We are excited that you have chosen to join the Virtual
Learning Leadership Alliance book study. I am Michele Nickels and I will be
your moderator for this week. I work for Wisconsin Virtual School and am a
proud member of the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative. Please check out the welcome, schedule and
tips and then help us to get to know you a little better by sharing about
you:
Your name
Where you are from (city/state)
Do you teach in a blended format now? What does that look like?
What you teach (i.e. face-to-face biology, online Algebra,
etc)
What you hope to get out of this book study
Give a fun fact about yourself
We look forward to meeting and collaborating with you.
My name is Tony Robbins and I come from Yorkville, Illinois. I currently teach face-to-face Biology to freshmen, but our school is starting a blended initiative and it appears that is the direction our administration wants to take our school district. I am hoping to get ideas how to not only create a blended Biology class, but how to use blended techniques to differentiate for my Face-to Face Biology classes. As for a fun fact, I have acted in a couple musicals sponsored by the Yorkville Education Association to fund scholarships for students wanting to become teachers.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Tony we are glad you are joining us for this book discussion. I have just begun reading the book myself and I do believe the first chapters provide some great insight when it comes to teachers deploying digital content in a blended environment versus developing it. There also are some great food for thought questions at the end of each chapter. Some of which you might even have conversations with your admin team and colleagues looking to begin to blend. Thanks again for joining the conversation-Michele
DeleteGreetings, my name is Jon Oestreich. I live in Wausau, WI. I teach in both an online and blended format and really like the opportunities that both modes provide in this learning continuum. I am currently building a F2F PD course for August that will capitalize on characteristics of flipped and flex within a one day f2f setting. The flipped portion will actually be several short blocks of time to acquire content online individually with the use of computers and a headset in a 1-day setting. Participants will be in the same room with other colleagues. After the content is acquired the content is applied to an application activity with colleagues at in a f2f setting. Once the activity is completed participants will transition to the next section of individualized flipped content acquisition followed by a collegial peer f2f activity with the new content. As the facilitator this will allow me to walk around the room to address individual or group questions/comments as the participants proceed through the PD day. I am excited to learn how this process works and to improve on my skills through learned experience.
ReplyDeleteIn the K12 world I teacher online high school AP Comparative Government, AP Psychology, Digital Citizenship, and the WVS Student Orientation. In the PD I am a Quality Matters Master Review and facilitate the QM K12 Applying the QM Secondary Rubric online and in a blended format.
I hope to get new ideas and strategies from this collaboration with colleagues as well as suggested ideas from Kim Loomis. I learn best by lurking to read the suggestions of best practices by other colleagues. As a result, I thank you in advanced for your ideas. :)
A fun fact about me is that this summer I will participate in 3 Gran Fondo (i.e., Italian for "the big ride") century (100 miles) road bike rides. The first century is the June 21 Red Eye Summer Solstice Century.
Enjoy the longest day of the year,
Jon
Jon welcome to our VLLA summer book study. You have a lot of experience working in different blended models and will certainly have lots to contribute. Including your experience deploying digital content versus developing digital content. Enjoy your bike ride too and welcome. Michele
DeleteHi! My name is Deidre Ripka and I'm a first year principal at Morton High School in Morton, Illinois. We are starting small with one blended course this school year--AP Calculus AB. I'm excited to support the teacher developing this course and create excitement for additional blended opportunities in the future.
ReplyDeleteI hope to get ideas for my current math teacher and also cultivate a mindset in our school and community that embraces these unique learning opportunities for our students.
A fun fact about me is that in high school I was a Pretzel, in college I was a Westerwind, and now I'm a Potter. I guess I'm drawn to unique school mascots!
Hi Deidre great to have you joining our conversation. As you will discover as you begin to read the author of the book, Kim Loomis, is a math teacher by trade and she is also very responsive to direct reach outs and questions too kim@i3digitalpd.com. So feel free as we begin the journey to do that too.
DeleteThere is a lot of Buzz about taking an organizational mindset approach such as:
Not being helpless
Being passionate
Taking action
Going the extra mile
Expecting results
Being Flexible
Not Complaining when things don’t go your way
Thanks for sharing the unique mascots and welcome-Michele
A pretzel! That's a great mascot.
DeletePatty from Bozeman, MT
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Heidi Bjerke. I don't currently teach in the blended format but I have in the past. Several years ago I taught Earth Observation and Remote Sensing for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Minot, ND.
I currently teach middle school STEM Face to face in Champaign, IL and Physics, Anatomy, and Credit Recovery Chemistry for Illinois Virtual School.
I hope to get some ideas for helping students communicate and be motivated to finish their online courses.
Fun Fact - I own two Old English Sheepdogs (Winston and Willow) and Willow runs the AKC FastCAT. She is second fastest OES in the national currently.
Heidi
Heidi welcome to our VLLA summer book study great to have you here. Quite the accomplishment there too with Willow and some very interesting education positions too.
DeleteInteresting you bring up communication and motivation. We have found that building our community of online learners and those relationships has really helped with both communication and the ability to motivate. We welcome your specific questions as we progress in the book study for us all to consider around those items too. Great to have you here-Michele
Hey, I recognize you! Well, it was the names of your dogs that I recognized first. Hello fellow IVSer.
DeleteHeidi - I love dogs - so I was drawn to your post about the sheep dogs...those are dogs we don't see a whole lot. Are they even tempered?
DeleteI currently reside in Idaho and teach f2f math intervention and social studies 6-12 online. Our middle school has chromebooks for all students so I do get to use them daily - but not 24/7. We use the LMS Schoology in my f2f school. I love to harness the power of technology but also balance it with other activities/learning opportunities. I am always excited to learn new techniques and hear what other educators are working on. Fun Fact - I have peppermint and raspberry potatoes growing in my garden this year.
ReplyDeleteNatasha
Hi Natasha it is great to have you joining us for our conversation around the VLLA book for this summer. Sounds like you have a lot of great infrastructure at your fingertips to allow you to create blended environments for your students. Do you have purchased digital content or are you creating or using other OER resources?
DeleteI am playing and experimenting in my garden too this summer-it brings me lots of joy and the ability to relax. Welcome-Michele
Our district has some digital content - depending on the subject, but most teachers create/write their own within Schoology.
DeleteNatasha
Mrs. Ward - I love gardening - We just built a new house, so I am starting all over with planting flowers in my flower beds. My last house was set up perfectly to have blossoms spring through summer...it will take a lot of work to get this house to that point. do you have both flower and veggie gardens? I usually ahve some veggies and also raspberries, but not this year. That will be a goal for next year. I ahve not heard of raspberry potatoes before.
