REBEL Primary Module 3

Learning Intentions

Participants will have a better understanding of:

The “why” behind blended learning.

School, teacher and learner considerations prior to selecting a model blended learning.

Planning to implement a blended lesson or thematic unit of work.

Start with Why

Why = The Purpose
Why do you do what you do?

How = The Process
How do you do what you do?

What = The Result
What do you do?

The golden circle. Three circles outer layer what, inner circle how, and centre is the why

In his book ‘Start with Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Change’, Simon Sinek states that people are inspired by a sense of purpose. It’s important to know not just what we are doing and we they are doing it, but also to consider the rationale for WHY we are doing something. Sinek advises us that the ‘what’ conversation should come later in our thinking, rather than initially.

This thought process can be applied to education especially when it comes to affecting change. It is particularly important when it comes to affecting change and successfully embedding digital technologies in schools.

Teachers need to first understand the rationale why new digital approaches (e.g. digital storytelling and filmmaking for creating content/ formative assessment using a digital portfolio) might be used, on occasions, over more traditional, non-digital approaches (e.g. handwritten stories and paper-based assessment methods.)

As Sinek points out, people don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it.

Teachers need to have a strong why behind what they are doing in order to effectively embed the use of a new digital tool or strategy. Pupils also need to understand the WHY? Why are we doing this? What is the value in it? The WHY has to be valuable to the teacher and pupil… not just a hoop for them to jump through. They need to see meaning in it.

Blended Learning is WHAT we are doing.

Planning for blended learning is one aspect of the HOW.

For example, curating and creating content for pupils to access online, whether it be videos, podcasts, newspaper articles, or other forms of trusted digital content.

We will explore the WHY on the next page.

Why use Blended Learning?

Well-planned blended learning experiences have many benefits. Here are some of the benefits of blended learning for both pupils and teachers:
-When blended learning is appropriately embedded, digital technologies can enable pupils to learn in new and exciting ways, encouraging engagement and making communication easier.
-The ability to control the pace of learning provides pupils with flexibility and encourages independence and self-directed learning i.e. pupils can pause and replay video content created by the teacher if they don’t initially understand the work or are struggling with a concept.
-More time is available for teachers to provide support to struggling pupils, either one-to-one or in small groups.
The use of digital platforms in blended learning makes it easier for teachers to provide individualised feedback to pupils.
You might consider discussing with your colleagues the reasons why blended learning can improve learner outcomes and experiences and teacher practice in your school.

hands holding tablet displaying a word cloud of words to describe blended learning

School Considerations

Before beginning to plan for blended learning, it is important to assess the current situation in your school.
What equipment and facilities are available in the school to support blended learning? Is the internet connection strong enough to facilitate the entire class working at once using video etc.?
What level of access to devices and internet connection do learners have at home? Can we establish the level of access of each pupil? How can we best do this as a school community?
Is there potential to include approaches to blended learning as part of the school's Digital Learning Plan this coming year?

graphics representing digital infrastructure, level of access to devices at home and digital learning plan and SSE