<![CDATA[Marcia Kish - Blog]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:57:27 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Web 2.0 and Blended Learning]]>Tue, 27 May 2014 08:33:13 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/web-20-and-blended-learningPicture
I wanted to pass along some resources in regards to Blended Learning and online resources to implement into the classrooms.  Most of these resources I have used within the blended learning classroom.  The majority  the resources are free and online.  Therefore if you are using the rotational blended learning model these tools can be easily implemented into the content area. 



Blended Learning and Online Resources by Subject Area
  • Math
    • Are you looking for creative ways to teach the common core in math?  Or are you trying to find new lesson plan ideas?  Check out Share My Lesson for Math. Free online lesson plans and activities for the math classroom that tie right into the math curriculum.  
    • StarBucks Mug Project- Students work through a scenario where they have to decided if it is worth buying a mug from StarBucks for $350 and receiving free unlimited coffee or is it cheaper to buy coffee by the cup.  Read more and see examples at this website.  
  • Science
    • Face Talker... if you or the have an iPad, iPod, or iPhone take a look at this app call Face Talker.  It is a great way to generate messages for the students or for the student to share out a summary of the learning objectives for the day.  Here is a video that explains how to use the free app. 
    • Leave voice comments instead of writing out comments.  The next time your students write a science report, have them write the report in Google Docs.  Then use Voice Comments for the students.  Here is a video on how to use Voice Comments
  • Social Studies
    • Instead of having your students create a power point presentation, have them create a ThingLink.  This website shows an example of an interactive photo and a video to show you how to create a ThingLink for your next project. 
    • Instagram, use instagram for a social studies scavenger hunt.  For your next topic that you plan to cover in class, think about how you can use instagram as tool in the classroom.  Here is an example from an English teacher in California that used Instagram with her students.  
    • Create animated videos to depict key events in history.  Use this free online resource with the students to generate the animated videos with Go Animate
  • Langage Arts
    • Do you have students that are ready to go move on with a topic?  Do you have students that need a challenge?  Have them take a MOOC Class.  These are free online classes that anyone can take.  Here is a list of all of the MOOC classes that are starting in January.
    • Newsela, if you have not implemented Newsela yet into your classroom, please make it part of your 2014 lesson plans.  This is a great resource and we have seen dramatic growth in nonfiction reading with the students that are using the program in Ohio.  
    • Flubaroo, are you tired of grading papers?  Check out this Google App that can be installed onto your next Google Form.  Flubaroo will grade your papers for you.  (You will still have to grade the short answers but Flubaroo will do the rest.)  
    • Have the students create a SMORE that explains an upcoming novel or book club.  
  • Music
    • Vovaroo, allow the students to record their own song, poem, or rap with this free online resource.  No log in required.  
    • UJAM, create songs free online
    • Incredibox, this is one of my favorite online resources to share out with students.  Students can create music by changing out the outfits of the different characters.  Great way to teach students about beats per measure.  
  • Technology
]]><![CDATA[The Blended Learning Trends]]>Fri, 09 May 2014 13:16:02 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/the-blended-learning-trends I ran across this Infographic from DreamBox that talks about the 10 Blended LearningTrends.  Here are just a few of my comments about the 10 tends.  
  • Student Centered- Students need to take control of their learning.  But this is a hard concept for both the teachers and students to grasp at first.  Students are used to being told what to learn and teachers don't always enjoy letting going of the control.  Once both parties come to realize the power, then Blended Learning becomes a powerful way of learning. 
  • More Wifi- While working with schools across the country, this seems to become one of the biggest problems with Blended Learning.  The teachers are ready to implement BYOD and more technology into the curriculum but the connectivity is just not enough to support the learning.  
  • Personal Devices- I am amazed at how many students own their own personal devices.  Especially, in the K-2 classrooms.  Training needs to be provided to the teachers to help them manage the devices and how to use the mobile learning for more than just pictures.  Here is an idea for using the BOYD in your classroom, take the 1 Second Everyday Challenge with your students between now and the end of the school year.  
10-Blended-Learning-Trends-Infographic
Find more education infographics on e-Learning Infographics
]]><![CDATA[What does Blended Learning Look Like in a Classroom?]]>Wed, 07 May 2014 17:50:04 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/what-does-blended-learning-look-like-in-a-classroomPicture
As a Blended Learning Coach, I get asked the question, What does Blended Learning look like in the classroom?  My response is a Reese Peanut Butter Cup.  (Mainly because I love peanut butter and chocolate) 

No but really, the Blended Learning Classroom is like a Reese Peanut Butter Cup, let me explain.  



