Hybrid Courses Reflection by Christine Mostoller https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa Please respond to the presentation. What thoughts, questions, or ideas do you have for this PLC? Did you hear something you liked? en-us 2018-01-30 22:53:15 UTC 2018-04-18 19:09:06 UTC hello@padlet.com Sam Fisher sfisher38 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/234073945 I appreciated the opportunity to see what MAHS is doing with Hybrid Learning.

I am all for it.  I believe I am learning that Hybrid courses, may offer flexibility in that courses that need to meet Face to Face, such as the music courses, are more likely to be scheduled for someone who wants to take a lot of classes, because they can take other classes Hybrid, which allows them to take band/chorus 1st period.

I do not think music is at a place (or a type of discipline) that would be able to offer Hybrid courses. We need the daily, face to face, instructional time to help mold our student musicians.]]> 2018-02-22 03:51:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/234073945 Lori Hess https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/236231676 I liked seeing the courses we offer in this format here at MAHS.  I do believe that this type of course structure definitely has value.  For me personally, however, I think it would be hard to teach my intermediate and advanced Spanish classes this way.  I do many interactive activities that would be hard to replicate online.  However, classes such as the ones depicted in the video seem to have a framework conducive to this model. Thank you for pointing out the positive aspects of hybrid courses -- things like flexibility with pacing and access to lessons for absentees. Also, I can see how submitting things in a digital format (like a videotaped project) or commenting online would really appeal to some students.

What level of success have our students here had with these courses? I can see time management being an issue for some of our students. All things considered, would each of you opt to continue with this format in the future? ]]> 2018-02-28 02:04:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/236231676 Terri O'Neil https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/236668471 Great explanation of what blended learning/hybrid learning is and the benefits that are there for students and teachers.  Of the 4 mentioned, I believe more flexibility to be the most important benefit for our current set up.  Interesting local statistics and the findings showing improvement for student growth.  The blended learning option seems to open up a lot of “student choice” which directly connects with our PLC on “Student Voice/Choice”.  The calendar piece from the canvas PLC would be vital in a blended learning class.  Nicely done – very informative!]]> 2018-02-28 20:41:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/236668471 Julie Killian https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238401491 I was impressed with how well designed and organized your blended classes are. Having experienced some blended learning both as a physics teacher and a grad student, that really makes a big difference.  I agree that it is much easier for some students to participate in an online setting than to speak in front of their peers, and that's an advantage of the blended format.  I might enjoy teaching a blended class, but it would only work for students with good time management/ motivation/study skills, and I'd be concerned about the planning required if I was teaching two different classes at once, because it already takes me a lot of time!

As a math teacher, I was curious about your mention of Lower Dauphin's Algebra Keystone scores. Have they used blended learning in algebra classes? Has it increased their scores?]]> 2018-03-06 00:04:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238401491 Char Hurst https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238538698 Well done! blended classes is a great option for the high school setting.  I like the fact that students become more independent and empowered when enrolled in these classes.  I'm impressed with the organization on the blended classes that
are currently in place. The data results from the Lower Dauphin's pilot program are definitely encouraging. We are living in a digital world and I believe that blended learning complements both environments and assists students of various learning styles.]]> 2018-03-06 11:20:02 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238538698 Jane Carberry https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238924106 It is great to see the addition of these Hybrid courses to MAHS. I like the idea that the students are given some freedom to pace their learning and the ability to participate in video recordings and discussion boards to submit assignments. I can see in some situations where this would help with students who are anxious presenters.

I have noticed, in sharing time with some of these students, that it takes a very motivated student to stay on top of completing some assignments when given the freedom to work independently. Is there a plan to change how you would assist a student who takes on one of these classes, but is less successful in this setting?]]> 2018-03-06 22:16:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238924106 Dale Shreiner https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238952174 I really like the idea of blended classes. One thing that I know frustrates students is the fact that they feel like they are waiting for "slower" students to catch up. These courses offer them the opportunity to move on and maybe provide enrichment opportunities for them. Even though I currently do not teach blended classes, there are many methods that you demonstrated that I can use in my classes currently. 

I know I'm echoing others but I am curious about the level of success students have experienced in these courses here at MAHS. I know I struggle getting work done on time out of my students who I see every day. How do you address students who continually do not get work done and rack up missing assignments? 

