The+Hybrid+Classroom

10:00 AM session
This presentation will show some the benefits of having a hybrid course and how it will provide flexibility in learning styles and levels, and greater access to course materials for students. A hybrid classroom is one that has face2face meeting and extensive Internet content and interaction. A hybrid classroom creates an active independent learning experience to help students achieve to their ability. Among many things, it also provides a student accountability system, increases classroom instruction time, and can help meet the Michigan Online Course requirement standard.

Presenter: Matinga Ragatz - Grand Ledge High School (World History & Global Studies)
matingaragat@gmail.com Class Website: gls.gennet.us; username: gls.g.visitor1, password: 1234 Twitter: matinga


 * Created **simple tech rubric** : Must be technology that
 * 1) is not disruptive, fits effortlessly into the classroom and everyday lessons (paperless vs. reduce paper, for example)
 * 2) improves the lesson and promotes learning (not just shiny and cool)
 * 3) increases student performance, learning, employability skills, motivation and self-management
 * 4) is **relevant** to students (tech they are already using)
 * 5) promotes the use of technology!
 * **Simple integration plan** :
 * 1) learning management system (Blackboard, Moodle, blog, wiki, etc.) for a course website
 * 2) provide "professional development" for students; run more like a business (she started a non-profit organization to feed children in Africa)
 * 3) create social networking connections/networks (students, teachers, **community**) Community as in the school community and the world community
 * 4) willingness to synchronize current classroom model with today's educational possibilities (need to market well)
 * **Online Content Checklist** (gls.gennet.us; user: gls.g.visitor1; password: 1234)
 * 1) Calendar/Plan
 * 2) Commons Area
 * 3) Access links & course info
 * 4) Extra resources (HW is **optional** unless grade drops below 75%, so students can find assignments they want to do and that can help them do better on assessments; she gives them extra credit, although in my opinion this is not a good idea) **Extra lap club: "There's nothing wrong with your brain, you just need an extra lap" :)**
 * 5) Access to customized resources
 * 6) Syndication and self-publication
 * 7) Collaboration & Assessment Center (multiple assessments available, both re-takes and formats)
 * **Has made her stop giving out busy work**
 * === Professional Development for Students ===
 * 1) How to study and learn in your class
 * 2) How to use course tools and why it is relevant!
 * 3) What are skills needed to succeed in your class? (non-academic prerequisites) Eg, 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teenagers, character work
 * 4) How to **MAKE IT HAPPEN** (not excuses for why it couldn't happen!)
 * **Window to the real world**
 * 1) Weekly eNews (email, Facebook group, text message blast, etc.)
 * 2) Weekly staff meeting, whole class; go over what needs to be done (teacher is manager, students employees)
 * 3) Weekly personnel review and evaluation (look at Class Grade Graph to see everyone's progress without names, just
 * 4) Section managers (2-3 for class, quality control: look at assignments, make sure quizzes are taken, make sure everything is as it should be) Meet with them once a week
 * 5) Periodic employee surveys (think polleverywhere-style check of comprehension); add the question "if you said you understand (90%, 50% 30%, etc), why do you feel that way?"
 * 6) Performance report shared with **all shareholders** (administration, all classes, parents, students) May give prizes for best showing
 * 7) Online exit survey
 * Simple tech aids
 * 1) Social networking or discussion boards, blogs, etc.
 * 2) Real-life audience
 * 3) Real-life collaboration (including testing...question: is that cheating or is that learning? It is LEARNING)
 * 4) Syndicated writing (wiki where everyone posts their notes)
 * 5) Assessments as learning tools (can take tests over again, no final...just average scores) There is a common department assessment done with scantron. Open book tests; way to make their notes **relevant**.
 * Social network as a Real Audience: social networking motivations (Learn, Influence, Meet, Entertain) **Most important: it is relevant**
 * Learning through Authentic Assessment, Peer Influence, New Points of View, Experience
 * Increased classroom instructional time
 * Student accountability system
 * Flexible Learning Platform (delivery of content assignments, assessment is a la carte)
 * Instead of "assignent" look at the **objective** (read and show understanding of X); may offer textbook reading, reading guide, graphic organizers, section questions, short presentation, lecture notes
 * Assessments: non-punitive; learning tools; collaborative; multiple attempts; at students' convenience; delivered in tool of student's choice
 * Wants to create **active, independent learners**
 * **GOAL IS TO PROVIDE:**
 * 1) distance learning
 * 2) resource-based learning
 * 3) student-centered, self-directed learning
 * 4) flexible, open learning
 * 5) eLearning (how to use the Internet to learn)
 * Students have access to the whole course at the beginning of the semester
 * All resources available all the time
 * **Great resource: www.wallwisher.com to post sticky notes on a wall! Could be text, pics, video**