DeleteI am looking to incorporate more blended techniques in my face to face classes this fall. It seems to be intimidating to me, but little by little, I am getting more used to some ideas.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary looks like you removed your comment and we look forward to learning more about you as we dive into our summer reading. Welcome-Michele
DeleteHello-my name is Jan Hensley and I live and teach in Bushnell, Illinois. I teach 6th-8th grade Physical Education, 6th grade Health, and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Social Emotional Learning. All of my classes are taught face to face, but we have Chrome Books for every student in our building, and teachers utilize the Chrome Books on a daily basis for many different lessons and activities. I enjoy learning new things and keeping up with changes in education, so I hope to learn a few new things that I can add to any of my classes that I teach. Fun fact-Bushnell, Illinois is home to Kitchen Cooked Potato Chips and we are also home to Vaughan and Bushnell Hammer Factory!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan glad you could join us for this summer book discussion. Sounds like you have access to devices that would facilitate having some of the infrastructure to begin to blend and that you have developed skills for use with students too. What a great opportunity to talk with others about if they deploy or develop content. Thanks for sharing too the insight about a couple of the businesses in your backyard. Welcome-Michele
DeleteHi Everyone -
ReplyDeleteMy name is Linda Schuerman and I live in Middleton, WI. I currently teach AP Psychology at Middleton High School (10th-12th graders), AP Psychology and Psychology with 21st Century eSchool, and AP Psychology, Psychology, and Criminology with Wisconsin Virtual School. I'm thinking I could have phrased all of that a bit better! =)
For the past two years, I have implementing blended learning into my face to face AP Psychology course. I have used mainly station rotations and individual play lists.
I hope to learn some different/additional strategies to boost the blended learning opportunities for my students.
Fun Fact: This school year will be my 25th year in the classroom and I still love it! It appears as though I may be getting old (?)
Linda so glad to have another Wisconsin participant in our VLLA book study this summer. Congrats too on 25 years in education and for continuously being a life long learner too. Curious Linda you mention here you blend and use station rotations are you using developed digital content for that or are you curating your own OER or other sources for the digital playlists? Thanks for sharing and glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteHi Michele =)
DeleteI mostly create my own content. Everyone once in awhile, I find something online created by another educator that I adapt and use with my students.
Thanks for asking - Linda
Marva Weisenborn
ReplyDeleteCurrently live in Decatur, IL.
I teach with Illinois Virtual Schools-Business Subjects (Accounting, International Business, and Consumer Economics.
I retired from my face-to-face school at the end of 2017.
I am hoping to gain more knowledge about blended learning and incorporate ideas and suggestions in my on-line class.
Fun Fact: I moved to the town (Decatur, IL) my 1st grandchild lived in because I lived 30 miles away and thought that was too far. Then when my 2nd grandchild was born, I retired to babysit them! My daughter teases me because she lived in Decatur for 12 years before that and I didn’t think 30 miles was too far away then.
Marva it is great to have you joining us and grandkids and for me nieces and nephews bring so much joy and it does make you think about distance and how often you get to see them. Welcome and looking forward to the conversations to come.
DeleteKathleen Beard
ReplyDeleteLiving in Jacksonville, IL (30 minutes west of Springfield)
I teach with Illinois Virtual School - AP Statistics
Also teach f2f at Jacksonville High School - Honors Geometry & AP Statistics (I have taught all math except for Calculus. I have also taught Computer Programming.)
I hope to increase my knowledge of blended learning. My hope is to help integrate suggestions and ideas into my teaching.
I love baseball! Especially the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kathleen I have a colleague who also shares the love of the cardinals as St. Louis is her home town. Looking forward to reflecting on the book with you and ways to incorporate blended strategies into what we do. Michele
DeleteHi everyone! My name is Elisabeth Mann and I live in Boise Idaho.
ReplyDeleteI teach Freshman English in the f2f classroom with limited access to technology and also teach Secondary English for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance.
I have previously worked at schools here in Idaho that were 1-to-1 devices and have a high interest in Blended Learning. I am hoping to learn more about digital learning in order to facilitate it successfully in my teaching.
One fun fact about me is that I am a Master Gardener and last year I grew a 45 pound pumpkin! That's my largest one so far!
Elisabeth I too really enjoy gardening and am trying lots of new things this year. Congrats on the 45 pumpkin. You will discover you have colleagues who are not 1:1 and are finding creative ways to blend and still provide that access to digital content. Looking forward to the conversations and reflections as we dive into the book. Michele
DeleteYay! I'm glad you're in the book club. I can't believe you grew a 45 lb pumpkin! That is so awesome. :)
DeleteLori Troyer:
ReplyDeleteResidence is in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I teach for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance and also at a local high school. Blended Learning is a method I have toyed with several times in my regular classrooms. Knowing how others use it is my goal for next school year.
Fun Fact: I attend an NFL football game every season in a different city across the U.S. Here is the determining city: the New England Patriots have to be playing in the game I attend.
Lori that is great that you have been able to attend an NFL game in every season in a different city. The past couple of years I have been able to do the same but with the Brewers as part of travel for work. Looking forward to hearing how you have implemented blended learning in your regular classes too. Welcome-Michele
DeleteGood morning, my name is Matt Roth and I live in Mosinee Wisconsin and teach at Wausau West HS. I teach f2f Algebra 1 and a blended approach to precalculus. Last year our precalc team starting implementing blended learning with station rotations and flipped video lessons. I am looking forward to learning more ideas how we can improve our precalc course presentation. I also facilitate Geometry and Algebra 2 for WAVE (Wausau Area Virtual Education) in an online format.
ReplyDeleteFun Fact: I have visited 43 states with a goal of all 50. In July I will check off 2 more states, Iowa and Nebraska.
Hi Matt great to have you joining us and best wishes on your travels to your two states this summer too. It is great that you are looking at the book study from really 3 perspectives: full face to face, blended and fully asynchronous online too. Welcome and looking forward to the conversations.
DeleteHello from Idaho --
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well. My name is Travis, and I teach online for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. I also teach junior and senior literature at the local high school in Mountain Home, Idaho. For the past 15 years, I've appreciated how both teaching "locations" have influenced each other. I have certainly incorporated more blended opportunities for my f2f students over the years, especially now that my local school district has gone 1-to-1 with Chromebooks. I hope to continue to grow my ability to engage students, provide quality feedback and foster discussions.
Fun Fact: Both my parents and my wife's parents are celebrating 50th wedding anniversaries this summer (as of last May). We have family celebrations planned for both sets of parents this summer (one in Montana and the other on the Oregon coast). Also, my summer is spent following the Dodgers, which I am happy to see the love of baseball and the Dodgers grow in my sons as well (even though my wife is a Cubs fan!).
Thanks for reading and take care, Travis DeVore
Hi Travis thank you for joining us and for your comment about how teaching both online and face to face has caused you to change practices in both locations and even blend more in the face to face. I would say the same is true for me and a lot of my colleagues. That is great that you have two celebrating 50! Welcome and looking forward to the conversations.
DeleteHello All: My name is Erich Mach
ReplyDeleteFrom Necedah, WI. Last year was our first year of our virtual options. My job is to monitor, motivate, and provide guidance in students' virtual learning. I hope to create a better knowledge base for the administration and collaboration of this program. A fun fact is my love for strength training and strength sports.
Hi Erich glad you able to join us for the summer book study. Thanks ahead of time for the role you play in supporting students in having successful online and blended opportunities. I believe in the first few chapters here alone there are great resources for building a common vocabulary and planning your digital options that can be used with your administration and planning team members. Have fun with your strength training and sports. Welcome to our book study-Michele
DeleteErich
DeleteSeems like we have a similar job. I am the Online Learning Coordinator in Bozeman, MT and help all of our online learning students be successful in both Credit Recovery and Original Credit classes through Montana Digital Academy. Maybe we can get some ideas from each other about how to better support our students.
