Improving Student Engagement and Achievement Through Blended Learning

Peter Anello & Steve CourchesneNipissing-Parry Sound Catholic DSB

Agenda

• Our Story with Blended Learning @ NPSC• LMS Tools– Content, discussion, dropbox, quizzes

• DI• Troubleshooting / Challenges• Next Steps

Introductions

• Peter Anelloe-Learning Contact

• Stephen CourchesneGrade 7-8 TeacherSt. Hubert School

Blended Learning @ NPSC

• Spring 2011– Blended Learning at Blended Learning Symposium

(Near North DSB)

• Fall 2011– Blended Learning made

available at NPSC– Blended Learning

Symposium (Sudbury)– Implementation into

Steve’s class

Presentation Breakdown

• LMS Tools

– Description– How they are being used• Student samples• Testimonials

Video Testimonials

• Students were asked to respond to the following question:

– “How would you like to see technology used in your classroom or in your school?”

– “Share any ways that it is currently being used that you really like.”

• 28 students• 2 Mobile Labs– PC and MAC

• SMART board

Steve’s Class

Steve’s Class

• Wireless network access throughout school

• BYOD implemented fall 2011

CONTENT

Content

• Course materials and assignments uploaded to LMS

• Easily accessible as web pages

• Features such as links, images, videos and interactive objects can be embedded

• Accessible 24/7

Content

Content

• Accessible online 24/7

Content

• Features such as links, images, videos and interactive objects can be embedded

DISCUSSION

Discussion

• Threaded message forums and topics• Secured within the LMS• Assignment/Topic specific threads• General and/or troubleshooting forums

Discussion: Examples

1. Students helping each other

Discussion: Examples

2. Keeping teacher in line

Discussion: Examples

3. Students using description/feedback to help with criteria

Discussion: Examples

4. Students trying to problem solve the assignment criteria

Engagement Statistics

Tell Tale Heart Assignment 28 studentsX 9 questions to complete= 252 total expected responses

248 were submitted on time…

DROPBOX

Dropbox

• Used for file submission• Feedback left by instructor• All activity is time & date stamped

Nathan – 1st Submission

Nathan – 2nd Submission

Nathan – Final Submission

Melanie – 1st Submission

Melanie – 2nd Submission

Melanie – 3rd Submission

QUIZZES

Quizzes

• Teacher and student-driven question creation

• Assessment and/or evaluation

• Check your understanding

Quizzes

COMMUNICATION

Communication Tools

• Homepage News– Broadcast messages to

entire class

• Pager– Instant messaging

• Email

• All safe and secure within LMS

Email - Sample

DI

CHALLENGES / TROUBLESHOOTING

Access to Technology

• Internet @ home– Not mandatory to use

LMS after school hours

• BYOD– School

laptops/computers available to all students

Challenges

• Tech literacy– Typing skills

• Netiquette (online discussions/chat/email)– Student/parent agreement

Troubleshooting

• Software compatibility– Word/WordPerfect/open office, pages• Saving in rich text format (rtf) or in word mode

CONCLUSION

Summary