 Pro Tip: Think about traffic flow. Avoid bottlenecks by spacing out stations and leaving clear walkways for rotations. 
3. Start Small It’s tempting to launch with the full model right away, but starting smaller ensures success.
 4. Make Data the Driver Your small groups should be purposeful, not just random.
 Discover more about formative assessments—explore our blog post and watch our videos for practical tips and strategies.
Final WordRemember, consistency—not perfection—builds a sustainable studio model. Start with what you have, refine as you go, and celebrate small wins with your students. 📩 Need more support launching your blended learning studios?
I’d love to help you design a tailored kickoff plan for your school. Contact me at [email protected] or visit BlendedLearningPD.com.
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Last week, I had the opportunity to present my session on AI tools for educators at the Learning Forward Texas conference—and I walked away reminded why I do this work. After the session, I received a message from Destiny Wagner, co-founder of EdTech Nerds, that made me pause, smile, and reflect. She wrote: “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your fantastic session on AI tools… I walked away feeling genuinely inspired and informed…”  Destiny first saw me present at ISTE a few years ago, and to know she returned to my session and found it just as valuable this time around? That’s the kind of full-circle moment that reminds me how powerful this work can be. She mentioned how approachable and energizing the session felt—even in the middle of my whirlwind travel week! That’s because I believe in making big concepts (like AI in education) feel accessible, practical, and even fun for teachers who are doing the real work in schools every day. Whether it's a packed room at a national conference or a coaching session with a small team, I always aim to spark ideas and give educators tools they can use tomorrow. To Destiny—and every educator I’ve had the chance to work with—thank you. Your curiosity, feedback, and enthusiasm fuel everything I do. Let’s keep learning, experimenting, and elevating what’s possible in the classroom—together.
Interview with Dr. Shawn Edmondson
Why Blended Learning?For Marcia, the shift to blended learning started with one powerful realization: “It’s not just about adding technology — it’s about creating flexible, student-centered environments where real growth happens.” Blended learning, she explains, empowers teachers to differentiate instruction, respond to real-time data, and give students more ownership over their learning. It turns educators into designers of learning experiences — and that, she says, is a game changer. The Most Common Hurdles in EngagementMarcia’s Field Guide outlines 12 elements that foster student ownership and engagement — but two in particular tend to trip up schools:
NotebookLM Audio version of this blog post Reframing Blended Learning for School LeadersToo often, Marcia says, district leaders think blended learning is just “putting kids on devices.” She flips that narrative: “It’s not about the tech — it’s about designing intentional learning experiences that combine the best of face-to-face instruction with digital flexibility.” By focusing on why blended learning matters — personalization, differentiation, and student ownership — leaders begin to shift from buying tools to redesigning instruction. DynaGuide: AI-Driven Coaching in ActionSo how does AI fit into all this? Enter DynaGuide, Marcia’s latest innovation. This AI-powered coaching tool helps teachers make faster, smarter decisions about instruction — from forming small groups to targeting skill gaps. “It’s like having an instructional coach at your fingertips.” In early pilot programs, schools using DynaGuide reported:
AI vs. Human Coaches: Where Each ShinesWhile tools like DynaGuide and IRIS Connect use AI to analyze classroom video and offer feedback, Marcia is clear: AI doesn’t replace human coaches. “AI can tell you what’s happening. But it can’t tell you why it’s happening — or how to adjust for your unique classroom.” Coaching, she says, is still rooted in trust, relationships, and context. Using Video as a Tool for GrowthMarcia is a big believer in using video to power teacher reflection. Her best practices?
The Power of Small WinsOne of Marcia’s most popular Weekly Blend episodes was called Small Changes, Big Impact — and it struck a chord with educators. “Teachers felt relieved to hear that they didn’t have to change everything at once — that even small shifts, like a student goal board or rotating choice stations, could create real momentum.” This feedback shaped how Marcia now delivers PD: focusing on realistic, ready-to-implement strategies that empower teachers from day one. Building Buy-In for New TechWhen rolling out new PD tools or tech platforms, Marcia advises districts to:
Coaching in a Hybrid WorldVirtual coaching has expanded Marcia’s reach across the U.S. and beyond, making it easier to provide consistent support — but it also comes with challenges. “Trust takes more effort online. You have to be really intentional about creating connection.” Her solution? Frequent, interactive sessions, reflection tools, and steady follow-up to keep the coaching human — even when the setting is virtual. Ready to Learn More?You can explore Marcia’s resources and workshop offerings at blendedlearningpd.com. There, you’ll find free downloads, blog posts, and the full Weekly Blend series.
Curious about DynaGuide? Visit dynaguide.org for a demo or to try it out. Want to connect with Marcia directly? Find her on LinkedIn, where she shares weekly tips, tools, and conversations with educators around the world.
🧩 November Workshop: Designing Data-Driven Small Groups & Learning PathwaysOnce we had a solid understanding of the data, we used it to create purposeful small groups. But we didn’t stop there. Teachers also designed meaningful, independent learning experiences for students not in the small group—ensuring that every student had access to engaging, targeted instruction throughout the learning block.
Want to Bring This Workshop Series to Your School?
If you're looking to strengthen your staff’s use of data, small group instruction, or differentiated learning, I’d love to bring this workshop series to your campus next year! 📩 Feel free to reach out directly or visit www.blendedlearningpd.com/workshops.html to learn more. Let’s turn your data into action! Direct link to book the workshop series. |
AuthorMarcia Kish is a Blended Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and author of The 12 Elements of Student Engagement and Ownership Field Guide, dedicated to helping educators create dynamic, student-centered classrooms. Categories
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