Overall, well done and I am impressed by how well organized your courses are!]]> 2018-03-07 00:32:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/238952174 Caitlin Hunt https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239412187 It seems like this is probably a lot of work up front; however, it appears that that would lesson your workload throughout the year since you have so much planning that needs to be done earlier.  This seems like this would work best for electives since the idea is that students should want to be in the electives that they chose, and they will be more motivated to complete the work independently.  I was actually very closed off the idea of a blended class; however, after seeing this video, I really think it could work for certain classes where students are absent a lot or don’t want to participate.  I’d be interested in seeing what the success rate of students in these classes is.  I wonder how many of them actually use the study hall time vs. scramble to complete everything right before the in-class time with the teacher.  Great job!]]> 2018-03-07 21:13:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239412187 Emily Wolfe https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239898243 What I really enjoyed in the video was how differently you all are using hybrid learning to fit your classes. It definitely seems like a lot of work to get it started in a meaningful way, but you all seem to be doing quite well with it.

What has been your biggest obstacle with starting your hybrid classes?]]> 2018-03-08 20:13:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239898243 Heidi Tobias https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239958578 It was interesting to see the hybrid learning applied and used in such different subject areas. Each of you is a master in your own domain for sure. I think this is a great option to offer classes to those students who may have limited time in their schedules or possibly to offer classes which might not otherwise be available. I do think that we need to be sure to let students know that these classes are being taught this way, as it does require students to be able to work on their own without teacher instruction for certain portions. This is fine for some independent workers, but not so good for students who need that daily interaction with the teacher. ]]> 2018-03-08 23:18:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239958578 Heidi Tobias https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239959544 Sorry...I wasn't done! Please read the entry below first since I can't figure out how to edit it... I would be curious about the Lower Dauphin students who showed higher performance than their non-hybrid peers...Do you think it is because typically students who would be drawn toward taking a class with such independence required are the higher academic performers anyway?]]> 2018-03-08 23:23:12 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/239959544 Tammy Grimes https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240388199 It was interesting to learn about the hybrid courses currently offered, as well as see examples of study units - and the wide variety of activities and resources you have developed or made available through your courses.  I like the idea of students moving at their own pace and getting more time and support in their areas of need.
I did wonder about the time required to develop a hybrid course.  Is this a challenge - or are there other specific challenges?]]> 2018-03-09 22:42:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240388199 Jessica Drake https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240644270 It was helpful to see an explanation of blended learning for teachers who only use face to face classes. In my experience during my graduate level classes, hybrid classes worked very well. I've always found they work best when the material can be grasped via reading and discussions--like Literature or History classes. I love the idea for the Creative Writing, Gothic Literature, Mythology, and Analyzing & Critiquing Great Film. Students can read or watch film outside of class, have discussions in class or via Canvas, and then have one-on-one time in class a few days a week.

However, how well does this work for topics like math or science? In my experience, watching a video of someone talk about chemistry does not give students the same understanding as actually experiencing chemistry in class. For classes where students would benefit from face to face classes all week long, why are we doing hybrid classes? Is it because there aren't a lot of students signed up for the class? Or because it's more convenient for us to put 2 classes in the same room with the same teacher at the same time? ]]> 2018-03-11 22:39:14 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240644270 Lynn Miller https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240644609 The thing I liked most about your PLC was that the student can self-pace your class using the self-paced calendar.  This would allow the students to get more work done and not have to wait for the slower students to catch up. I liked the comparison to LD and to the keystone tests. I was a little surprised to see elementary students in the hybrid courses.  Hopefully we will be able to make our own comparisons moving forward. ]]> 2018-03-11 22:41:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240644609 Lisa Smith lisasmith5 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240646790 I think you guys did a great job making this video. I felt that I learned a lot about blended courses and different ways in which they can be set up. Something I found to be extremely helpful is how you have the length of each unit and each lesson within that unit, that's a great way for the students to know how much time they need to set aside so they can be organized. Great job! 


I know sometimes students struggle with turning work in. How do you monitor them to make sure they are turning work in and completing the assignments when they aren't inside the classroom? 

]]> 2018-03-11 22:56:23 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240646790 JJ Ortiz jortiz32 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240784518 Great job on the video. I'd be interested to see data on depth of learning and student achievement on hybrid courses compared to online and brick and mortar classes. Although you mentioned LD's Keystone scores, I think this type of example might be more anecdotal than representative. However, type of set up seems to work well for motivated students that have trouble getting to school on a consistent basis. I think this type of approach should be investigated a bit further to improve its ability to motivate the unmotivated students who take hybrid classes. ]]> 2018-03-12 11:31:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/240784518 Rebecca Kotzman rkotzman https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241138441 I really enjoyed how you present the information in this video! I couldn't agree more that the blended approach creates a student-driven and flexible course that reinforces the 21st century competencies.