Patty
Good morning and happy Sunday, everybody!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Lexi Haley, and I live and teach 7th grade mathematics in my hometown of Carlinville, IL. I use a flipped classroom approach in my classroom, and absolutely love it! I created all of my own videos using the iPad app Explain Everything and PowerPoints I previously used in my classroom when I taught face-to-face. Students watch and complete example problems as well as CYP (check your progress) problems where the answer was provided but not the work. Their job is to complete the entire outline (even if it is just an attempt of work for the CYP problems) for a completion grade, and then they return to the classroom where we review all of the CYP problems together so that we can answer any questions they may have and so they can hear and see how others may have solved the problem. From there, students work in small groups to review the concepts with practice problems and then the class goes over them. At the end of each lesson students complete an exit ticket so I can better assess their individual progress. I'm a pretty routine person, so I think the consistency of knowing what to expect each lesson helps a lot of my kiddos.
In terms of this book study, I am hoping to gain more insight into different ways to continue using my flipped classroom as the educational world continues to advance. Students in our district each have their own chromebook, so we are 1:1, and the more I know about differentiating students' learning experiences via blended learning - the better. I love having the chance to help better prepare our students for their futures.
My fun fact is my husband and I recently had our first baby (a boy - Spencer James) two months ago and so we are still adjusting to life with a newborn. :-)
I am looking forward to working with everyone!
Hi Lexi first of all congrats on the new addition to your lives and no doubt that does take some adjustment. What great experience you are bringing to the table about blended learning strategies you have implemented. No doubt having some consistency does help students build ownership for their own learning and perhaps later even more flexibility can be built. Curious right now do all your students move at the same pace or is there some flexibility there too? Thanks for the great introduction and looking forward to continuing the conversation.
DeleteCurrently students all work at the same pace, but this is something I am hoping to work on to change to better fit each learner's needs. I would like to continue to implement these strategies in the next handful of years.
DeleteHappy Sunday! My name is Lori Brutton and I teach in Valmeyer, IL. We are a very small school with very little in the way of resources to do much with blended learning. I hold several positions including f2f middle school literature, school/public librarian, Title I/Curriculum Director, and Substitute Coordinator. As the curriculum director I would like to find out more about blended learning in order to begin the process of introducing blended learning.
ReplyDeleteFor my literature classes I use as much technology as possible but it is only used on site when there is technology available.
My fun fact is that on July 24 my husband and I will be moving our oldest daughter to New York City so she can follow her dreams of being a pianist on (or a little off to begin with) Broadway!
Lori first of all safe travels and how exciting to be moving your daughter to New York City! Glad you are able to join us and no doubt you will be able to connect to others in similar role and looking also to introduce the process to their educators and colleagues. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Stephanie Haverback and I teach in Beardstown IL. I have been teaching high school math in Beardstown for the last 14 years. I have also been teaching for Illinois Virtual School for about 4 years. For IVS I teach probability and geometry.
At my F2F school we are 1 to 1 and I would love to learn more about blended learning to help in my F2F as well as going beyond just the computer lessons for IVS.
My fun fact is that I have 2 boys 9 and 6. My husband teaches PE and both of our families are big into sports. Most of my time is getting them to different sports games and coaching.
Stephanie welcome to the book study and how great that you and your husband have the opportunity to look at sports and coaching and involve your boys. So you have insight here on 100% online asynchronous digital content and thinking through would there be times you would like that face to face activities and are there times where you could use the digital resources in that course of part of a blended experience. Looking forward to the conversations and welcome to the book study-Michele
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Andrea and I live in Rockford, IL. I am actually in the process of changing districts/schools this summer, so I will have a new position teaching 6th & 7th grade ELA next year in my 10th year of teaching. Previous to that I taught elementary special education for 6 years, and for the past 3 years I have been teaching 6th grade gen ed in the elementary school setting, so all subject areas. I am looking forward to the change and growing in my teaching practice.
I know very little about blended teaching, but have been 1:1 with Chromebooks the past 3 years, and will continue to be at my new school. I hope to learn more about what I can accomplish in the classroom having 1:1 technology in order to use it to better my instruction and my students' learning.
A fun fact about me is that I am also in the process of starting a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement and first responders.
Andrea thanks for the great introduction and wonderful on your nonprofit start up too. What a great opportunity through the book study to build your knowledge of blended learning to take to your new position/role this fall. Glad you could join us and looking forward to the conversations-Michele
DeleteHi my name is Liz McLeod and I am from Grangeville, ID but have taught in Cottonwood Id for 11 years. Before that I taught in both Michigan, where I grew up, and Illinois for an additional 5 years. A fun fact about myself is that I babysat for JonBenet Ramsey several times at her summer home in Michigan
ReplyDeleteI have been blending my high school science courses (physical science, biology, natural science, intro to anatomy/physiology and occasionally earth science) in face to face classroom for 5 years now using the LMS Buzz and can't imagine going back to a traditional way of teaching. My blended model of teaching when I first starting five years ago doesn't look anything like my current one, and I am still in the process of changing what that looks like this summer. I think that is one of the things I like best about blending, that as you grow and change as a teacher, the way that you use your LMS is able to grow and change with you.
Currently my blended model looks like students having two days in class to work on "prework", videos, reading and note taking skills to give them a preview of the content that I am going to teach. Then there would be quizzes, along with additional readings based on the quiz score and review material/metacognition material all on Buzz. However, students rarely utilize the two days I give them in the beginning of the unit to front load materials, so I will be cutting that back to one day of very directly related material and then the other assignments that I have already created will now turn into review material for them to do as homework assignments to supplement or review concepts taught in class. I will still keep the quizzes and "rethinking activities", additional reading and questions if a student doesn't receive a 80% or higher on a quiz to review those key concepts that they missed. In addition, I will still use the analytics to show how well students understood or need additional reteaching on materials quizzed on.
Instead of giving students a direct study guide, students will now try a variety of ways to study for tests, "metacognition review", such as watching videos and taking notes, outlining chapters and other review methods to create their own study guides that can be used on their essay based unit tests.
I'm hoping to get new tricks, tips or insight on how to improve my course and to see how others are utilizing the endless ways of blending courses.
Hi Liz thanks for your great introduction here. Congrats too on working in 3 of the states (IL, MI, and ID) that are members of the VLLA too who is sponsoring the book study.
DeleteI like how you commented that blended has changed you and you see yourself growing with your students. Sounds like you are continuously reflecting and changing the learning experience based on what you are seeing to facilitate student success. We look forward to the conversations to come and welcome to the book study-Michele
Hi, My name is Shannon and I live and teach in Chicago, Illinois. I have been teaching high school Physics and Chemistry for 17 years.
ReplyDeleteI use blended learning in my classes through videos and interactive labs. My students are issued their own laptop so being 1 on 1 facilitates blended learning. I am interested in learning more about blended learning and ways to successfully implement it more in my classes.
Fun Fact: I also coach cross country and track
Hi Shannon glad you could join us for the book study. Thank you for sharing how you are currently blending and no doubt from just reviewing the introductions here you have gained some insight on how your colleagues are blending too. Michele
DeleteHello everyone, my name is Beth Leidolf. I am from Geneva, IL
ReplyDeleteI currently teach AP Spanish at Illinois Virtual School and I also teach Spanish in a F2F school that is also exploring blended learning and is piloting a couple of classes this fall.
