Blending learning or flex school isn’t for every student in Michigan. Still, the students who thrive in this learning format may attest to being happier, more positive about school, and more productive when setting goals for their future. In this article, you will learn:
- Why blended learning may be a great choice for a student who works well independently
- Four tips to help teachers and administrators manage blended learning
Blended classrooms may be difficult to manage for newly transitioning teachers from a traditional learning environment to one that includes online learning and those who are not comfortable with the technology involved in creating a functional hybrid classroom. Let’s look at four ways teachers and administrators in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan, can best manage blended learning to give students the best of both the virtual and the in-person learning experience.
1. Find the Best Virtual Classroom
Whether you use Google Classroom or another virtual learning environment for your online high school classes, it’s best to test out a few of these platforms before you begin the school year. Make sure your class website is accessible with a picture, a brief biography, and a way for your students to get in touch with you when they need to.
Consider how your students will meet each other. Depending on whether your in-person instruction days or your virtual days come first on the calendar, you may want to offer a virtual “meet and greet” for your students at the beginning of the year as well.
2. Build Apps Into Your Learning Plan
You probably have your favorite teaching apps and many opinions about which types of apps help students learn best. In addition to the Google Classroom app, consider Kahoot for fun games, Socrative for quizzes and tasks, and Zoom Education to encourage collaboration among your students.
3. Collaborate
Some students work better independently, but most benefit from an environment in which collaboration, project-based learning, and discussion are major players in their curriculum. All of these components are possible with blended learning.
Using apps, discussion boards, and video calls to facilitate discussion is a great start. Try including as many synchronous components to your learning plan as possible to give students a taste of both real-time and independent learning throughout the semester.
4. Have a Plan for Common Situations
Do you have any idea how you will handle student conflict in a blended environment? Have you set up a timetable for grading and handing back project feedback to students? Do you know how you will communicate with classroom parents?
If you can't produce immediate answers to these questions, don’t panic! However, it would be good to create a rulebook for yourself for your blended learning classroom. Knowing how to manage parent expectations, answer student questions, and deliver feedback on projects will make your life much easier during the term.
Own Your Future — Starting Today!
Blended learning environments take the best of both worlds — in-person instruction and virtual, independent study — and combines them into one cohesive model that brings out students’ potential and allows them to thrive. For more information on how you or your student may benefit from blended learning, get in touch with NexTech High School at either our Grand Rapids or Lansing, Michigan locations today. We look forward to meeting you!
Contact us for more information at our two locations in Grand Rapids and Lansing, MI.