Have you guys thought to link in ISTS standards will implementing the blended approach? I have a link below that might be helpful.
https://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-S_PDF.pdf

]]> 2018-03-12 22:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241138441 Roy O'Neill loneill3 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241160753 Great job on your video! Great definition on blended learning and the benefits for both students and teachers. Great to see all the courses that we are able to offer. Benefits of hybrid learning important as well, student driven, flexibly, practice time, and 21st Century competencies. One thought or concern as stated by others was how does the unmotivated student do in these classes? Very well done overall!
 ]]> 2018-03-13 00:16:24 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241160753 Deanna Morder https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241581393 Your presentation was very informative and provided me with more knowledge on blended learning. I agree that hybrid blended learning is more student driven, provides flexibility , allows more time for practice and takes students into the 21st century learning. I enjoyed the samples provided by fellow staff and learned from their experiences within regular education - thanks for sharing :)]]> 2018-03-13 18:56:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241581393 Kirsti Larsen https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241640601 Great introduction to blended/hybrid learning. Thanks for sharing how you each utilize it in different ways for your classes. I can definitely see the benefit of the flexibility and opportunity for students to work at their own pace without holding back the rest of the class. It seems like this is the direction we are trying to move in with the Futures classes too for students who can't fit into their schedules.  I think the business PLC would probably be interested in getting together with your PLC at some point to learn more about how to effectively offer the courses in this type of format.]]> 2018-03-13 21:34:02 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241640601 Trevor Davis https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241646670 It was great getting the opportunity to learn more about what you are learning and also how these approaches are being utilized within our school. I really enjoyed getting to look into some of the courses that you offer within this format, and can definitely see the benefits from this. I'm curious if you are finding that the terms "blended learning" and "hybrid learning" are utilized interchangeably, and if you are finding a consensus on a definition? Also, is the approach to hybrid/blended learning similar across all levels (elementary, middle, high school)? Great job on the presentation!]]> 2018-03-13 22:02:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241646670 Jon Dickey https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241675166 The Math 180 program is a blended classroom. I enjoyed the videos to see how it is used with a different student group. With identified students, the difficulty I face is the variety of different paces within a group and attempting to keep them on or near a prescribed pace. Do you have a similar difficulty? ]]> 2018-03-14 00:45:02 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241675166 Daniel Riggs driggs3 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241677263 You guys did a great job of explaining what hybrid learning is and the benefits it has for the students.  Being isolated in the back of the school, I didn’t know we offered some hybrid courses. I liked how you showed us some examples of how some of the teachers already use it for some courses. You mentioned different statistics based on Lower Dauphin using hybrid learning, how does it seem to be working for Middletown? I know this won’t work for physical education, but I wonder how this could be done in the different health courses? Also, just like Mr. O’Neill asked, how would these types of courses help the students who lack any motivation?]]> 2018-03-14 00:55:38 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/241677263 Kathy Sayre https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/242071334 This was a good overview of Hybrid courses. I enjoyed seeing how the different content areas at Middletown used hybrid learning. It seemed very helpful to have the calendar feature as a pacing guide. I also liked that you could include videos.  
This would be especially helpful for students who are absent from class. Good job on the video.]]> 2018-03-14 19:08:44 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/242071334 Trent Baker https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243008249 Impressive to see how hybrid learning is being utilized in our school.  I think it is a great way to offer more learning opportunities for students.  My main questions would be about how your classes have progressed so far.  Are all students capable of handling the responsibility of learning in this manner?  What types of issue have come up with this type of learning?]]> 2018-03-16 20:55:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243008249 Michele Myers https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243191742 Nice video presentation. I better understand how the hybrid/blended courses are being taught at MAHS. I appreciate each of the examples of coursework being shared by Dana, Ashley, and Cassandra. YouTube seems to be a great resource for demonstration videos. I never taught in the classroom with internet. So, all of the new resources and technology are fascinating to me. Do you have any problems with students staying motivated in the library setting? ]]> 2018-03-18 14:22:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243191742 Ray Shearer https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243220875 You provided a lot of good examples and research of the use of hybrid learning.  I was wondering if there was any research done in the requirements of what students were permitted to be in the hybrid pilot program at Lower Dauphin?  How were the students chosen to be incorporated into their pilot program?  The teachers who have been using hybrid learning what difficulties have they found?  Are there any student types that you would or would not recommend hybrid learning opportunities for?  How long did it take for you create your hybrid learning courses?  What resources have been provided to help you create the hybrid courses?]]> 2018-03-18 17:37:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243220875 Tami Beckenbaugh https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243285825 Great job on the video; it was very informative. The topics of study are so interesting, that sometimes I think I would love to take the classes too! I love the idea of blended/ hybrid classes, especially with the students who are very motivated. However, my concern as a special education teacher is the levels of all of the students involved and how to keep assessments and grades on a level playing field. Also, I would be concerned with how I would assist those who would struggle with the pace or with the learning/retention of the material.]]> 2018-03-19 00:46:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243285825 Bob Stitt https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243701010 You provided a good description as to what hybrid or blended learning is. Your illustrations as to how it is used in different classes provided good examples of how it could be used in other courses. The effectiveness of hybrid learning does depend on student motivation to complete the on-line portion of the course. How do you address this in your individual classes? I could see this being a major concern with some of our less motivated students. I could easily adapt my CAD courses to a hybrid learning format but the cost to purchase individual student drafting software could be significant.