I am interested in learning as much as I can about blended learning and understanding how I can apply the concepts and positively tweak both of my teaching worlds!
Fun fact about me: After 10 years on a waiting list, my husband and I finally became Chicago Cubs season ticket holders this year. So fun!
Beth well great news on being a season ticket holder. Thanks too for your interest in blended learning and understanding that there are applications to both of your worlds and that not one size will fit all. Often you will vary up the blended strategy used based on your learners, your location, access to technology etc. Glad you are able to join us-Michele
DeleteHello! My name is Jennie Halpin and I'm from rural Carlinville, IL. I teach English at Mt. Olive High School. I wouldn't say I teach in a blended format now, although we are a one-to-one school and my classes use their Chromebooks extensively for our assignments. I want to learn more about blended learning and how I can utilize that in my classrooms.
ReplyDeleteFun fact: I am an avid horseback rider and a professional photographer.
Jen just curious do you carry your camera while riding? I would think that being on horseback you are able to travel in some beautiful country that would present lots of photo opportunities. Sounds too like you have the technology access and students are developing skills in your technology rich environment that will all support a move to a more blended format. Glad you are able to join us-Michele
DeleteI actually don't carry my camera while riding. I'm afraid I'd destroy it, lol! I'm so excited to learn more about a blended curriculum!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi all - My name is Adam and I teach French and Spanish both online and in-person in Montana. We are slowly moving toward a mre blended environment. I'm excited to read this book and gain some new strategies and techniques as we move towards a more 1:1 device ratio for our department. In my time not at school you can generally find me traveling abroad.
ReplyDeleteAdam so you are a world traveler-any favorite spots? Any time I can travel in or out of state or abroad is welcomed by me. So much enjoy being introduced to new things. What a great opportunity to connect to your colleagues as your district is moving towards a more blended environment. Glad you could join us. Michele
DeleteAdam - nice to see you here! a fellow Montanan!
DeletePatty M. Bozeman, MT
Hello. My name is Liz Welch. I live in Menomonie,WI and am a LEG for our district. My classroom is an ever evolving room. I have everything from AP classes to Credit Recovery classes being taken at the same time. I love to see when a student enrolls in an online class for the first time and excels at it. I hope to gain more knowledge about how to integrate online learning with more of our student population. I turned my classroom into a beach oasis to keep the atmosphere calming and productive. The lighting is very low to assist in protecting their eyes from the constant strain from of using their laptops all day.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the book study Liz. Thank you for all you do to support your online learners and for considering the learning environment and creating an atmosphere to support that too. Right now how you partner with WVS for your students is really in that A La Carte model, but I would be willing to bet you have some staff utilizing other models, especially rotation models. We could see where you could begin to use your own teachers with infrastructure and digital content for an Enriched Virtual option too. There are lots of possibilities. So glad that you were able to join us-Michele
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIsaac Walters
ReplyDeleteBlair, WI
I taught HS Social Studies for 14 years including using an online platform in a Blended situation. I am currently now working for an educational services agency where I support teachers with technology in the classroom.
I am hoping to learn more ways to better digitize the classroom.
Give a fun fact about yourself... I just got back from leading a student trip to France, Monaco, and Switzerland
Hi Isaac I miss taking students on adventures such as your trip. It has been a while here. Thank you for your work at a service agency too in supporting educators out there. Chapter 2 really will help to ground you in a common vocabulary and models of blended learning and you will also discover some links to resources that can be used with school/district planning teams as well. Glad you could join-Michele
DeleteHello! My name is Lisa. I teach English and dual credit classes in a rural high school in IL. I have some experience with a blended format, but I hope to learn more strategies to keep improving my teaching. I have taught for over 25 years. I love to read, garden, walk and spend time with my 6 children and 4 grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa welcome to the book study. I too enjoy gardening and long walks and anytime there are younger ones around seeing the sites makes it more enjoyable. Thank you too for continuing to be a life long learner yourself and having conversations with your colleagues related to blended learning and the possibilities and supports for success. Michele
DeleteHi Everyone! My name is Rebekah Rucker. I live and teach Kindergarten/First Grade in Rolling Meadows, IL.
ReplyDeleteI have only taught face-to-face, with students using tablets to explore learning Apps.
Blended learning is in the near future for the younger grades, and I want to be ready. This book is full of great information, and I am ready to get started.
Fun Fact: I have lived in Four different states and they all have the same state Bird. (Cardinal)
Rebekah I had no idea the cardinal was so popular as a state bird. A search said the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia all have the cardinal as a state bird. So which 3 besides IL have you lived in? In chapter 2 you will be introduced to the models of blended learning and many elementary teachers already do station rotations and adding in a digital rotation should fit into your tables and apps access too. Welcome to the book study-Michele
DeleteVirginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky
DeleteChapter 2 has some great information. I am really enjoying this book!
Hi fellow Kindergarten Teacher! McGraw Hill's Wonders reading program (most updated version) is blended learning style. My school adopted this program 2 years ago and the online component is fantastic. I use the site all day not just for reading. Lots of great activities for sensory breaks as well.
DeleteHi! I am Ann Stickman from LaGrange, IL. Currently, I am a retired after teaching 35 years at Lyons Township High School. When teaching college (summers and nights) and high school, I used various formats including blended face-to face with online. Previously, I taught Educational Technology/Instructional Design at the college level and various courses at the high school level. I hope to help keep up up-to-date with what is new and being done in classrooms now through this book study.
ReplyDeleteA fun fact is that recently went on a pilgrimage to Israel and Egypt which was the experience of a lifetime!
Ann Stickman
Ann I bet that was an experience of a lifetime. Thanks for continuing to be a life long learner and joining your educational colleagues for a discussion around blended learning. Michele
DeleteHi! I am Ann Stickman from LaGrange, IL. Currently, I am a retired after teaching 35 years at Lyons Township High School. When teaching college (summers and nights) and high school, I used various formats including blended face-to face with online. Previously, I taught Educational Technology/Instructional Design at the college level and various courses at the high school level. I hope to help keep up up-to-date with what is new and being done in classrooms now through this book study.
ReplyDeleteA fun fact is that recently went on a pilgrimage to Israel and Egypt which was the experience of a lifetime!
Hello, I’m Josh Dickinson from Mountain Home, ID. I apologize for being a bit late with this post. I currently teach for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance and teach f2f at Mountain Home High School (US History and Spanish). Our school recently adopted 1-to-1 Chromebooks and I hope to incorporate some of what I learn here to both formats.
ReplyDeleteFun fact: I recently changed my style of glasses after 15 years. Okay something a little more serious I am a Civil War reenactor. I do both North and South.
Josh we do get attached to our glasses, phones etc. Thanks for putting a smile on my face with that and I just recently met someone else who does reenactments too-small world. Sounds like you have some infrastructure with the chromebooks to support access to digital content for your blended models. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteHi, my name is Mary Bieter and I am from Boise, Idaho. I have been a Spanish and Social Studies teacher for 38 years. I teach at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise and for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. We are a one-to-one school and I would like to get some ideas of how to improve my instruction.
ReplyDeleteMy fun fact is that this summer I am teaching English to the players on the Boise Hawks, our Single A team that is associated with the Colorado Rockies.
