Staff Newsletter
May 20th
Thank You for all that you do
- Preparing for 20-21
- Canvas for Blended and Remote Learning
- Understanding Blended Learning for 20-21 School Year
- Using Flipgrid
- Flipped Classroom Ideas
- Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning
- Planning a PBL for 20-21
Thanks for all of your efforts,
Phil Cox, Principal
Chris Layton, Vice Principal
Jenifer Laurendine, Dean of Students
Preparing for the 2020-2021 School Year
Through this time we have seen the skills, lessons, strategies that work well for Remote Learning and we have also seen those same skills, lessons and strategies that need to happen at school. As we prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, we need to continue to learn, grow and prepare for the potential of a different type of school year that could have extended school closures. A way for us to consider and prepare for this new reality in education is to continue to learn and grow the tools for our toolbox including diving into ideas for Blended Learning, Using tools for Synchronous and Asynchronous, maximizing Canvas and the tools that go along with Canvas, Using FlipGrid and Flipped Classes etc. As we navigate through the summer and continue to prepare for the 2020-2021 year, we now know there is a new potential reality for extended closure and remote learning. Think about how you can continue to learn, share and grow so we can keep the learning process continuous by challenging and engaging students.
If we went to Remote Learning in the 2020-2021 school year:
What would that look like for your students?
How would you prepare them in class beforehand?
How much of an impact can Blended Learning have on making that a more seamless transition?
We feel confident that you are working to prepare and learn more about how we can work to help students next school year. A goal for our newsletter is to serve as a form of professional development and provide access to tools, strategies and ideas. We appreciate the feedback given in the Remote Learning Phase 2 survey. It has helped us see areas in which we can work to improve, provide more information and resources etc. Below are a few topics outlined in feedback including using tools like FlipGrid and Canvas or strategies for synchronous and asynchronous learning etc. The changes in education were not predicted, but your grace, professionalism, and lifelong learning attitude made Remote Learning a great success for so many students.
As we near the summer, we just want to make sure we continue to prepare our toolbox for the potential of another long term or multiple long term closures. We can't thank you enough for all of the engaging lessons, efforts, and learning you embarked upon during this phase of Remote Learning. We will work to continue to develop resources, strategies and get information to help support our teachers, students and parents for a potential long term closure. We appreciate your efforts and innovation! You guys have been absolutely amazing!
Canvas for Blended and Remote Learning
How can I use Canvas to maximize feedback for students when they submit work via Canvas? (VIDEO ABOVE)
Check out the video shared above to learn more about how you can provide students with feedback in Canvas. There are actually great ways to supply audio, video and quick feedback for student work and performance.
How can I check to see if my students are engaged in Canvas? (VIDEO BELOW)
The video below helps you understand the analytics and traffic for your Canvas site. Are students checking in, logging in etc.? How often do they participate etc.?
Rethinking Teaching with Canvas Tools
"Differentiating Assignments (k-12) in Canvas: Helping All Learners Be Successful"
When you check out many websites for educational companies, you will begin to see they have packaged a lot of information for "Covid-19" or for "Remote Learning" etc. Canvas has provided some resources as a way to help teachers and schools. Check out the following link:
https://www.instructure.com/canvas/tools-for-online-learning-when-the-classroom-closes . I have listed some of the other links attached on this page with a brief description for how they can provide assistance:
Blog updates from educators utilizing Canvas
Ideas on utilizing Mastery Connect
Video Tutorials on several tools in Canvas
Great resource for utilizing Videos in Canvas
Please reach out to Mr. Fowler or Mr. Layton if you have any needs, concerns or questions. They will work to support you any way possible
Understanding Blended Learning for 20-21
Key Concepts:
How can you develop a model utilizing Canvas to support Blended Learning?
If we were to go on school closure within a day of previously being at school, what would your students understand about accessing information on Canvas?
How can you use Canvas more in your instruction to post materials, resources, videos etc. to help support student growth and learning?
