Using Increased Learning Time and Adaptive Technology to Drive Student Gains

1. Using Increased Learning Time and Adaptive Technologyto Drive Student Gains

2. Agenda 1. What Is Hybrid Learning? 2. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning 3. Computer Lab: A Recommended Hybrid Approach 4. Next Steps: Content, Delivery, Costs, Data 5. Takeaways

3. What Is Hybrid Learning? Hybrid Learning (sometimes called blended learning) entails 2 different modes of learning: teacher-led learning and personalized, computer-led learning—uniformly happening for all students at different times of the day. HYBRID LEARNING

4. The Edu-Tech Continuum Schools using technology can position themselves anywhere on a broad continuum Low Technology Use High FULL-SCALE HYBRID LEARNING Where schools should aim to be Using intensive intervention tech programs for RTI Virtual schools: all classes taught entirely online. Example: Florida Virtual School Computer lab model: all students have lab period each day when they work with online programs. Example: Rocketship Education in San Jose A computer skills “special” class, used once/twice per week Virtual hybrids: most instruction delivered online with teachers present as coaches/guides. Example: VOISE Academy in Chicago Using handheld response systems to gauge student understanding Station model: classrooms have computer stations through which students rotate during class period Supplementing curriculum: videos, PowerPoint, online research projects

5. The Station Model: Rotating within the classroom computer center private work & reading area sm. group instruction Example: Class time is divided among three stations - a small-group instruction setting, a private work/reading area, and a computer center. PROS: Benefits of adaptive online learning Promotes differentiated instruction Students enjoy the break from the large-group instructional format Teachers remain with the students CONS: The online session is typically only 20 minutes per class (often per day) Some teachers use the model more than others, or differently than others, so that all students do not uniformly benefit from the online programming Movement within the class period can take away from learning time

6. The Virtual Hybrid Model: A Virtual School Within a School One class: Online content + + + Videos Other media Personal Coach Majority of instruction is driven by technology, using adaptive online programs, videos, and other high-tech applications. Similar to virtual schools where learning comes from web-based programs, but teachers are present to act as guides/coaches. • e.g. VOISE Academy in Chicago: 70% of instruction delivered online PROS: • Benefits of adaptive online learning, using range of applications • Students engaged through multiple educational platforms • Teachers individualize instruction by acting as coaches CONS: • High technology costs • Teacher buy-in and training could be difficult • Students MUST be capable of staying engaged through technology

7. The Computer Lab Model: Online Learning as Its Own Class Period Schedule: Math Online Learning ELA Science Web-based learning time is given its own class (similar to math/ELA); students rotate through the class as they would any other PROS: • Benefits of adaptive online learning • Method/amount of online instruction is uniform for all • Allows for focus on different nature of instruction • Not just a supplemental stage within a math class but its OWN online math class • Other: can be cost effective; frees up core teacher time CONS: • Class schedule would need to be readjusted • May require a deeper pedagogical shift than what would be required within the station model

8. Credit Recovery/Advanced Placement • Many hybrid learning models are found at the K-8 level, but there are usage situations specific to the high school level as well: credit recovery and advanced placement courses represent a sizeable niche within the edu-tech world. • In 2009-10, 700 BPS students were enrolled in credit recovery courses with Apex Learning, an online content provider; more are expected this year • Thousands of children enroll in online AP classes each year, often because their schools do not offer the AP courses they want • Leading vendors: Apex, Odyssey (Compass Learning), and Aventa Learning • These classes are entirely online; students can take them remotely • Many vendors have traditional high school course offerings too

9. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning 1. What Is Hybrid Learning? 2. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning 3. Computer Lab: A Recommended Hybrid Approach 4. Next Steps: Content, Delivery, Costs, Data 5. Takeaways

10. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning* Incorporating a full-scale hybrid learning model can yield the following four substantial benefits: Personalized instruction: education customized for every student Data, data, data:much more differentiation, much less grading/recording Frees up teacher time: for team meetings, class prep, p.d. Cost effective: saves money by using paraprofessionals * See appendix for research results on hybrid learning Instituting the Computer Lab model can add two other benefits

