Extra Activities in the Blended Model

  Blended learning is changing the traditional educational model of learning.  The ability to present content to students via technology creates opportunities for teachers and students to enhance and build necessary life skills.  Horn and Staker mention four categories that schools can now give more attention to with the help of the blended learning model: Deeper Learning, Safe Care, Wraparound Services, and Fun with Friends and Extracurricular Activities.  While all of these categories are important and vital in training students to be positive participants in society, I personally see the most critical need is Deeper Learning.  I would rank Deeper Learning to be the top priority in my school community, followed by Wraparound Services, Fun with Friends, and finally Safe Care. 

  

  In the traditional educational model, students sit and get information.  This is not helping anyone.  This method does not improve test scores and it certainly does not produce valuable partners in the community.  My students have become complacent in their learning and have lost the sense of necessity as well.  I need to allow them to be a part of something bigger so that they can see the difference they can make.  Deeper Learning will allow for rich collaboration and build on critical thinking skills.  These skills are not exclusive to the school setting, but rather life in general.  If my students can think critically, strategize, and communicate clearly with one another, then I believe the other pieces such as the need for wraparound services will lessen.   

  

  Everyone wants, and I would argue needs, to feel needed.  We all want to be a contributing member of society.  Turning knowledge into action gives purpose to the students and allows students to find a sense of value and worth in what they do.  When students are being productive in something meaningful, it changes them from the inside out.  This is why I think Deeper Learning needs to be the emphasis in our next phase of education. 

  

  This idea gets me excited to be in the education system right now; until I stop to think about how we’re going to make it happen.  Re-structuring the system does not happen over night, nor does it happen without failure along the way.  I think the biggest struggle we, (maybe just I) as educators have to face is the fear of the unknown.  I am used to being the one in control of my classroom – I determine what my students do and when they do it.  I have the answer keys prepared ahead of time so I am not caught off guard by any question.  Changing the schedule and allowing the blended learning model to take over, requires teachers to let go of the notion of knowing everything.  It forces us to leave our seat as ruler and requires us to become partners with our students in the learning process.  As this switch happens, there will be really defeating moments.  This can be emotionally and physically draining for all involved, which creates a setback to moving forward.

  

  Another challenge we face in meeting these needs is convincing all parties involved that it works and that it truly “takes a village.”  Everyone needs to buy in to make the biggest impact.  I tried the flipped classroom this year and overall saw it as a success.  However, I also had discord between students and parents because they weren’t ready for the change.  The parent piece is the most difficult because this is not remotely close to how they learned.  I have had countless parents use the excuse of “I didn’t learn it that way when I was growing up so I can’t help at home.”  Therefore they take a back seat to their child’s education and put the sole responsibility on teachers.  We need buy in from home.  Students learn behaviors and beliefs from home.  If they aren’t seeing, hearing, and experiencing a positive message at home, it will be difficult for them to see the value. 

  

  Safe Care was my least concerning area of need.  Fortunately, my school community does not lack in the basic necessities of safety.  Our parents are ready and willing to donate items if needed.  Our district has put in place resources for families in need.  Overall, students physical needs are met regularly and do not impede on the learning environment.