]]> 2018-03-19 18:40:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243701010 Rob Brodish https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243804690 Great video on what your PLC has done. I like the idea of the hybrid or blended classes as it provides much more flexibility to our students. Miss Pribanich made a good point in that even if a student misses a few days of school, they will still be able to stay on track with their class. I also like what Mrs. Kessel said about the pacing of content. With my students, presenting to an entire class was an issue a few times throughout the year, the use of videos or podcasts is a great way to supplement that part of an assignment. I think hybrid classes could be very beneficial to our students as long as they show they can produce the expected amount of participation. I found the results from the Lower Dauphin study were surprising and encouraging. Great presentation!]]> 2018-03-20 00:48:27 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/243804690 Jesse Woodrow jwoodrow https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244228943 I truly find hybrid learning to be interesting. I am glad we have afforded students the opportunity here at MAHS to explore this option. It is just another way we can prepare them for learning at the next level, wherever that may be. Lower Dauphin seems to have some great research on this. I am glad that multiple PLCs have reached out to neighboring school districts to get an idea of what others are doing around us and how we may incorporate pieces of that into our daily curriculum.   I do have a question about the motivation of students during the course.  How do you motivate them if needed and Have you found certain instructional strategies to be more effective than others?
Thanks! 

]]> 2018-03-20 19:04:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244228943 Ashley Devine https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244229064 Prior to this PLC presentation, I was not familiar with hybrid/blended learning, but enjoyed reading about the benefits to this style. I think the statistics from Lower Dauphin were extremely helpful in showing the increased student performance with this model. I'm curious though which students benefit most from this learning style, and what the research would say for students with disabilities. I also think it would be interesting to see the data on achievement scores between hybrid, blended, and face to face learning here at Middletown. ]]> 2018-03-20 19:05:06 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244229064 Bob Pelletier https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244292699 Hybrid and blended classes are the way to the future of schools. I really enjoyed the examples. I have a hybrid class because some students are not able to fit Current Issues in Health into their schedule. Although my class is on canvas, I need to put videos into my canvas program so students do not have to meet with me so often. Thanks. ]]> 2018-03-20 21:46:01 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244292699 Christopher Brown cbrown125 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244301311 I thought the PLC video on hybrid learning was really interesting. Being involved in Raider Academy, I see many of the weaknesses of this type of learning. The students do as little as possible in regards to the reading and watching of videos, and they generally fall far behind having to cram many lessons into the last few days of the quarter. Two things are missing which I think the hybrid learning model addresses. First, because the students are also seeing the teacher, there is some personal involvement. When the students are strictly online, there is little connection with the school and thus I get the sense that they do not need to be accountable on a daily basis. Secondly, I liked that the hybrid model had different methods of submitting assignments. For example, the podcasts were a great idea. Overall, I feel the hybrid model has many advantages over the strictly on-line model with the student being the beneficiary. ]]> 2018-03-20 22:31:06 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244301311 Katelyn Murk kmurk https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244303175 It’s very impressive to see the hard work put into these blended electives.  I know you ladies have spent many hours organizing and creating these classes!  I like how each of you have organized them in a way that works with your student needs and personal styles.
 
