Wes Akers

Throughout our sessions, I’m using a textbook, blog, and videos from Catlin Tucker.  I first became acquainted with Tucker’s work in INTE 5665 Social Media and Digital Culture.  When we were creating our network learning space, I researched ed tech bloggers and found Catlin Tucker’s work.  I was drawn to Tucker because she is an English language arts teacher, like me, implementing blended learning practices, like me.  I’m using her text Blended Learning in Grades 4- 12 to pace our learning through those three stages illustrated in my previous post.

The Acquisition stage will include our sessions in September, October, and November.  In our first session, we explored the question – why blended learning?  We studied benefits of blended learning to answer the question.  In our second session, we are going to explore different models of blended learning.  The third session will focus on learning management systems and tech tools.  I think the pacing will naturally allow my colleagues to build on their prior knowledge and acquire new information in order to create a project for students.

I’m also modeling blended learning practices and tools I use with students.

• Model – Flex
• LMS – Google Classroom
• Discussions
• Polls
• Infographic Searches
• Youtube Searches
• Note-taking on & offline
• Google Forms

UPDATE: A-MA-ZING – I love working with my colleagues!  It is inspiring to watch their curiosity grow and lead them to deeper levels of research and thinking.  Everyone was totally engaged and collaborative in our second session.  I can see their projects begin to take shape as my colleagues acquire more information.