Direct instruction from the teacher is like the Chocolate.
  • Students still need to have some type of direct instruction to gain information from the teacher.  
  • I teach teachers to pull small groups of students throughout the day to provided the direct instruction at the students current level of learning. Using the data collected from the online assessments/activities, group projects, and hands on learning centers, the teacher will be able to deliver direct instruction to students to enhance or revisit the skills needed to move onto the next chapter, unit, or project. 
  • Giving whole group direct instruction is only for the first five minutes of class or at the end of the class to recap the daily assignments. Mainly, because the students should be working at their own pace and the students will be at different places in the curriculum. 

The technology, group projects, and hands on learning stations are core or the Peanut Butter of the Reese Peanut Butter Cup.  
  • Technology-  Using the mobile and web based application, students can learn at their own pace.  There are so many great resources out there to help generate individualized learning plans for students.  I always teach the teachers how to use BlendSpace and PowerMyLearning as the first resources to use to generate the technology aspect of the blended learning environment.  
  • Technology Assessments-  In order the Blended Learning process to work, teachers need to build in assessments that can provide data on current learning level of each student.  Using Google Forms teachers can quickly assess the students and find out what the students know or need to know in order to move onto the next section of the curricula.  Check out this video on Differentiating Assessment using Google Forms.  
  • Group Projects and Hands on Learning-  I like to call these section "Show off What you Know." As part of the Blended Learning environment, students need a chance to display what they are learning through real world problem solving.  Students can work on their own or with a group in order to solve the problems.  If all of the learning took place on the computer with some interaction with teacher, then this would become online learning.  But once we add in the projects, collaboration, hands on learning, and team building then we develop more of the Blended Learning concept. Yes, technology can still be used for the projects but the students can drive the type of outcomes during the "Show off What You Know"

A Blended Learning Classroom can not have work with out the Chocolate-AKA the teacher and the Peanut Butter- AKA Technology/Projects.  Therefore, when someone asks me "What does a Blended Learning Classroom look like?  I always say, a Reese Peanut Butter Cup

Here is an example of a Blended Learning School from Florida

The above video came from this website.  This is just an example of Blended Learning in a school setting.  I am not working with this school.  I just wanted to share out this video.  
]]><![CDATA[Google Forms and Blended Learning]]>Fri, 25 Apr 2014 16:49:14 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/google-forms-and-blended-learningPicture
One of the best parts about Blended Learning is that the students get a chance to learn at their own pace.  There are times when a student might already have background information about a topic or concept.  Then there are times where they need a little extra support or guidance.  Using Google Forms is just one of the ways to allow students to move through the curriculum at their own pace.  

Today, I created a mini video on how to use Google Forms as a differentiated assessment tool.  I set up multiple pages with questions for the students to answer.  If a student gets the question correct, they will move onto the next question.  If the student gets the question wrong, I break down the question and give them time to explore the question in more detail.  Here is a direct link to the Google Form that I created so you can explore the questions as if you were a student in a my science classroom. 
]]><![CDATA[Small Tech- Big Learning Impact]]>Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:40:49 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/small-tech-big-learning-impactPicture
Students and teachers are bringing their devices to school everyday.  In fact, many times, teachers and students have a laptop, a cell phone, and a tablet that they carry with them to school.  How can we harness those tools into devices that will engage learning.  
Today, I am going to explore three different tools that can be used in the blended learning classroom that can be used with any tablet, cell phone, or laptop.   How can we better use the devices that the students bring to the classroom?  Or better yet, how can we use the devices that WE bring into the classroom? 

