Devices
What devices are the best in a blended classroom? That answer in as individual as blended learning classrooms themselves. Our district provides 2 collaboration stations which consist of a semi-circle table, a 31 inch flat screen, a MacMini, and a set of headphones with a splitter box. We are also provided with 5 MacAirs, 5 iPads, and 1 charging station. See Physical Space. The devices you choose will depend on what is available to you and the needs of your students. In our blended learning classroom there are 12 devices (including the collaboration stations) for 25 students. This is purposeful with the intent of promoting collaboration among students.
One of the most important skills my students learn is how share devices and favorite work spaces. They learn to share, compromise, and manage their time within an environment of limited resources. This is absolutely a real-world skill!
Learning Management System
Our district has a partnership with Blackboard Learn K-12.
Blackboard houses all the information, videos, and web site links I want my students to access. Students use collaborative discussion boards, wikki pages, journaling pages, and take quizzes on Blackboard. This is an example, from my social studies Blackboard course, of a small piece of a unit on famous Americans. My second graders quickly learn to navigate Blackboard with ease.
Blackboard houses all the information, videos, and web site links I want my students to access. Students use collaborative discussion boards, wikki pages, journaling pages, and take quizzes on Blackboard. This is an example, from my social studies Blackboard course, of a small piece of a unit on famous Americans. My second graders quickly learn to navigate Blackboard with ease.