Every time we begin a new Master’s course we are given an assigned text we need to read as a requirement for the class. This EDUC 584 for Integrating Technology and Literacy course was nothing different, however, I soon discovered not only how it was an easy text to read but incredibly useful for my classroom. Now this was unusual. It is not very often where one truly, and sincerely, enjoys reading a required text. This book is applicable and fun to use with your own students. The text is entitled Blended Learning in Grades 4-12; Leveraging the Power of Technology to Create Student-Centered Classrooms by Caitlin Tucker was an incredible insightful and wonderful resource. I can’t wait to utilize many of the free websites and software suggested with my own students.
At the beginning of her book, Caitlin Tucker, lays out what direction education is headed. Tucker says that now, more than ever, we must integrate technology into curriculum because students will absolutely need it once they are out in the real world or the workforce. In the text, she states, that without technology, there is a disconnect between the lives of our students and school; teachers need to build that bridge. Caitlin Tucker believes that a blended learning classroom is utilizing technology to teach students. When this happens students are more engaged in their own learning. In order for this to occur, Tucker believes that student centered classrooms will accomplish student collaboration and responsibility. By using a blended learning approach, teachers are able to reach out to every student in the classroom on an individual level. This makes differentiation much easier which effectively personalizes learning for every student. If teachers simply use technology in their lessons it will automatically make learning more engaging for students because it is what they are used to outside the classroom walls. Tucker also states how using blended learning can be done on an online environment to give every student voice, increase engagement, drive higher order thinking, and make homework an interactive experience instead of a solitary practice. Chapters 6-9 were my favorite because it focused on the four subject specific areas covered in the Common Core Standards. These chapters provide examples of online discussions and activities that address the Standards for upper elementary school. Even after the examples of the online discussions, there are three lesson starter ideas that build on the work done online. Tucker also included the Web tools used or URL’s and any costs, if any, associated with using it.
I am glad to share my enthusiasm about how this text, Blended Learning in Grades 4-12, has opened my eyes to some of the incredible learning possibilities that are out there blending learning and technology together!
At the beginning of her book, Caitlin Tucker, lays out what direction education is headed. Tucker says that now, more than ever, we must integrate technology into curriculum because students will absolutely need it once they are out in the real world or the workforce. In the text, she states, that without technology, there is a disconnect between the lives of our students and school; teachers need to build that bridge. Caitlin Tucker believes that a blended learning classroom is utilizing technology to teach students. When this happens students are more engaged in their own learning. In order for this to occur, Tucker believes that student centered classrooms will accomplish student collaboration and responsibility. By using a blended learning approach, teachers are able to reach out to every student in the classroom on an individual level. This makes differentiation much easier which effectively personalizes learning for every student. If teachers simply use technology in their lessons it will automatically make learning more engaging for students because it is what they are used to outside the classroom walls. Tucker also states how using blended learning can be done on an online environment to give every student voice, increase engagement, drive higher order thinking, and make homework an interactive experience instead of a solitary practice. Chapters 6-9 were my favorite because it focused on the four subject specific areas covered in the Common Core Standards. These chapters provide examples of online discussions and activities that address the Standards for upper elementary school. Even after the examples of the online discussions, there are three lesson starter ideas that build on the work done online. Tucker also included the Web tools used or URL’s and any costs, if any, associated with using it.
I am glad to share my enthusiasm about how this text, Blended Learning in Grades 4-12, has opened my eyes to some of the incredible learning possibilities that are out there blending learning and technology together!