Luckily there are resources to help teachers with digital citizenship and the best
ways to address issues that may arise with students.

You may also want to look at your schools acceptable use policy. What are the
policies in place to keep students safe online? Does your school have a consent
form they use with parents and students for using online tools outlining how to
behave online and the consequences of breaking those requirements?

If you are wondering about your policy, be sure to talk with your administrator
about the tools you are using in your classroom and the steps to take with regards
to parent consent forms and student expectations.


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Common Sense Media- www.commonsensemedia.org



Common Sense Media has a complete curriculum that you can use with students to
help them better understand how to be responsible digital citizens.

Why Use Common Sense Media
Complete lesson plans for students including textbooks and videos
Classroom posters are available for teacher use
Unit assessments for each grade level for K-12 Educators

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Its Not Working! Tech Troubleshooting

Every now and again you will find that something associated with technology will
not be working properly. Below are just some simple suggestions to try and get
you up and running.

Things look strange on the screen Switch Browsers
Try a different browser and see if your
page displays differently. Usually items
that dont work on Internet Explorer
will work with Chrome or Firefox

The app keeps closing on the iPad Try hard shutting down your iPad. Hold
down the power button until you see a
slide bar. Then restart.
The application isnt loading on my
computer
This may be due to a software issue.
You may have to download Java or
another program depending on what tool
you are using.
The keyboard isnt working Check to make sure the keyboard has
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not been unplugged from the back of the
computer.
Mouse Problems Try unplugging and plugging back in
the mouse.
The Cursor on my Smartboard is not in
the right place.
Try calibrating the board
http://goo.gl/xR6vAr

Most of the problems Ive encountered can be fixed by switching browsers. If in
doubt ask your students, not only are they a great resource you will build trust and
responsibility if you ask for their insight.

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Building Your PLN

As you continue through your blended learning journey you will probably find
yourself looking for support from your colleagues. Maybe you have a question
about how someone is using a certain tool in his or her classroom or maybe you
just want to share something that went well in you classroom. Where do you turn?
How do you find your PLN if no one else is blending in your building? Fear not!
Here is a list of great tools to help you build your own Personal Learning Network
(PLN) to share and learn about new ideas in blending.

Twitter- www.twitter.com
I know what you are thinking, No way am I going to use Twitter!
Well, let me start by saying that a number of educators are on Twitter and it is one
of the fastest ways to learn about blended learning and connect with other
educators. Even if you dont want to contribute ideas right away you can always
follow educators and learn from hashtags like #blendedlearning
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Here is a link to the Jackson Intermediate School District Twitter for Teachers
page. You will find tons of resources for using Twitter as an educator on this site.
http://edtech.jcisd.org/twitter.html

Classroom 2.0- http://www.classroom20.com


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Classroom 2.0 is a social network for educators. You can sign up for free and
connect with other educators to discuss classroom ideas and lessons. Join groups of
educators to discuss books and learn more on topics that effect your classroom.

The Educators PLN- http://edupln.ning.com


The Educators PLN allows educators to meet and share resources. Meet educators
to collaborate on classroom projects or simply discuss what is working or not
working in your classroom. On Educators PLN you will find blogs, videos, and
more.



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Here are a few resources on growing your own PLN:

How do I get a PLN Edutopia-
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-do-i-get-a-pln-tom-whitby

Edublogs Teacher Challenge
http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/creating-a-pln/

Five Personal Learning Networks for Educators
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/05/5-personal-learning-networks-plns-
for-educators/






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Notes

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Notes

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Notes