Mary what a great opportunity to connect to a local team of learners. Being one-to-one certainly helps get that infrastructure in place to support the move to blended models. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteHello! I am Corinne residing in Walnut Creek, CA and work as an Instructional Technologist for Georgia Virtual. I know sounds a little odd CA and GA but I did once live in GA not that long ago. As an instructional technologist, I work to help administration, teachers and students on many different things. In previous years, I worked as a high school math teacher in a traditional setting, online setting, and blended model.
ReplyDeleteMy hopes to with this book study is to broaden my knowledge further and be able to help those I work with at GaVS but also those that I work with in a volunteer position in the local school district.
Fun fact: I bake some serious cakes to help raise money for education. Surprises me every time one goes for some serious money!
Corinne do you have a favorite cake or one particular kind that seems to fetch the most? Working in the digital space does provide a lot of flexibility on where we live and work and continue our own educational journeys. I believe the book will provide you with some resources and a common definition of blended and models that will support your work. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteMichele, anything with chocolate and peanut butter seem to go very well. This past auction, I made a pirate's hook cake with chocolate and an salted caramel icing - that was my biggest money maker yet. I heard comments that it was awesome. I am excited to read more, I have been fortunate to be involved in lots on different educational settings from different roles. Anything to help broaden and enrich students abilities to learn :)
DeleteHello Corinne I have been to Walnut Creek a couple of times my Aunt and Uncle live there... well sort of they just sold their home and have yet to relocate permanently. I am interested in how to maximize my limited time and resources.
DeleteHi everyone. My name is Jo Dodds and I am from Twin Falls, Idaho. I have been teaching science for 30+ years and have retired from f2f teaching. I enjoy teaching science for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance and helping students. I have enjoyed the previous book clubs and always glean new ideas from the interactions with everyone.
ReplyDeleteFun fact: Our travels to other countries have always revolved around hiking volcanoes.
Jo you have me curious so what volcanoes have you visited? So do you share your journeys with your online students? No doubt it presents some great photo and video opportunities that can be applied to some of your science topics. Looking forward to the conversation around blended learning-Michele
DeleteOne of my favorite places is Santorini and we hiked the caldera in many places during 2 weeks there! We went with a group that was led by a volcanologist who had done research in the area. Indonesia and Costa Rica were also favorite areas.
DeleteHI!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kim Green and I teach 8th grade math in a suburb outside of Chicago. I have been teaching for 22 years.
I enjoyed last summers book study and I plan to enjoy this summer's as well.
I enjoy going to pick fresh berries and making my own jam.
K Green welcome to another summer book study. Glad you could join us again and looking forward to the conversation with you and others on blended learning. I am trying this year to grow strawberries and so far I have just eaten a few ripe ones-not sure if I can save up enough for jam. Michele
Deletetesting..
ReplyDeletevivian
Hi Vivian got your test post-thanks for sticking with it and checking that all was coming through. Michele
DeleteMy name is Vivian Schultz and I live in the hidden corner of northeastern Montana on the Fort Peck Indian reservation in Wolf Point, MT. I am a bit late to the party due to a learning curve using safari vs Mozilla. I have been teaching for over 18 years in a variety of schools. For the last 10 years, I have been an online teacher for Montana Digital Academy teaching the Art History/Appreciation course. It can be challenging for the students as well as myself to communicate what is needed in order to succeed in the course. I teach junior high and high school art in the Wolf Point school district and it can be difficult to address all the needs of both online and face-to-face students.
ReplyDeleteI hope to learn more about how to approach online/blended learning for our particular student population. It seems our schools just want a program that will solve all the problems for our high school students who are not successful in a traditional classroom.
Fun fact: I love to make Kombucha, garden and listen to podcasts!
Vivian I had to look up what Kombucha was and very interesting. So do you have a favorite podcast. Vivian I like how you put your school wants a program that will solve all problems for those not successful in the traditional classroom. I would also say fully online asynchronous does not work for all students either. Blended begins to provide some avenues to explore and build in supports for a different learning model. It will be interesting to hear what you think after you dive in. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteI am amazed as to how the fermentation process works each time I brew a new batch.
DeleteI appreciate your help with the technical difficulties and it appears my iPad works to blog with.
Vivian
Hi Vivian - Nice to see some other MTDA teachers here - hope we can all get ideas to improve our teaching with MTDA. Hope you are having a great summer!
DeletePatty M., Bozeman, MT
Hello! My name is Dina Espy and I live in Moscow, ID. I have been teaching Spanish face to face for 14 years, and online with IDLA for 11 years. During this book study I hope to learn more about blended learning and ways to incorporate it in my classes. A fun fact about me is that I love traveling and have been to 10 countries so far.
ReplyDeleteDina so what are those 10 countries. I enjoy travel too but I have not counted or kept track of the number of countries. I do believe that even with your online courses the use of synchronous desktop conferencing tools like facetime, google hangout, Adobe, Collaborate, Zoom etc. you can build in that synchronous face time with students to support a blended model from a distance. Looking forward to the conversations-Michele
DeleteHi Michele. I have been to Canada, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Spain, France, Andorra, Italy, Malta, Morocco, and Tunisia.
DeleteI do have synchronous office hours using Collaborate, but very rarely do any students show up for help. They usually email, call, or text.
Thanks for the list of countries and the only one I have been too on that list is France.
DeleteStudents do like the flexibility of email as it is on their time and the quick response and timeframe too of a call or text. However, we have found if we can get them to the office hours once they often enjoy that and will try to utilize it again. Often what they like is just the space to come into and not only connect with the online teacher but more importantly connect with their peers in the same course. Thanks for your reply-Michele
Hi! I'm Lindsay Thompson and I am from Missoula, MT. I don't teach in the blended format, but I hope to learn more about it from this book. I teach Government & Sociology-Criminology F2F and typically Criminology, AP Economics, and Government online for both MTDA and IDLA. One fun fact about me? Hmmm...I broke my nose 8 times between the ages of 13 & 21, but (knock on wood) haven't broken any other thing in my body!
ReplyDeleteLindsay 8 times wow I wonder what the record is. Sure there is a great story behind all. I think you will find the book will provide a great foundational definition of blended learning, models and the connection of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment too. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteHi Lindsay - appears there are a few of us here with MTDA! Looking forward to learning about blended learning with everyone from around the country!
DeletePatty M, Bozeman
Hello Everyone! My name is Sarah and I live and work in Hudson, Wisconsin. I am currently transitioning out of the Gifted & Talented middle school teacher role and into a brand new position for our district as the Virtual School Coordinator. As a GT teacher for the past six years, I utilized WCATY (Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth) online/blended courses with my students. Our district provides chromebooks to all students and relies heavily on everything Google as far as instructional design and delivery as well as staff professional development and collaboration. In my new role as Virtual School Coordinator, I will be overseeing the program that we are developing for students -- offering both fully online and blended learning opportunities. During this coming school year, we are taking advantage of the Wisconsin Virtual School courses and instructors that are available in our state while we work to build our capacity to teach and develop our own content/courses as well.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for this opportunity to learn with and from others who are interested in the topic of blended learning. I hope that this will be a great starting point for me as I begin to ask and seek answers to the many questions that will undoubtedly arise for me in this new role.