It is incredible to see the opportunities that we can create with technology, and I appreciate that the flexible nature of the blended model creates more space for student driven work and practice versus direct instruction.  
 
I would be interested in learning more about the study done at Lower Dauphin, and I wonder what data other schools in our area have with this approach.
 
I think electives are a great place to start and experiment with in regard to blended learning.  These classes are often more creative, and there is a little less pressure in regards to “teaching to the test.”  I am a little more skeptical about merging academic classes into the blended framework, but maybe I just need to learn more about this style.
 
Is this something that the district is also working with at the middle and elementary levels?
]]> 2018-03-20 22:41:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244303175 Brian Keyser https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244305755 I enjoyed your video on blended and hybrid classes. It is apparent that you have all put a great deal of time into your individual classes with all of the resources that you have made available to your students. It's very empowering to see what sort of things are out there for our students if they are willing to put the effort into their learning. I have seen what our students in our cotaught Algebra 1 classes have done with our IXL program with varying results.  Ultimately, the students get what they put into the course.  Those who have used this resource have benefited from it.  Having the ability to have resources and instruction available without a teacher being present seems like a hallmark of blended learning.  I would echo some of the questions I have read below, since I know what I have seen in our classroom, about motivation of the students.  Because your courses are electives, have you experienced the need to give extra motivation to your students beyond grades?  And how well do you think this would translate to regular ed courses?  Thanks again for your hard work. ]]> 2018-03-20 22:56:07 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244305755 Dave Martin https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244307202 I found it interesting how each of you are using blending learning in your classes. This is a great opportunity for students to fit classes into their schedule. Blended learning allows the students to work at somewhat their own pace. One obstacle to overcome for my classes would be that students would need Adobe CC software to complete work outside of my classroom. I do think that blended learning is great for students that can work at their own pace but sometimes need one on one help from a teacher. ]]> 2018-03-20 23:05:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244307202 Sean Burke https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244313701 As a teacher of multiple hybrid courses in the past years, I can see the value in the model for students throughout all disciplines in high school.  With that being said, I do not think that it is an appropriate model for all students.  I have had students fail with the hybrid model due to not being able maintain the course load without everyday supervision.  
 
Providing hybrid courses during the year for students can really expand opportunities for our students within the school day. I can specifically see this as an option with students, who as sophomores, do not have space in their schedule for Futures II.  While this is only a handful of students every year, it would eliminate the need for them to take Futures II in a face to face model during their Junior or Senior year.
]]> 2018-03-20 23:45:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244313701 Pete Fox https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244315947 It seems to me that the hybrid model does not feel as novel as it once had.  Many of our teachers have been using some of the concepts in there traditional classes.  I agree with the comments of Sean Burke regarding the benefits of this model are not universal.  The hybrid model will open the door for some students to deeper learning, while other students will struggle with the reduction of structure and guidance.

]]> 2018-03-20 23:59:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244315947 Tim Neff https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244321749 I liked the little snapshot into your classrooms as to how you are using blended learning in your different classes. I feel that it is a great opportunity to help our students get enriched in electives of their interests that they may not be able to take otherwise. I also like the idea that a student could possibly "make-up" a course they possibly missed due to scheduling. I guess the question I would have for you is what type of students are taking your courses? Like Mr. Fox said, I could see some students handling the independence and self-discipline well, while others would be hard pressed to find the discipline necessary.

