As another course in the DLL program comes to a close; I find myself spinning in all directions after learning about so many pitfalls other blended learning implementations have failed at recognizing. This has been an eye opening few weeks of research, but I feel more capable than ever to implement my innovation plan and be successful.
I have continued to update and adjust so many aspects and details of my plan, but this course has made it more official. And now for the big mic drop, it looks like my entire innovation plan needs to be changed since I will be moving out of the classroom and into a technology innovation leader position in my district next school year. Below you will find my call to action and updated literature review about blended learning:
While my plan may need to change, I can still review the mistakes I have learned about that I need to avoid. Many times districts or schools may initiate a new technology plan without a clear goal or vision for what the technology will help teachers accomplish. Others have shown more vision for the future of the classroom, but are not prepared to allow for teachers to receive the proper training that is needed for the use of the technology to be innovative or transformative.
Although there have been mistakes made; many districts have created innovative and learner centered blended learning models. As my literature review has focused on the station or individual rotation model; I have been able to find many examples of ways to gradually implement learning that allows for students to have choice in their pace, place and time for learning. Many schools have also incorporated personalized learning plans with their blended learning models and allow students to choose their own path to allow for true ownership for the learner.
Learning what has worked and what has not may be helpful, but without true commitment to the end result of learner centered, innovative change; none of these examples will help the direction of my innovation plan. My implementation, while in limbo at the moment, may soon become a more broad and district centered approach instead of just a one classroom pilot. With this thought in mind; I begin to see that my innovation plan will need to start slow and allow for change to take hold. This process may take longer, but will be more beneficial and successful for the teachers and students.
References
Ark, T. (2013, September 05). Blended learning can improve working conditions, teaching & learning – Getting Smart by Tom Vander Ark – Blended learning, Online Learning. Retrieved October 28, 2018, from http://www.gettingsmart.com/2012/06/blended-learning- can-improve-working-conditions-teaching-learning/
Chambers, B.(2014, August 28). L.A. cancels iPads-in-the schools program: A failure of vision, not technology. Retrieved from http://www.macworld.com/article/2599988/lausd-ipad-cancelled
Darrow, Ed.D., R., Friend, B., & Powell, Ed.D., A. (2013, October). A Roadmap for implementation of blended learning at the school level. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/a-roadmap-for-implementation.pdf
Lapowsky, I. (2015, May 8). What schools must learn from LA’s iPad debacle. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/2015/05/los-angeles-edtech/
Mischnick Mindset 