Thought # 1 - Start from Day 1
Make your physical classroom and Canvas interchangeable. As a student, parent etc. think about how I can log on to Canvas and see exactly what happened today in class. What resources did you share in class today? Did you have a PowerPoint with notes? Post it to Canvas. Think about how you can work to develop that Blended Learning classroom, where students get information, opportunity for discussion, feedback, activities etc. with you in class during the "brick and mortar" building instruction. But how can you utilize tools like Canvas to host and post information to keep the learning going in your digital classroom. What does that look like?
The more you make this a norm with students and have this in place from day one the better you may see participation, continuity and more success from Remote Learning if we have to go to it in the wake of a future closure.
Thought # 2: What is Blended Learning? How can we continue to grow that model?
Blended Learning is the idea of combining brick and mortar education along with a digital learning opportunity for learning. When we return to school the brick and mortar instruction we will have a great idea as to how to engage students and generate student progress. The idea of being in the building with our students is what we know best. In the past few years, what you have worked to accomplish more and more for Blended Learning has come in your development of utilizing digital resources. As we have been shifted into Remote Learning, that growth of digital lessons and finding ways to connect through our Learning Management System has become vital.
Thought # 3: Learning can take place everywhere
One of the concepts of Blended Learning is the idea that learning can take place both in class and outside of class. For example, you can use Canvas as a place to post resources for students after a lesson has been taught. Think about it this way, tomorrow's lesson involves a PowerPoint, having a tool like Canvas you can post that PowerPoint to Canvas whenever you'd like. You can post the PowerPoint the night before and assign it as "homework" to help students front load information before coming to class or you can post it after you have used the resource in class, so students can go back and re-read and review.
The concept of Blended Learning is that with a tool like Canvas, you can open up your classroom to 24/7 access. Think about how you can post and update your Canvas page. If a student misses class, imagine what they can find on your Canvas page. If a parent reaches out and says, "my child didn't understand...." think about how you can drive your students and parents to Canvas as a One Stop Shop of information.
Thought # 4: Prepare for the idea of School Closure
We have said this multiple times over the past few weeks in our grade level meetings. We have expressed that give the uncertainty of this time we cannot guarantee that there will be no school closure next year like the one we have seen this spring. We don't want it to happen, but it is very possible.
If you establish your Canvas page as a place for students to continue their learning it will help out immensely in preparing for Remote Learning. Think about how you can treat Canvas as a virtual classroom. What resources would you post? How can you use video of yourself explaining concepts/ideas etc.? Don't wait to do these things if we go to Remote Learning. Think how you can make this normal practice for you and for your students. How can you start next school year with one or two digital lessons built in Canvas. Think of it like this, if you build it, promote it, share it and make a daily practice when you have students in your room it will only help for continuity if we move to Remote Learning.
Thought # 5: As a Bonus....
As a bonus by placing resources, information, videos etc. you can really help students in the following situations:
- The quiet student who may not be willing to raise their hand amid their classmates because they are confused. If they didn't understand and you have resources on Canvas, they can start their and if needed come see you individually.
- The student who may be absent on a given day can benefit and you may benefit as well from the questions of "what did I miss yesterday?"
- It helps to communicate to parents and cut off any type of miscommunication. It allows for resources shared in class to be accessible, it allows for parents to be involved and understand better how to support student needs etc.
Using Flipgrid
Another example is Flipgrid and how teachers can use it in their classroom. The article "9 New Ways to Us Flipgrid in the classroom" provides some ideas and thoughts including the following:
"Supporting absent students: Flipgrid can be a catch-up solution for students who are absent. The teacher creates a topic for work completed in class, and if a student is absent during a given class period, one of their peers can post a quick video about what assignments were completed in class so the absent students can quickly learn about what they missed."
Check out these articles for more information on great uses for Flipgrid that so many are already working on with their students across the nation and world:
Flipgrid Scavenger Hunt - fliphunt is a scavenger hunt using Flipgrid. It is a fun way of having your students get out of their seats, participate in the learning, and demonstrate their understanding and application.
Flipgrid and Remote Learning - As educators, learners and families are impacted by COVID-19, know that our entire team is always here for you. Inspired by the ways you foster community beyond the classroom, we have curated a collection of resources to help you and your peers.