]]> 2018-03-21 00:33:33 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244321749 Yvette Howard https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244325286 For those students that are planning on going to college and will be working at a more independent level, taking a course in the high school with this type of format will definitely help to prepare them. I think those students that are independent learners and have the discipline will do great in these types of courses. I really liked the different ways of receiving instruction through the embedded videos and the examples within the modules. Great job.]]> 2018-03-21 00:52:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244325286 Josh Rytel jrytel https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244344500 I liked your explanation of hybrid learning and how we already apply some of the courses in our school district and the reasons why we should include hybrid learning in our curriculum.  The concept of hybrid learning is relatable to the PLC my group focused on which is student choice and I would agree that it does provide more independence for the students and assist in teaching students more responsibility and accountability, especially students who are interested in attending College.  I like how Ashley embedded a YouTube video for additional instructions if needed, I believe that would be very beneficial for some of the freshman and some sophomore students who are adjusting to the use of blended/hybrid learning. ]]> 2018-03-21 02:44:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244344500 Tiffany Lewis https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244449737 Thank you for sharing your examples of how you set up your hybrid classes on Canvas! Although they are intense to develop and manage at times, I think hybrid courses are a good way to open options to our students and provide more elective choices. As Yvette said, students that are college bound don't understand how much learning they will be responsible for on their own, so hybrid models are a great way to guide them in how they can use resources to facilitate their learning.  When I ran Advanced Biology and AP Biology concurrently in the same period last year, I was stressed out because I thought I wasn’t giving my students the best experience that I could.  At the conclusion of the course, and over the past few months, I received positive feedback from the students about the course.  They said that learning in the hybrid format reminded them that they are able to seek out other resources to help them understand material.  I know that seems obvious to adults, but sometimes students don’t think about using YouTube to search for educational videos, or Google Images to look for diagrams that depict complex processes.  I think we will see more online courses as time goes on, so exposing students to this format while they still have guidance is beneficial.]]> 2018-03-21 11:10:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244449737 Beth Gannon https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244455025 I am really impressed with the work that these teachers have put into creating these online/hybrid courses.  I know from having 2 people in my department doing this that it is a lot of work.  I do think that offering courses this way is great in that it allows us to offer more to the kids in the way of electives, and, as was pointed out in the video, it allows for more 21st century skills.  Students managing their time and their own learning is such an important skill and I think the online courses enhance that skill.  I was wondering about the maturity level of the students and how it affected their ability to succeed in the class, so I was a little surprised to hear LD using hybrid courses even at the elementary level.  ]]> 2018-03-21 11:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244455025 Andrew Vensel avensel https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244456925 Thank you for sharing all of your research! I think that blended learning can be a great option for students, especially the students whom are highly involved within their school community! The four advantages were well stated; students gain ownership over their learning, students gain flexibility, students are prepared for 21st century learning, and students are provided more time for practice. Even our students planning to enter the work force or attending trade school can benefit from hybrid learning! Whenever I was training to work at K-mart, Giant, and Coldstone in my teenage years; much of the job training I received was a combination of computer training from cooperate and then reinforced by further instructions from my manager. ]]> 2018-03-21 11:34:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244456925 Liz Strite https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244504621 Right now, I think hybrid courses could be very beneficial to students who are capable of handling the flexibility and freedom that hybrid courses offer. However, I don’t think all of our students are ready for that flexibility and freedom. A bottom up approach to the introduction of hybrid learning might help better prepare all students. This could be a great opportunity to teach students how to manage their time throughout their educational career at Middletown. As Tiffany and Yvette mentioned learning how to learn independently through hybrid learning will ultimately help students in their college experiences. I have been working towards implementing the Artistic Habits which include students engaging in research, investigation and practice prior to beginning their artwork. In my classes, I’ve found that students need training in how to perform independent research, read directions, manage their time and problem solve.   
 
Beth asked about how hybrid learning happens at the elementary level. I have two children at Kunkel and I would imagine that they would use iPads to perform skill practice outside of class at the lower levels of elementary (k-2). My kids love some of the educational games like Prodigy which help them skill build in and independent, engaging manner. As a parent of the district, I would like to see hybrid learning being used to infuse more science and social studies into the curriculum two subjects that have been nearly squeezed out of the elementary curriculum.
 
Before fully embracing this teaching model I hope the district has ironed out sticky details like intellectual property and the logistics of ensuring that teachers aren’t overloaded because they seemingly have more time. I can only imagine how time consuming these courses are to build and manage on the teacher’s end.
 
