10.2 Bold School


In the video, Episode 25 of LeadUpTeach featuring Weston Kieschnick on Bold School, Kieschnick talks about how "bold" is a combination of the words "blended" and "old." He states that the teacher continues to be the most important part of the classroom, but they can use blended learning and technology to elevate what they already do. Bold is a process of designing instruction methodically and purposefully without losing the things that made "old school" learning and instruction successful.

First, the instructor determines the learning outcome. Then, the instructor selects a high effect size instructional strategy. The instructor then selects appropriate digital tools for that strategy. Finally, the instructor reflects on the lesson and determines what did and did not work.

In Harlingen, Texas, a school has incorporated blended learning into its curriculum. The students and teachers have seen higher success rates. Even veteran teachers are moving towards this approach. Some teachers are even considering postponing retirement so that they can continue to teach in this manner!



References:

LeadUpTeach LeadUpNow. (2017, September 19). Episode 25 of LeadUpTeach featuring Weston Kieschnick on Bold School [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyIBOLLqXCg 

Ramirez, M. (2024, February 1). Harlingen ISD implements blended learning plan. ValleyCentral.com. https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/harlingen-isd-implements-blended-learning-plan/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

VR in Classrooms

Image
  Although not entirely new, advances and development in Virtual Reality or VR allow it to continue to gain momentum as a technology trend that is being used in classrooms. Higgin states in  What the research says about VR in classrooms that over seventy percent of children ages 8 to 15 are interested in VR. That's certainly a number to want to capitalize on in the classroom! It is important to remember that there are some content-related guidelines to follow when using VR in the classroom. The software should be appropriate for the user, especially because these experiences are so realistic and have the potential to scare children (Higgin, 2018). VR should be used to present immersive experiences to students, not to necessarily teach them content (Higgin, 2018). Although VR is especially engaging, it should not be used as the sole source for learning in the classroom (Higgin, 2018). Also, VR should be limited in time as more studies are needed to determine the affec...
Read more

5.2 Evolving Leadership

Image
One leadership quality I would like to improve upon is being an encourager. Chapter 8 in Couros' The Innovator's Mindset has struck a chord. After some self-reflection, I've realized that when I manage others, I tend to "ignore" them if they are doing well. The chapter shows that this is even worse than focusing on their weaknesses. How tragic! This is not out of any ill intent on my part - I think my introversion makes this a little bit of a battle for me. I have to make a better effort to tell people that I appreciate the good things that they are doing. I have no trouble focusing on and playing on their strengths, but I think I need to be more vocal in my appreciation for their successes.  One strength that I have in my leadership style is making sure everyone is part of a team. I understand that there are times that things need to be done individually, but I like to make sure those that I lead know that they are a part of something bigger. Not only that, but ...
Read more

9.1 Trends in Educational Technology

There are several changes coming to the public school system in 2024 according to the article, 5 K–12 ed tech trends to follow in 2024, by Rebecca Torchia.  First and foremost, the National Educational Technology Plan has been released and guides many decisions surrounding K-12 technological decisions. Beyond that, there are trends in five areas that Torchia lists as pivotal to 2024.  Without Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (which is expiring), schools will have to plan for device obsolescence without the benefit of these extra funds. Torchia suggests that schools should utilize services and tools to "extend the life of devices" and be careful to get the "best return on investment" when purchasing new equipment. Doing this will save schools money where budgets are tight. Another trend mentioned by Torchia is the advent of teachers using AI in the classroom to assist with simple, administrative tasks. She posits that this could alleviate burnout and...
Read more