A fun fact about me is that I took 1st place at the National History Day competition (individual exhibit category) during my senior year of high school.
Hi Sarah so great you can join us for the VLLA Book Study. Congrats on your new role too and how exciting to be expanding opportunities for your students. You might also want to consider subscribing to the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WVS, WEN and DPI partnerhsip in our state) as there are reports, research, professional learning opportunities that you and your staff might want to join in that are often free or low cost too. The link to the site is: https://www.wiwdlc.org/
DeleteOne of the professional learning opportunities WDLC has been supporting are Ready to Blend events in the state whether it is the full blown 2 day planning for teams, 1 day teacher boost, other implementation microcourses etc.
We are happy to be a part of facilitating your pathway to self sufficiency and utilizing your own highly qualified staff too.
Looking forward to the conversations and collaboration-Michele
Hi there! Joining a little bit late...My name is Melanie and I teach and live in Big Sandy , MT. I teach face to face life, physical, earth sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, independent research and online credit recovery biology and earth science!
ReplyDeleteI teach in a blended format, in that I heavily rely on Google classroom for the delivery of lecture notes/powerpoint presentations, assignments and testing.
I recently returned from Belize, as I took 14 high school students on an Ecology Project International trip. I definitely recommend!
Melanie welcome and what a great experience and opportunity with the Ecology trip to Belize-something right up my alley. Google classrooms definitely provides an infrastructure to provide instructions and access to digital content to provide blended opportunities. Looking forward to the conversations to come-Michele
DeleteHi Melanie - glad we can be in this book group together to learn more about how to support blended learning in the classroom.
DeletePatty M, Bozeman, MT
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ReplyDeleteI am joining a little late also. we just got back from our 10 day summer vacation road trip to South Dakota and the Teton/Yellowstone area. It was great to read each of your introductions, especially those of you from Idaho as we stayed in Driggs, Id for part of our visit.
ReplyDeleteI have been teaching online high school math for Kenosha eSchool in Kenosha, Wisconsin since 2008. Though my classes are not blended, I have continued to immerse myself in blended learning with Ready To Blend and Heather Staker. I have supported the implementation of our blended learning enrichment program for our gifted 6th graders in math and English across 5 middle schools in our district. I hope to explore more adaptations of blended learning and expand my best practices to implement in my district.
Fun Info: It was quite chilly in Jackson, WY last week when we had a whitewater rafting trip planned. The day started out at 38 degrees! Luckily it got a little warmer and we got wetsuits. That was not what were were expecting for JUNE!
Brook and we thought it was only in Wisconsin where you could go from low 30 degrees to warmer temps in a day. Sounds like a great trip and on my list to do someday. We are glad to have you here as there is no doubt that you can identify with the various models of blended learning being implemented along side of your fully online opportunities too. It is great too that you are in a support role and building understanding around best practices. Great to have you here and looking forward to the conversations. Michele
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI apologize for starting late, my book just came in the mail today so I will be playing catch up this week.
My name is Brandon and I am from Rock Falls, Illinois. I teach at a local Catholic high school (Newman Central Catholic). Our school is relatively small with around 220 students across the four grades.
I float between social sciences and physical education teaching a variety of semester courses such as PE, Health, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, and Consumer Education/Business. My school is currently looking into a 1:1 format and I hope to learn more about this idea and best practices to design and implement this in my classroom.
A fun fact about myself is that earlier this year I was promoted to head coach of our school football team.
Hi Brandon that is the beauty of being in the digital space here as you are able to jump in and participate with your schedule. There are others here that are needing that flexibility too. Congrats too on the head coach promotion. Brandon I think you will discover that the move to blended is not about necessarily being 1:1 (although having infrastructure like that can help) but really having a need and a goal that blended can help you to meet focused on student learning. Glad you could join us and looking forward to the conversations to come-Michele
DeleteHello
ReplyDeleteMy name is Patty Maddock and I am the Online Learning Coordinator at Bozeman High School in Bozeman, Montana. I work with Montana Digital Academy to bring online learning to Bozeman High School (and some Middle School) Students. We offer Original Credit Classes and Credit Recovery Classes (which are administered in a live classroom setting). I monitor these students and help them with their classes. I also work with all of our Original Credit Online Learners ,who work independently, to help them become better online students and to succeed in their classes.
I hope to get some ideas for helping all of my students but the Credit Recovery Students in particular. They tend to be students who are struggling in all of their classes and perhaps have extenuating home life circumstances that influence their behavior and learning in the classroom. I want to be able to give this students the best opportunity to regain the credit(s) they need and feel they can be successful learners.
I have a Masters for K-8 Instruction and a MEd in Literacy. I have found that I love working with the high school students more than elementary students.
Fun Fact about Me: I am related to two of the men (Washburns) who were pallbearers for Lincoln!
Hoping to connect with some others in this group who work with Credit Recovery Students,
Patty
I left out that I also teach a middle school course through Montana Digital Academy that introduces students to online learning and gives them the tools they need to be successful in an online environment.
DeletePatty
Hi Patty,
DeleteThanks for the great introduction and Lincoln you say. Thanks for all you do too to support your online learners in their skill development and achieving success in their online courses. I do think you will discover that some of the models of blended that lean heavily on developed online content like you are using now can benefit from some in person connections to an educator too and maybe even to focus in on the social, emotion, life skills pieces, as well as support for building time management, helping them reach out to their online teacher and forming communications etc. I have seen a few others introduce themselves as working with a similar population so there are great conversations to be had. Glad you could join us-Michele
Hi! My name is Sahira Jyawook. For the last 12 years, I taught Family Consumer Sciences(FCS) at Barrington High School in Barrington, IL. The school as a whole has been offering blended learning classes to students, with the goal to continue in this direction. I just recently moved to Carlsbad, CA, where I am a virtual FCS instructor for Edgenuity. I am eager to learn more about ways to support students through a blended/virtual setting.
ReplyDeleteFun Fact: A street in the city of Baghdad, Iraq is named after my grandfather
Welcome to the book study and thanks for sharing the street fact too. Sounds like the book study will provide an opportunity for you to connect to your colleagues and reflect around blended learning in your role with Edgenuity too. Glad you could join us-Michele
DeleteHello, my name is Teresa Dodge. I just completed my 28th year teaching math f2f and my 11th year teaching online. I have lived in Southern Idaho my entire life. I would like to learn more about blended learning and how it would look in the classroom... A fun fact my grandchildren are 7th generation to our hometown of Mountain Home ID.
ReplyDeleteTeresa 7 generations that is impressive in our very mobile society today. You will discover that the book provides some great link outs to videos so you really can take a view of some of the models of blended learning in action too. Looking forward to the conversations-Michele
DeleteHello, my name is Stefani Cook. I have been teaching face-to-face for 27 years and online for 10 years. I live in Idaho and have done so my entire life. I have taught in a blended format for approximately 6 years, teaching Entrepreneurship and Sports Marketing. I am excited to see how others utilize blended learning and glean from your experiences. Fun fact: I had the opportunity to briefly chat with President Obama in the Oval Office about Entrepreneurs in America.
