#BlendedJourney: Sharing Your Blended Learning Story

Whether you have been at it for several years, or you are in first year of implementing a blended learning program, the journey towards a more personalized and competency based learning experience is full of challenge and reward. This year, with support from DreamBox Learning we asked participants at #iNACOL14, to share their blended learning story. A packed ballroom with over 200 participants engaged in conversation with each other and the greater twitter community. The #blendedjourney hashtag, not only told the story of the session, but it also continued to stay active throughout the symposium, highlighting the value in such a conversation. Below is a recap of the inspirational collaboration that took place. For the full list of tweets and blog posts, visit our #blendedjourney Storify, and to continue the conversation, share your journey on social media with #blendedjourney.
Building Point of View. The best way to kick off a conversation like this? Ask educators what excites them about blended learning.

I’m excited about education becoming a professional we’ve all dreamed it to be. #blendedjourney #deeperlearning #iNACOL14

— Eric Nentrup (@ericnentrup) November 5, 2014

#blendedjourney Change is one of the biggest things that excites most educators when it comes to blended learning. pic.twitter.com/C8cNNjj0KA

— Jesse Buchholz (@soulfirestudio) November 5, 2014

success in education: motivation = persistence, persistence = achievement #blendedjourney #INACOL14 @tvanderark

— Anna Barber (@annawbarber) November 5, 2014

Excited to learn the varied ways educators use data for personalized learning with this model. #blendedjourney

— Rebecca Midles (@akrebecca) November 5, 2014

Determining What is Working. Participants worked in table groups to share their success stories along with tools that have helped support their journey.

Gamification is only relevant to student achievement with the right content, at @DreamBox_Learn we relentlessly pursue both #BlendedJourney

— Neal Manegold (@NealManegold) November 5, 2014

We use the @instructure #Canvas #LMS and @GoogleForEdu tools to let kids work together outside of class. #inacol14 #blendedjourney

— Moss Pike (@mosspike) November 5, 2014

Packed room sharing #blendedjourney stories with each other at #iNACOL14 cc @Getting_Smart @tvanderark pic.twitter.com/17AmFEOfST

— ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) November 5, 2014

The Shift to Student Centered Learning. Blended Learning allows teachers and schools to make a dramatic shift in the way students learn. It encourages the transformation from a teacher centered to a student centered learning environment.

Using adaptive digital content helps bridge the divide between former standards and common core. #blendedjourney #iNacol2014

— Ken Zimmerman (@IU13IMS) November 5, 2014

Really fascinated by the shift away from seat time that's organic to blended learning. #iNACOL14 #blendedjourney

— Sean Michael Morris (@slamteacher) November 5, 2014

Disaster is almost inevitable when you move from teacher centered to student centered. DON'T GIVE UP! #blendedjourney

— Luci Weaver (@lweaverPISD) November 5, 2014

Innovating Blended Learning. Mindset change is the hardest for teachers and administartors #Blendedjourney @tvanderark #iNACOL14 #BOCESNERIC

— Lisa Cala Ruud (@LisaCalaRuud) November 5, 2014

Where Is this All Heading? Tom highlights the 10 trends identified in DreamBox’s recent publication: Blended Learning Innovations: 10 Major Trends and wraps with why this work, although difficult, is extremely important.

"Might be daunting- but there is a place for everyone to start." #BlendedJourney #INACOL14

— ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) November 5, 2014

RT @Primary_Ed If a child is off-task..maybe problem isn't child..maybe it's the task. pic.twitter.com/W5pLHtfcNg #iNACOL14 #blendedjourney

— Tamara Van Wyhe (@Tch2LrnAK) November 7, 2014

You guys have a chance to change the world says @tvanderark #iNACOL14 #BlendedJourney

— Caroline Vander Ark (@cvanderark) November 5, 2014

DreamBox (@DreamBox_Learn) and Getting Smart (@Getting_Smart) were excited to spark the conversation in Palm Springs, but we are also excited about the dialogue that can continue. Do you have ideas and stories to share about your own blended learning experience? Let us know! We look forward to continuing the conversation at #blendedjoureny.
 
DreamBox Learning and Instructure are Getting Smart Advocacy Partners.