Tellagami- A free talking avatar that students or teacher can create to show off what they know, or to send out a message about a project.  Check out my Tellagami- https://tellagami.com/gami/Q1OE4C/

QR Codes:  Create a scavenger hunt using QR codes.  This easy to use template turns your questions into QR codes within minutes.  Post the QR codes around the room as way to promote students to get up and move and to answer questions together as a team.  Here is a sample of my QR codes for Blended Learning http://www.classtools.net/QR/qr_generator.php?fold=20&fname=BKBRR&diff=0

Show Me:  Show me is mobile app device that turns the learning over to the students.  The teacher can pre record mini lessons, post the lessons onto the LMS or Website and the students can then watch the lesson in class or out of class.  I also allow the students to create mini videos to explain a concept or idea that other students can watch.  (Don't just turn it in, publish it)  Here is a mini Show me that I created for a Blended Learning Math Classroom
http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=FkNwMOu
]]><![CDATA[Generation Network Schools Presented at the Coalition for Community Schools]]>Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:58:18 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/generation-network-schools-presented-at-the-coalition-for-community-schoolsOn April 11th, DSD Professional Development teamed up with Generation Network Schools to present at the Coalition for Community Schools.  The presentation covered a brief overview of Generation Network Schools and how they are teaching schools how to use time more effectively during the school day.  Generation Network Schools will be helping to open up a new school in Cincinnati, Ohio for the 2014/15 school year. Here is a link to the video that was presented by Jon Reinhard, the Vice President of Learning and Teaching for Generation Network Schools. 
After the fantastic introduction by Jon Reinhard, I started my portion of the Blended Learning experience by sharing out how I set up a blended learning classroom.  When creating a blended learning classroom, I often set up the room like an Apple Store. I have a place where the students can "play or explore" new concepts or ideas, a "genius bar" where the students can ask and post questions, a "theater session" where I can pull all of the students together to have a group conversation, and finally, "lab sessions" where the students are either learning on their own or with a teacher in small groups.   I used this type of classroom structure when I ran a Blended Learning high school in Columbus, Ohio.  Next, I shared out a couple of my favorite blended learning tools that I use when I create blended learning lesson plans for schools all around the country. Here are just few of my favorite online tools. 
Class Badges- This online tool will help to motivate, progress check, and monitor the students through the blended learning process.  
Padlet-  Creating a space for the students to share out ideas, thoughts, or even a place to post a finished product.  I often use Padlet as a mini discussion board that they students can post to during or after class.  
YouTube Time- Cut to the chase and show only the most important parts of the online video.  
Smore- Don't just have the students turn in a project but rather have them publish a project through tools like Smore. 
BlendSpace-  When designing or creating a blended learning lesson plan, I use the online resource BlendSpace to help the students navigate through the blended learning course.  Here is an example of one of my Blended Learning lessons using BlendSpace
If you would like to learn more about how to set up a Blended Learning Classroom feel free to contact me, Marcia Kish, at kishmarcia@gmail.com or follow me on twitter @dsdpd
Next Amanda Kudron from West Generation Academy in Denver, Colorado presented on how she uses blended learning in her humanities classroom.  Amanda teaches 9th grade humanities and has been using the Blended Learning model in her classroom for two years.  During the presentation she talked about how she sets up the rotational blended learning model and rotates the students through hands on activities, a teacher station, and finally through a computer station.  Using this model, Amanda has seen the students achieve at higher levels of learning.  Also, Amanda explained that by using this model, she is able to differentiate instruction to all learners.  If you would like to learn more about the blended learning classroom through the eyes of a 9th grade teacher, feel free to contact Amanda at akudron@gmail.com. 
The last section of our presentation was reserved for Chad Cookinham. Chad works for Generation Network Schools as the Senior Associate for College and Career Transition.  Chad showed off some of the fantastic virtual college visits that students can take in order to prepare for their next chapter in education.  Chad also explained how Generation Network Schools provide a four week intensive program where students get a chance to explore and prepare for their careers.  This use of time allows the students to gain extra time in the classroom, explore colleges, and prepare for their future.  To learn more about how Generation Schools use time differently through this intensive program, contact Chad Cookinham at chad@generationschools.org
]]><![CDATA[Blended Learning Tool of the Week]]>Mon, 21 Apr 2014 18:51:19 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/blended-learning-tool-of-the-week
]]><![CDATA[Blended Learning at the Higher Level]]>Mon, 21 Apr 2014 16:43:42 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/blended-learning-at-the-higher-levelPicture
On April 8th, I presented at the Campus 2014 Technology Forum in Long Beach, California.  My presentation was on how to Blend online learning with face to face learning at the college level.  Many of the college campus around the country are moving to this type of format because of the flexibility for students, the connection with the professor, and the ability to work with collaborative teams online and in small group sessions.  
With 25 plus participants on hand to learn about Blended Learning, we were able to successfully deploy a hands on workshop that demonstrated the blended learning model as well as learning about new tools to implement into the higher education courses.  
Below are some of the top resources, handouts, and articles that were presented at the conference.   
Blog written by Marcia Kish, Blended Learning Coach.  Feel free to contact her on twitter @dsdpd