Flipgrid - Official site from Microsoft
Flipped Classroom Ideas
Thought # 1 - Create opportunities to Connect
Although posting a video is only one way connection it provides you with a great chance to connect with students. For example, an intro video simply asking students how they are and telling them we hope to see them again soon etc. That can have a very positive impact for students during this time of uncertainty. A simple daily "good morning and welcome to science! Today you will notice in Announcements we are going to do an activity on gravity. Please read the directions carefully and give it your best effort. Once you complete the activity go to Canvas discussion board and share your thoughts. You will find some guiding questions there to help you show the steps you used and how you thought like a scientist throughout the activity. I look forward to seeing all the amazing feedback and discoveries you made"
Thought # 2 - Videos don't always have to be you
If you think about it from this perspective, you may already show clips of videos in your class weekly or a few times a week. You do that because many learners are visual and it really helps them to see as well as hear. So you can provide links to videos that you think will help provide some direct instruction that you think may engage students into the topic. Using tools like EdPuzzle (mentioned below) you can actually embed questions into the video as "check points" for students to see if they comprehend.
Thought # 3 - Condense your direct instruction
Often what could be a 7 minute lecture or direct instruction in class can quickly become 15-20 because of interruptions, dealing with classroom management, "can I go to the restroom?", "I don't have a pencil" etc.
Think of this as an opportunity to deliver content via video to students as a support for the assignment/lesson you have prepared for them in Canvas Announcements. Another great reason for doing this is it allows students to absorb information in their own time and their own way. For example, they can rewind, re-watch, pause etc. If they don't get it in class, they may not raise their hand to let you know. If they don't understand a video of you explaining it, they can simply watch it again or just a segment again.
This is the premise concept of Flipped Instruction. You dictate how long direct instruction will last because you film yourself or PowerPoint slides etc. with narration of the instruction. Students watch the video as "the homework" and then come to class to show the skill via an assignment.
Thought # 4 - Video allows for Creativity
So many of you are so talented in so many ways. Utilizing video allows you to express creativity and design ideas to provide content. For example, film yourself doing a simple science lab and then as a lesson challenge students to do the same. They can set up their device, film themselves doing the lab and provide feedback as to the scientific process. Utilizing video opens up more opportunities and ways to stimulate learning for students. Through video you can use visuals to help tell your story whether it's a series of PowerPoint slides or even utilizing techniques like Paper Slide Videos.
Thought # 5 - If you build it, they will come! Or they will go elsewhere
Have you every watched YouTube to learn how to do something? More than likely you have or you know someone who has. If we provide instruction for something in class or in Canvas and students and parents don't understand it there are more than likely one of two outcomes to happen next.
- Outcome 1, this isn't required, I don't get it. I'm going to move on
- Outcome 2, I don't get it from what I read. I'm going to Google it! This will help provide links to Khan Academy, YouTube videos etc.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
Thought # 1 - Keep it Simple and Easy to Navigate
It is important to focus on getting things started off in a positive and simple direction. On Monday April 6th, there are many factors beyond our control when it comes to student participation. How many students will check for lessons? When will they check in? How will I know if anyone checked in?
Start with a simple, positive message for your students. As different as the world seems to be to us as adults, it assuredly has changed for them in many ways including different ways maybe from our own thoughts and ideas. Provide a message that helps them understand that we are going to work through this to the best of our ability and then helps them understand "how to go about the learning processes and expectations in your remote learning platform"
Thought # 2 - Provide instructions students and parents can understand
Keep in mind it won't be just students looking for assignments. With millions of students going to remote learning in households with millions of parents expected to do remote work, it is important to have clear directions. Thinking back to thought # 1, keep it simple. Since students do not have to attend and there are no grades, it is important to focus on learning opportunities and developing plans that can easily be followed by students and parents.
Thought # 3 - Designing lessons via Asynchronous Video
There are more details below on this topic, but this is a great way to connect, provide clarity and any pertinent information for students. One major advantage with providing video is that students may get more from audio plus potential visuals. Another great aspect is that you may be able to produce some direct instruction "how to" that can help support students as they navigate your lessons. Another resource below for helping teachers with "direct instruction" via video is to learn more about EdPuzzle, which is listed below. It is a really neat tool that helps provide interactive direct instruction. If you use and prefer Nearpod, it could be a great asynchronous tool for assignments.
