Improving Student Engagement and
Achievement Through Blended
Learning
Peter Anello & Steve Courchesne
Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic DSB
Agenda
• Our Story with Blended Learning @ NPSC
• LMS Tools
– Content, discussion, dropbox, quizzes
• DI
• Troubleshooting / Challenges
• Next Steps
Introductions
• Peter Anello
e-Learning Contact
• Stephen Courchesne
Grade 7-8 Teacher
St. Hubert School
Blended Learning @ NPSC
• Spring 2011
– Blended Learning at Blended Learning Symposium
(Near North DSB)
• Fall 2011
– Blended Learning made
available at NPSC
– Blended Learning
Symposium (Sudbury)
– Implementation into
Steve’s class
Presentation Breakdown
• LMS Tools
– Description
– How they are being used
• Student samples
• Testimonials
Video Testimonials
• Students were asked to respond to the
following question:
– “How would you like to see technology used in
your classroom or in your school?”
– “Share any ways that it is currently being used
that you really like.”
Steve’s Class
• 28 students
• 2 Mobile Labs
– PC and MAC
• SMART board
Steve’s Class
• Wireless network
access throughout
school
• BYOD implemented fall
2011
CONTENT
Content
• Course materials and
assignments uploaded
to LMS
• Easily accessible as web
pages
• Features such as links,
images, videos and
interactive objects can
be embedded
• Accessible 24/7
Content
Content
• Accessible online 24/7
Content
• Features such as links, images, videos and
interactive objects can be embedded
DISCUSSION
Discussion
•
•
•
•
Threaded message forums and topics
Secured within the LMS
Assignment/Topic specific threads
General and/or troubleshooting forums
Discussion: Examples
1. Students helping each other
Discussion: Examples
2. Keeping teacher in line
Discussion: Examples
3. Students using description/feedback to help
with criteria
Discussion: Examples
4. Students trying to problem solve the
assignment criteria
Engagement Statistics
Tell Tale Heart Assignment
28 students
X 9 questions to complete
= 252 total expected responses
248 were submitted on time…
DROPBOX
Dropbox
• Used for file submission
• Feedback left by instructor
• All activity is time & date stamped
Nathan – 1st Submission
Nathan – 2nd Submission
Nathan – Final Submission
Melanie – 1st
Submission
Melanie – 2nd Submission
Melanie – 3rd Submission
QUIZZES
Quizzes
• Teacher and studentdriven question
creation
• Assessment and/or
evaluation
• Check your
understanding
Quizzes
COMMUNICATION
Communication Tools
• Homepage News
– Broadcast messages to
entire class
• Pager
– Instant messaging
• Email
• All safe and secure
within LMS
Email - Sample
DI
CHALLENGES /
TROUBLESHOOTING
Access to Technology
• Internet @ home
– Not mandatory to use
LMS after school hours
• BYOD
– School
laptops/computers
available to all students
Challenges
• Tech literacy
– Typing skills
• Netiquette (online discussions/chat/email)
– Student/parent agreement
Troubleshooting
• Software compatibility
– Word/WordPerfect/open office, pages
• Saving in rich text format (rtf) or in word mode
CONCLUSION
Summary