Blended Learning in Action supports teachers, teacher leaders, and schools as they shift to a blended learning model. Blended learning has several advantages over traditional instruction if technology is used to effectively engage students in active learning both inside the classroom and online. Blended learning allows for more communication and collaboration both synchronously and asynchronously, creates more opportunities for students to drive their own learning, provides teachers with more time to work one-on-one or in small groups to differentiate and personalize learning while providing more timely feedback. This transition to blended learning requires a fundamentally new approach to learning as well as a new skillset for both teachers and school leaders. The shift from traditional instruction to a blended model is a delicate process with many moving parts, which requires all stakeholders in a school community work together.
This book demystifies blended learning for teachers and schools looking for alternatives to a traditional approach to teaching. The educational landscape is changing, but teachers and schools need practical resources to help them navigate these changes so that they are exciting, not scary. This book includes research, examples, anecdotes, and resources gathered from the authors' work as well as interviews with teachers and school leaders using different blended models.
About the Authors
Catlin Tucker is an accomplished Google Certified Teacher, international trainer, education consultant, speaker, and author. She currently teaches in Sonoma County where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2010. She has also taught online college-level writing courses, which led to her interest in blended learning and technology integration. Catlin’s first book Blended Learning in Grades 4-12 is a bestseller. In 2015, Corwin published her second book Creatively Teach the Common Core Literacy Standards with Technology. She authored a blended learning course for ASCD and writes a monthly column titled “Techy Teacher” for Educational Leadership. Catlin earned her BA in English from UCLA and her English credential and Masters in Education from UCSB. She writes an internationally ranked education technology blog at CatlinTucker.com and is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker.
Tiffany Wycoff is an innovative school leader with a specialization in blended learning and school technology integration. She was an early adopter of blended learning at the K-12 level, teaching and leading in both online and face-to-face setting. Tiffany has served as a school leader at Grandview Preparatory School in Florida and The Mandell School in New York, helping both schools establish technology rich learning environments and to incorporate blended learning models into the academic program. She has presented on blended learning and the use of social media in education at conferences and universities, and has helped other schools transform their programs through blended learning implementation. Tiffany collaborated on the design and development of the Redbird Professional Learning Platform which provides online professional development to teachers and leaders. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, and an Executive MS in Technology Management from Columbia University. Tiffany writes an educational leadership blog at www.TeachOntheEdge.com and is active on Twitter @TeachOnTheEdge.
Inspired by his youth development and nonprofit work as a student at Morehouse College, Jason Green has dedicated his career to creating positive change in education. As a member of the leadership team with Redbird Advanced Learning, Jason partnered with Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education to re-envision professional learning. He led the design of the Redbird Professional Learning Platform which now helps prepare thousands of teachers globally for 21st century learning. Jason has traveled nationally and internationally to help schools and districts build cultures of innovation and adapt to education’s changing landscape. Jason has spoken at leading universities and conferences including Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, NCSM and iNACOL and has been featured in the Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, and NBC. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College, Jason is driven by the belief that all children have a right to a high-quality education. Jason holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and an M.S. Ed from University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Jason has served as an adjunct professor and a board member for various nonprofits. Connect with Jason on Twitter @jasontoddgreen.
Industry Reviews
"The time for blended learning is now and the place is ALL classrooms throughout the country. This book provides educators with essential information and practices that will prepare students for the 21st Century." -- Kim Weber, 4th Grade Teacher "The authors make blended learning come alive with the use of practical examples and resources beneficial to all school leaders and teachers ready to elevate student learning." -- Kelly Fitzgerald, Online Learning Integration Specialist "This book is an excellent tool for administrators and educators who would like to learn more about implementing or improving a successful blended learning program in their school or district. It provides step-?by-?step instructions as well as anecdotes from actual educators who have experienced the implementation process themselves." -- Juliette Guarino Berg, Lower School Science Specialist "Blended Learning in Action will lead to deep discussion with teachers and school leaders on how to move forward with an action plan to link modern and fresh teaching practices in the classroom to technology, while also helping to create rewarding classroom environment." -- Kristopher R. Kwiatek, Principal "Blended Learning in Action is an incredibly thoughtful read that builds a case for the urgent changes needed in schools today. Authors Tucker, Green, and Wycoff bring incredible expertise and passion to this book. It artfully describes the importance of blended learning playing a central role in this revolution coming to education as we know it. Blended Learning in Action is a great road map that balances research and practice for teachers, leaders, and learners." -- Robert Dillon, Director "This book is different. It is deeper and more serious about creating the change students deserve than most others. Blended Learning in Action is a deep dive into what, why, and how blended learning can be meaningfully implemented and scaled. The purposeful integration of multiple stakeholder perspectives throughout the book was masterful. The fact that each and every chapter of Blended Learning in Action started out with a student's perspective confirms that it is built on a vital pedagogical foundation." -- Dr. Brad Gustafson, Author of Renegade Leadership "Whether you are a district, school, or classroom education leader, Blended Learning in Action will take you through the pedagogy, tools, curriculum and lesson design strategies, and practical classroom models to start transforming learning for your students. The best part of this book is that it can provide educators with innovative ideas whether they are just considering going blended, ready to take the plunge, or have already gone blended and are looking for more inspiration. Don't miss the chance to move your classroom, school, or district forward by creating a culture shift and following through with the school-wide and classroom practices that have been tested by educators." -- Kerry Gallagher, Digital Learning Specialist, Director of K-12 Education