Thought # 4 - Think about high success lessons
In an asynchronous model that has been thrust upon teachers and students it is important to start with high success lessons. In addition to engaging students into the lesson and content, it may be beneficial to begin with review of ideas/concepts that have yielded great success in the past. Since attendance is not mandatory and there are no grades to be collected, it may be an important factor for students to see success early in the remote learning plan.
Thought # 5 - Make the learning fun and engaging
There are more details, resources, and ideas as to how to make remote learning more engaging and fun, but think about it from a student perspective. We are teaching in an unprecedented time to a generation that has been consumed by media and visuals their entire life. They see their world and the future of their world very connected to engagement. Even in a remote learning plan, we may see some students disengage who may not normally within the walls of the classroom. Think about ways to take the skills you are teaching and incorporate them into things students can do. Think about having students take on challenges that stretch their mind, make them think critically, creatively, and even be able to promote dialogue, communication and collaboration. This is a different time for education and working to engage students can be critical to remote learning success.
Planning a PBL for 20-21
Many teachers worked to evaluate designing a PBL during Remote Learning. There were mixed reviews on launching a PBL during Remote Learning and many thoughts, ideas, and resources expressed from staff feedback.
A few things to consider going into the 20-21 school year...
- How can I model/facilitate PBL when we are physically in school in order to help students understand the process to keep continuity in case we go on school closure?
- How can I use Canvas as a platform to provide students with resources to explore, design, innovate and create for a PBL both with blended learning and remote learning?
- How can I work within my PLC to design a PBL that is standards rich and focused on teaching students skills?
Start with a Driving Question - Think about Skills that go with that question
For example, in our current crisis there have been many considerations, contingencies, plans etc. that have been launched, evaluated, and utilized predictive data measurements. How might our students work to research, analyze, and propose solutions. What math skills are in use by analysts? How do scientist look at data to make predictions for leaders to identify trends and curves?
How might a campaign for social/emotional health benefit your community during a time of stay at home? (reference to chalk walks, neighborhood teddy bear hunts, and 8 pm howl) Could students develop ideas to support the community and show understanding of ELA skills?
A Few thoughts and Examples from PBL Works for Remote Learning
A PBL doesn't have to be One Huge Assignment or Project. It can be chunked into small parts
A misconception often about building a PBL is that it has to be a large summative assignment that measures multiple outcomes, standards and skills all in one final resolution. While the final product may be a summative piece built to show all of the skills attained etc. you can build to that with small assignments, quizzes etc. to check for understanding. In the end, you want students to utilize their skills and foster creative ideas to response to your driving question or project idea.
A PBL does not have to be weeks long
A PBL is as long as you desire for it to be and can encompass as little as one standard and upwards to multiple standards. There is a lot of flexibility in teaching through a PBL model and the flexibility is up to the teacher to determine how to proceed. The goal is to keep students focused on the project/problem and an extended PBL can pay just as much dividend as a shorter version. It's about engagement and providing opportunities for feedback, reflection and student revision.
PBLs can increase student engagement and understanding
By providing students with a driving question, connected to a real world issue/problem you can really work to develop a PBL that keeps students engaged. As you develop the PBL, think about offering students with facilitation, but letting them explore ideas, opportunities and resolutions. This type of student ownership, while you supply the content and skills, can help pay off with PBL. The students may understand the content, they may have shown mastery of the skill through some quiz or test you have provided, and they may still present an idea that is not as supported as others. For example, think of remote learning. There are several schools in the midst of this pandemic that have many varied approaches to learning. In the end, there will more than likely be studies and theories proposed as to what was "the most effective". It will be a fascinating case study for education, sociology, economics, science etc. But there is not a uniform "right answer" to many approaches being made by districts aside from helping students and teachers.
Resources are listed below to help with PBL:
PBL Works (formerly the Buck Institute) database of pre-made PBLs shared by teachers
Edutopia's resources focused on PBL
A PBL Quick Start Guide for Teachers
Project Based Learning: Start Here