In the Lower Dauphin findings, it states that algebra students performed 10.3% higher on the state average, what was the individual student growth? Meaning, were these advanced students who would have performed higher on the Keystones anyways or was their growth directly related to hybrid learning? There seems to be some loose variables in the LD stats.
]]> 2018-03-21 13:22:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244504621 Adam Shaffer ashaffer5 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244519541 I think that hybrid courses have a unique opportunity to offer additional courses for our students. Because our school is smaller, we do not always have the staff available to offer more courses. Specifically from a Pathways standpoint, the potential to offer additional courses to help our students gain experiences in a wider variety of classes is pretty neat. I also see a potential for our online students. Since I assist in the Alternative Education Classroom during 6th period, I have seen first hand how those online courses work. I like to think that our in-house teachers could do a much better job with using our courses online.]]> 2018-03-21 13:46:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244519541 Andrea Holtry https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244530175 Blended learning extends opportunity to students with complex scheduling issues and a drive to learn, as well as students who learn at a different pace than others. The book that we read a few years ago on mass customized learning fits well with this concept. I was interested to read Liz's response to your PLC in terms of her own children's choices. With Canvas, we can easily create the units, lessons and resources that can be used in hybrid or on-line learning. As Cassandra mentioned, absent students can easily work from home or work independently in flex to catch up on the missed work. I love the flexibility that Canvas gives students to be able to master the content, either in the traditional classroom, on-line learning or the hybrid model. ]]> 2018-03-21 14:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244530175 Lynn Fallinger https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244623073 I think it is really interesting to see how blended learning is being used in our school. I thought it was interesting to see how Dana structured her film course using Canvas. The activities seem to be interesting activities that she is able to have them work on during class time that they are not meeting with her. I feel like one difficult aspect of this course wold be for the students to keep up with what they are supposed to be doing. It like that Ashley has an easy to follow calendar and structure to follow to help the students. It also helpful to see how Cassandra has been able to upload videos to help her students. Nice job everyone! ]]> 2018-03-21 16:34:39 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244623073 Cheryl Friedman https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244747541 I thought you guys did a great job explaining how you use the blended learning method in your specific courses. I know sometimes students get nervous about doing a class  that is hybrid because they do not always understand what it means and I feel like I am now in a position to help guide them. I like the way the students are able to access the information easily and it certainly does not seem like they miss out on any "instruction" as you guys are very thorough in your use of canvas, your lesson planning and your ability to execute it flawlessly. Each of you had a different feature that really stood out- for me the use of videos as instruction would be most helpful as I am a visual learner- but you each had something to appeal to each of your students (and the fact that you are also able to be hands on from time to time).

]]> 2018-03-21 20:18:58 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/244747541 Chris Bradford https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245279529 What stood out as the most applicable part of hybrid courses were a lot of the things a lot of us strive for in our regular course work: flexibility, student-drive, and more than anything else personally, time for practice. The ability to put to use the skills taught in the class, without the need of in-class time, can lend the practice time needed to master skills students need to be fluent in. The confidence needed to succeed on one's own, which many of our students will enter into in their post-secondary ventures, is something that can be floated around and experienced in a hybrid course with the safety net of direct instructional periods and additional resources. ]]> 2018-03-22 23:47:40 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245279529 Luke Copenhaver https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245281014 I’m glad to see that we are still developing blended learning.  I remember talking about it a lot years ago when we had read the “Inevitable” book about students customizing their learning activities on a very individual basis.  It’s great to see that we already have some of these courses in place.  It’s great to see that other local school districts are investigating hybrid learning as well.  It’s good to see again that Canvas is being used to provide these blended opportunities.  I can’t really see how they could be offered without the technology, and Canvas seems to be an effective way of organizing and managing the material. ]]> 2018-03-22 23:59:11 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245281014 Amy McPhilemy https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245314539 I have a somewhat of a different perspective of working with students but I agree that each student has his/her own way of learning. I have seen success with a more blended/hybrid model. I agree that the stats provided from LD were very helpful. Good job!
 
]]> 2018-03-23 03:31:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245314539 Phil Boehmer pboehmer https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245658879 Great explanation. I'm curious to see how hybrid courses continue to develop and progress in our school, Canvas is certainly a great help. Although I don't believe every class can or should be hybrid, it's great for a small district like ourself to offer courses that some students wouldn't of been able to take due to scheduling conflicts or other special circumstances. Especially for students who may want to take additional classes to catch up or move ahead. ]]> 2018-03-23 20:21:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/245658879 Response akessel3 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/fzvqjotygewa/wish/253168296 One of our goals at the beginning of the year was to educate the rest of the staff on the workings of hybrid learning, and we feel like we have accomplished that based upon the supportive and inquisitive responses from staff from our video.  We identified the advantages of hybrid learning to staff and students. 

Some of the questions we saw while reading the Padlet responses were concerns about student motivation and work completion. Motivation is something that most teachers struggle with regardless of the mode of education. With the hybrid learning students are able to develop a sense of independence and autonomy with the pace of their learning. We believe that these 21st centuries skills are something that still need to be developed in our students and this gives them the opportunity to learn by doing.

Most students say that this is helping them get ready for college. For students who do not have this intrinsic drive, work completion can be a problem, but this is one that we will have to overcome as we continue to study and use this model in our school. 

Representatives- Dana & Jody 

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