The Keys to Success in Hybrid Programs: 9 Strategies to Help Develop the Right Environment for Blended Learning

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BLENDED LEARNING EXISTS at the intersection between traditional face-to-face instruction and online learning, although to what extent each component is employed is open to interpretation. The ratio between offline and online instruction can vary widely from school to school, but both elements must be present in order to qualify as true blended learning. Such programs continue to gain traction among K-12 school administrators, but the transition to a hybrid model presents challenges to teachers, administrators, and students alike: How do you quantify hybrid instruction in order to meet state mandates? What are the most affordable, yet high-quality, sources of online content? Which are the best ways for teachers to mentor children in this new paradigm? These are just a few of the tough questions that astute K-12 ed tech leaders are finding some strategic ways to answer. Some answers may sound obvious. As an example, Sheryl Abshire, chief technology officer for the preK-12 Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, LA, says "We have a key anchor requirement in our district, and I'm telling you it has served us well: You can't teach online unless you have been taught online." Other answers aren't so inflexible. In the advice that follows, Abshire and other experienced educators share their key ideas and discoveries for achieving success in a hybrid environment. 1) Assess Student Learning Goals Through Collaboration Since schools traditionally measure student progress by seat time, a model in which part of the learning happens outside the classroom presents new challenges, requiting districts to figure out both how to assure that learning is really taking place and how to stay accountable to state systems. One solution: Bring stakeholders at the school together regularly to collaborate on how students are progressing. Elaine Manicke, principal of Rio Rancho Cyber Academy in Rio Rancho, NM, and her team build this collaboration right into their schedule. They meet every Friday to review the previous week's student activities, catalog specific student goals achieved, and ensure that all the activities teachers and students undertake are documented in order to meet all the mandates. "We have a governance model that provides for collaboration among all the parties involved," she says. [ILLISIBLE EN SOURCE ORIGINALE.] 2) Set Ground Rules With Vendors The backbone of any hybrid environment is its learning management system, which school districts usually look to third-party companies to provide. But just because you're handing off some aspects of your program doesn't mean you hand over all the reins to it at the same time. Even the CEO era company that offers such off-the-shelf programs says it is important for schools to maintain control of their own initiatives. "The only way you can change the climate in your school district is by owning the initiative and empowering your teachers to teach in a hybrid environment," says Jed Friedrichsen, CEO of Blendedschools.net, which sells courses, software, and related PD for blended learning. "Look toward teaching your own students, and doing it your way." When choosing a vendor, look for ones that are responsive to your specific needs and those of your students, advises Manicke. One key element is quick retrieval of data for all users. Heidi Parnell, program manager of the Rio Rancho Cyber Academy, says her district's first LMS provider took up to two weeks to process grade changes, which caused some in the district to lose enthusiasm for the program. A change in vendors. however, rekindled their dedication. Specifically, the new vendor provided educators, students, and parents with separate system log-ins, allowing them to share documents and information among themselves. "That information is being shared with all stakeholders now," Parnell says. …