For mastery-based approaches, consider a disruptive blended-learning model
September 4, 2019 |It often takes time for a school to change age-old instructional practices. To shift away from traditional seat-time learning and whole-class instruction, many schools start with hybrid blended-learning models, conduct small-scale pilots, or run years of professional development overhaul. In some schools that are relatively tiny (and new), however, educators are using their size and […]
Finding the Right Blended Learning Solution
July 24, 2019 |This post originally appeared in The 74 million. There’s almost no escaping the presence of technology in classrooms. Now that 1:1 technology initiatives are widespread, schools are at risk of jumping on the bandwagon without a core purpose for technology integration. Tech-rich environments in themselves are not always negative, but they also don’t necessarily transform […]
The underestimated resource for personalized learning (and how to get more of it)
May 7, 2019 |When schools think about incorporating personalized learning, it may seem intuitive to consider resources like specific technologies or professional development plans. But there’s another critical resource that too often gets discounted but is hiding in plain sight: time. Although schools may manage to add more time on the margins with a “just do more” mindset, […]
A Case for Real Cupcakes and Real Connections at BPLC19
February 26, 2019 |My three-year-old loves his iPad. He implores me to take it down from the high shelf where it’s stored with the desperate thirst of a man who’s been wandering the desert. It’s one of the few carrots I can use to compel him to do the things three-year-olds are loathe to do: put on shoes; […]
Personalizing PD for highly-effective, personalized-learning teachers
February 5, 2019 |There is little doubt that technology is a key tool to enable student-centered teaching and learning. After all, it was this premise that led to the great 1:1 race in which schools and districts invested hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars to get devices into the hands of as many students as possible. […]
The BLU’s Top 10 Stories of 2018
December 18, 2018 |As the year draws to a close, we want to thank the international community of educators who practice blended learning to better support each of their students on their learning paths and toward their goals. Cheers to another year of great work! As we reflect on the inspiring practices that took flight this year, let’s […]