ReplyDeleteStefani what a great opportunity to have such a conversation with the President. You have over 100+ colleagues who have registered to join in the book study so reach out with your questions, asks, sharing of resources as you have a wide range of educators to glean some experiences and build new ones with too. Michele
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ReplyDeleteMy name is Kate Geisen and I teach in Belleville, Illinois. My classroom is currently a more traditional format with emphasis on a lot of small groups, but our school is pushing for more blended learning opportunities for students and I'm working to learn more about that format. I currently teach first grade language arts and math, and I'm hoping that even though the book is targeted at secondary settings I'm able to get inspiration and knowledge that will transfer to my setting as well.
ReplyDeleteFun fact: last week I completed a 1,000 mile bike ride around Arkansas.
Hi Kate welcome to the book study and congrats on the 1,000 mile bike ride. So did that take the full week or was that X miles in less days? I do believe that the book will provide a great definition of blended and models to have conversations around. No doubt some of those models will work in your situation, especially if you are used to having students work in smaller groups already. There are a lot of other elementary teachers here to have conversations around application at that level too. Looking forward to the conversations-Michele
DeleteOh my goodness, 1000 mile bike ride! Congratulations.
DeleteMichele, it took 12 days for me riding between 50-138 miles a day.
DeleteLooking forward to learning from the book and group!
Kate I think I could do 30-50 but 138 miles a day-wow! What an experience though. However, I hope someday to hike the 2,653 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail-bucket list item for certain for me-Michele
DeleteHi, Kate. Is first grade departmentalized in Belleville? Do the students move classrooms for the various subjects, or do the teachers come to intact groups? Inquiring minds want to know. :-)
DeleteHi, I'm Sue Heitzman from Fond du Lac, WI. I oversee our Credit Recovery students, who use the Edgenuity program, and those who take courses through Wisconsin Virtual School(WVS). Hi, Michele!! My licenses are in English and Alternative Ed.
ReplyDeleteI currently don't do much "blending," and I'd like to learn more about it and how my school can implement it.
Fun fact: I love trivia.
Sue welcome and so glad you could join us. Trivia hey have you ever done the big trivia contents out of Stevens Point? It has been a long time, but I was on a few teams years ago for that. Always a great time. Sue as you dive into the definitions of blended learning you will definitely discover that WVS probably fits in as an A La Carte model for students. However, if you moved to using your own teachers and perhaps our infrastructure and digital content or your own you could move into an enriched virtual experience with those same students now served by WVS teacher consultants too. I believe the definition of blended and the models will provide a vocabulary to have discussions around at the local level. There is no doubt that the district and you and your colleagues are involved in any number of blended models, but just may not be calling it that. Thank you for all you do to support your digital learners in having a successful experience. We could not do it without you. Looking forward to the continued conversations-Michele
DeleteHello! My name is Claudette Buccola. I'm a first grade teacher at a small Catholic school. I am excited to learn new ways to add blending learning ideas for my classroom.
ReplyDeleteClaudette it is great to have you joining us and you will find there are a lot of other elementary teachers who are eager to share and discover ways to implement blended learning for student success. Welcome and glad you could join us-Michele
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ReplyDeleteHello, I am Marianna DeBolt. I teach online courses through Illinois Virtual, f2f school in central Illinois and private and public art classes at local pottery shop in my town. Yes, I teach in 3 places, can you tell I love sharing art with others?
ReplyDeleteThis is my 4th or 5th book study with VLLA. I love reading other's views and sharing with co educators from around our nation. I feel we can learn so much from each other.
Hi Marianna great to have you joining us and what a great experience it must have been to be up close on a movie set as an extra. We too enjoy having the opportunity to connect with others with similar interests and passions in topics the book studies present with colleagues across the country. Michele
DeleteOops, forgot my fun fact-- I was an extra in movie! Love Fields. I loved it and wish I could have done more with it but my dad was admitted to the hospital around the same time. I had to choose. Of course, my dad was my choice.
ReplyDeleteI was an extra in a movie, too. It was one of those bucket list things I wanted checked off -- like running for election (as a library trustee), and having my short plays produced.
DeleteHello! My name is Kelly Schlup and I am from Boise, Idaho. I teach French both in the face to face classroom and in an online setting. This is my second book study and I am really looking forward to it! The last one gave me a lot to think about in regards to what is possible in the classroom and I am looking forward to another opportunity to grow.
ReplyDeleteA little fun fact about myself is that I am actually finishing up a month in Europe (hence the delay in my posts...) and will return home June 29th.
Kelly how wonderful you have the opportunity to be in Europe for a month. I spent about six weeks there quite a few years ago and truly enjoyed it. Glad too that you are able to jump into another book study and connect with your colleagues across the state and as you mention even in other countries with our mobility-Michele
DeleteHi. My name is Miesha Beck. I live in Idaho Falls, Idaho and teach face-to-face high school math classes in Blackfoot, Idaho as well as online math courses for IDLA. I've done 4 or 5 books studies in the last few years and each one has been interesting. In each of the book studies I have gotten some information from actually reading the book but I really enjoy the insights and ideas that other educators share in the discussions.
ReplyDeleteFun fact my husband and I, and all 5 of our kids (ages 13 to 22) are certified scuba divers and we enjoy taking family trips to warm climates where we can all dive. We've taken our kids diving in Cozumel (Mexico), Roatan (Honduras), Grand Turk, Bonaire, and next year we have trips planned to dive in Jamaica and in Costa Rica. In between our bigger trips we do some not as warm diving in Monterey Bay (California), Lake Tahoe, Sand Hollow (Utah), Blue Lakes (Utah), and Fire Hole (Yellowstone).
Hello Miesha glad to see you joining us for another book study. It is great to have so many perspectives and ideas shared. I too am certified to dive-although I don't get to do it as much as I would like. It is a whole other world. Looking forward to the conversations-Michele
DeleteWow! I love all of the travel. My kids play competitive sports so we do a lot of traveling, but not to really exciting places. :)
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ReplyDeleteJosh your test post worked-welcome to the book study-Michele
DeleteHello, All! I'm Jamie Keller-Mann from Boise, ID. I have been teaching face to face for about 16 years and with Idaho Digital Learning Alliance for 10 years. I teach social studies and electives courses. I usually teach US History, but my new position has me teaching mostly dual credit sociology. I have dabbled with blended learning in my f2f courses, but haven't worked with a really solid program as of yet. I am excited to get to learn more about it. I just got the copy of the book and will start reading it between softball games this weekend.
ReplyDeleteFun Fact: I hate how my mind always draws a blank when asked this question. I guess the most fun thing is that I went to Spain for summer school many years ago back in college. It was the most time I have spent overseas at once. It also got my travel bug going and I love to travel as much as my kids and bank account will allow. :)
Jamie thanks for sharing your joy of travel and life does delay some of that at times no doubt. Glad you are able to join us for the book study and chapters 1-3 really focus on the history, definition of blended and models and looking at the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment connection-Michele
DeleteMy name is Ariella Abarbanel, I am an Educational Technology Coach in Champaign IL I do not currently teach in a blended learning format. The majority of my work is supporting teachers to integrate technology in the classroom. I am hoping to utilize this book study to further my knowledge on how to create blended learning opportunities both for my work with teachers but also for teachers to implement in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI have 3 boys, my youngest is almost 10 months old, and I am currently learning a 3rd language.