Blended Learning Articles

East Coast Offering Blended Learning

Economics Blended Learning Option

College Classrooms of the Future: Blended Learning

Blended Learning Resources for Higher Education

Blended Learning Tools

Jing- create you own screencast

Today's Meet- Create a backchannel in the classroom

Socrative- Assess what the students know with this online assessment, can be used with any mobile device 

Padlet- Create an interactive discussion board for you next course

NearPod- let the students interactive with you powerpoint and take quick assessments with this online tool. 

You Can Book Me- Let the students set up times that would work for both of your schedules with this easy to use website. 

    Would you like to learn more about Blended Learning? Contact us today to find out where we are going to be presenting next, to book us for a conference, or just to ask a question. We would love to hear from you.

]]><![CDATA[Conference Excitiment]]>Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:30:23 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/conference-excitiment
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Preparing for any Professional Development session is hard.  However, preparing for a 90 minute workshop in front of teachers, administrators, and educational tech experts is down right stressful. To create a well rounded conference session, I start out with three main objectives:

1.  Over planning is what I am most known for when presenting any type of training.  I want to meet the needs of every learner.  Those who are new to the concept, those who  might have a little bit of experience, and those who are experts on the topic.  I feel like if they have made time to attend my session, then I want to make sure the training meet their individual needs.
2. Learn Something New: When I plan for a training or workshop, my main goal is for everyone to walk out of the room knowing at least one new thing.  One thing that they can take back to the classroom.  One thing that energizes them. One thing that is going to make them try something new.  It does not always have to be a technology tool to implement but maybe it is the teaching style that I showcased, maybe it is the excitement that I have for learning.  
3. Making Everyone feel at home:  Leaning a new tool, new technology, or new classroom management style can make people uneasy.  I play music in the background to help those who need a little distraction.  I circulate around the room and talk with everyone.  And my number one thing to make everyone feel at home is I allow everyone to have a voice.  Either through back channeling, one on one conversations, or small group break out sessions. The tension drops in the room and then everyone feels free to learn. 

I am excited to say, that my 90 minute workshop on Mix it, Stir it, Blend it went really well yesterday.  I had the honor to be mentioned in a recap in twitter feeds and in blogs.  It's moments like this that drives my passion for teaching others.  Thank you to everyone who attended my session and shared out my links.  The teachers need to know how to apply the blended learning model and I hope that is what those 70+ teachers walked away with yesterday. 

Marcia Kish
DSD Professional Development Coordinator

Check out the article for Edtechtoolkit
http://edtechtoolkit.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/oetc-day-two-recap/
]]><![CDATA[Blended Learning Workshop]]>Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:18:52 GMThttp://www.blendedlearningpd.com/blog1/blended-learning-workshopPicture
Today DSD Professional Development presented at the Ohio Educational Technology Conference on Blended Learning.  The focus of the 90 minute workshop was not talking about Blended Learning but rather how to implement the blended learning program into the classroom.  We had 70 people show up for the workshop at 8:00 in the morning on a -24 degree day.  Below are just few of the highlights from the workshop.
  • The workshop was differentiated into three groups.  Group one- teachers who were knew to blended learning, Group two- teachers who knew a little bit about blended learning, and Group three- teachers who were currently using Blended learning
  • BlendSpace-  I created a BlendSpace guide for the groups to use while they traveled through the different aspects of Blended Learning
  • The Lesson Plan template- the teachers used and explored the lesson plan template that helps to create a blended learning environment
  • Applying Studio- Giving students time to show off what they know and to create a project.  The projects don't always have to last for days but instead can take a couple of minutes to create.  Here are just a few quick tools to use with the Application Studio 
  • Tools- Haiku Deck, Voki, Smore, Venn Diagram
  • The favorite app of the session was Newsela- a tool to help with the nonfiction reading

Below is the transcript from the Today's Meet-  We used this tool as a back channel and a place where teachers could post their projects.  
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