Ari thanks for sharing about having 3 boys. Curious what is the 3rd language you are learning? It is great to have a coach such as yourself building their knowledge of blended learning and considering the application of technology tools and digital content and distinguished a blended environment versus technology rich classroom. Michele
DeleteHebrew is the third language.
DeleteMy name is Jennifer. I am an 8th grade Reading/Language arts teacher. I teach with technology as well as textbooks. I am hoping to find better ways of incorporating the technology into the classroom and help reach more of my students.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer we are glad that you can join us. No doubt you will be provided with a foundation for what is a technology rich classroom versus a truly blended classroom. It really comes down to identification of the why behind deployment. Welcome to the book study-Michele
DeleteShea-Alison Thompson
ReplyDeleteI teach for IDLA, BYU-Idaho, and Rigby High in Rigby, Idaho
I teach students in English.
I've been teaching 25 years.
Blended learning: in the f2f environment, but lots of pushback
Fun Fact: I earned my Ed.D. Dec. '17
Shea-Alison congrats on the Ed.D. we are glad you could join us for the book study. Push back when innovating and changing is common, but having a well communicated plan on the why certainly can help. Looking forward to the continued conversations-Michele
DeleteHi everyone. I apologize for the delay in my introduction post, I just recently returned from two weeks abroad in Central Europe with my students!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Stephanie Hill and I teach French in both in a traditional classroom (levels 2-AP) and an online environment through Montana Digital Academy (levels 2 and 3) in Kalispell, MT. I'm looking forward to finding some new techniques for the new curriculum that we're adopting in our International Languages Department. A fun fact about me is that I've been to 22 countries, with 11 of them being with my students! Looking forward to the discussion!
DeleteStephanie or should I call you the word traveler-congrats on the 22 countries and 11 with students too. I truly enjoy seeing students experience new things through their eyes. Looking forward to the conversations around blended and glad you could join us-Michele
Hi Stephanie~
DeleteSince you were delayed in introducing yourself, I'll be late in posting as well! I wish I could say it was because I was just on a trip! I did take 14 students to Belize in early June, (which was amazing!), but honestly I just forgot about the course for a while! 11 countries is amazing! :)
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ReplyDeleteHi. My name is Eileen Lohr and I teach Kindergarten in Peoria, IL. The past 2 years I have been incorporating a blended style in reading, science, and social studies. I hope to expand my resources through this course. Fun fact - I am also the coach of our Cross Country, Track and Field, and Speech teams for our middle school!
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen thanks for all the extra curricular activities you are involved with providing opportunities for students. Looking forward to conversations with you and your colleagues - you other elementary teachers with similar situations to collaborate with too. Michele
DeleteHello my name is Jodi Nelson and I teach business education for 21 years. I teach both online and in a face to face classroom. I use blended learning my face to face classroom. I am from Spokane Washington. Sorry I got a late start, but I just got the book for the class.
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi so glad you are able to join us for the conversations around blended. Great too that you have some experience in implementation as well. No worries on the late start. That is the beauty of the book study and the blog format. It allows you to engage as your schedule allows and when the book arrives. Have a great week-Michele
DeleteHello, I'm Cheryl Spall from Pocatello, Idaho. I currently teach for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance that has recently migrated from Blackboard to Schoology. I previously taught a Library Research Skills course, but now teach primarily Pathways to Success for middle school and high school students. This course is often the first online course for students, so I really enjoy being a part of that experience with them.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning ways I can improve my online teaching in anyway I can. I don't have anything more specific than that!
I used to teach high school German, but it's been years, so now I just play Words with Friends in German!
Hi Cheryl welcome to the VLLA Summer Book study we are glad you can join us. Thanks for your support in facilitating a first time online learning experience. Building those online skills certainly is key to success and sounds like you are a big part of that. I do not know German so this is my google search attempt at a welcome-das Willkommen Michele
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ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Cathy Howlett. I live in Caldwell, Idaho and teach science courses part-time for IDLA.
My goal for participating in the book club is to learn new ideas to help me become a better teacher.
A fun fact about me is I spend a lot of time driving my two kids (Anna and Joseph) to all of their activities.
Hi Cathy welcome to the VLLA book study. It is amazing the miles you put on when you have lots of people involved in a variety of activities. Enjoy that quality driving and conversation time with Anna and Joseph. Looking for ward to the conversations around blended-Michele
DeleteHello! I just got my book and am excited to get started on this Book Study....
ReplyDeleteI live in Boise, Idaho and teach online for IDLA - the courses I teach are Medical Terminology and Intro to Health Professions. My goal for students are to be prepared to enter the medical work force with the knowledge and tools/skills needed to show not only their abilities with their skills,but to be a compassionate caregiver and to experience empathy.
A fun fact of me is that I speak Danish - I was an exchange students when I was a junior in high school. I love to travel and have been to over 30 countries and most of the United States.
Welcome or Velkommen to the book study and glad your book arrived. How wonderful to have traveled so extensive. Even thought I don't get to do that as much as I like I truly enjoy experiencing the life/culture/foods/sites/nature etc. in other places. Looking forward to the conversations to come-Michele
DeleteI have not seen the word Velkommen for a long time. It is good to read this.
DeleteMy name is Kathy Clesson and I live on a farm north of Heyworth, Illinois. I teach online for Illinois Virtual School. (Creative Writing, British literature I, and British Literature II are the classes I currently teach.) I'm looking forward to our study of "out of the box" thinking as it relates to improving the online teaching and learning experience.
ReplyDeleteFun fact? I became a grandmother three months ago and have been loving every minute of it!
Hi Kathy wonderful that you have a 3 month old grandchild. I know my parents truly enjoy their grand kids. My dad says all the time I missed so much with you guys as I was working and now he is home and they watch them 1-2 days a week - keeps them young too. We do not offering British Literature here in our program -interesting option. So glad you were able to join us and looking forward to the conversations-Michele
DeleteHi, my name is David and I'm from Chicago, IL. I do not currently teach in a blended format, but I'm interested in learning more, which is a big reason I decided to sign up for this book study. Technology is well incorporated in my classroom and at my school, but I don't always believe that it is as effective as other teachers or district leaders tend to think. I'm always on the lookout for what is the best, most effective way to teach with technology.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting fact about me is that I'm terrified of open water and whales, but oddly enough, not sharks.
Hi David thanks for the interesting fact. I myself love to be underwater and diving but have to say that sharks worry me more than whales. Glad you could join us for the book study and I think in the beginning chapters you will find the author distinguishes the difference between a technology rich classroom and a truly blended environment. Michele
DeleteDavid I am like you I have access to technology but I am looking to use it more effectively. We have a 4 day work week and 55 minute classes. I have to be careful of my time. I find the more motivated students seem to get the extra time with enhanced lessons but I believe the struggling ones need it more.
DeleteYour name - John Sonnenberg
ReplyDeleteWhere you are from (city/state) Round Lake, Illinois
Do you teach in a blended format now? What does that look like? Yes, I support thousands of schools implementation of eDynamic Learning courseware in various levels of blended learning.
What you teach (i.e. face-to-face biology, online Algebra, etc) - Mostly Career Education leading to Industry Certifications
What you hope to get out of this book study - More input on Kims thoughts.
Give a fun fact about yourself
I've met with Kim and reviewed her book personally with her. She is very impressive and I've encouraged her to write and updated version.