11. Adaptive Educational Software Driving Personalized Instruction The best programs… remember skill level of students when they log in use self-paced, mastery-based approach work for all students in class (high and low performers alike) Specific examples: = K-12 Math; includes textbook integration tool; teachers can link online work directly to text used in class = 2-12 Reading; same reading passages are “e-mailed” to all students, but content is tailored to Lexile levels = profiling engine; differentiates students across number of dimensions (learning styles, interests, etc.)

12. Data: Accelerated Reader Reports • Several different reports available • Tracks student performance, participation, engaged time, and totals for books/words read • Produces multi-level comparisons • Features teacher dashboard for quick desktop access to data • Widget can be added to school website displaying school-wide metrics

13. Data: IXL Math Reports • 37 different reports available • Tracks performance, engaged time, progress toward state standards, and improvement over time • Produces multi-level comparisons • Allows teachers to view problems students missed and the answers they chose for them

14. Computer Lab: Our Recommended Hybrid Approach 1. What Is Hybrid Learning? 2. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning 3. Computer Lab: A Recommended Hybrid Approach 4. Next Steps: Content, Delivery, Costs, Data 5. Takeaways

15. The Computer Lab: How Rocketship Does It • Physical Education • 30 minutes • run by PlayWorks • includes Health • class 2-3 days/wk • uses separate • space • Reading Center • 30 minutes • children read leveled readers, then take quizzes online • daily & bi-monthly assessments determine RTI • Computer Center • 40 minutes • children sit at computers using adaptive, engaging online programs • programs alternate each day from ELA to math Increasing in level of personalization Rocketship Education -- Charter school network based in San Jose Students rotate through a 1 hour, 40 minute “Learning Lab” period that is integrated into the class schedule and is divided into 3 components:

16. Other Factors Also Promote Success • Four 1:40 blocks during day • Two ELA (3 hours, 20 minutes total) • Includes whole-group instruction, periodic social studies content, independent reading, and individualized attention from teacher • One Math • Includes science 30 min’s/day, 3 days/week • Whole-group instruction supplemented by individual in-class tutoring for those who need it (provided by paid tutors) • One Computer Lab class (called Learning Lab) • Two-hour afterschool RTI • All literacy-based • Staffed by Americorps Fellows and other non-certified instructors working with small groups of students • Bottom 20% of student body, as determined by Reading Center assessments Mock Schedule:

17. Positive Results for Rocketship’s Approach In 2010, Rocketship’s first two schools placed 5th and 15th in California among schools serving predominantly low-income populations. • Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary • Earned an API score of 925 for the 2nd consecutive year • Outperformed surrounding schools in the San Jose Unified District and more affluent schools in Palo Alto • Rocketship Sí Se Puede Academy • Earned an API score of 886 in its first year of operation

18. Advantages of Computer Lab Approach Simple Nothing too sophisticated or time-intensive Flexible Time and content can be easily designed to fit school needs Effective Uses the research-proven blended learning model Data Driven Online programs feed data that can inform class instruction Student Friendly Components are both engaging and student-centric Teacher Friendly Informs better lessons; frees up time for collaboration

19. Important Initial Decisions: Scheduling, Content, Student Placement & Staffing Scheduling: • Insert the Computer Lab within the day as part of every student’s class schedule. Students can rotate through this period just as they do with Math, ELA, etc. • Note that this requires flexibility • If your school’s additional time each day is less than a full period, adjust the length of all periods to create another period in the day that can be used for the Lab

20. Content & Student Placement Decisions Based on Data Content and Curriculum: • Student data should tell you what your students need to learn • e.g. you might just bring in math content if your students are struggling in that subject; you might only use an online learning program for RTI; etc. Student Placement: • Student data should determine student placement, particularly if adding multiple subjects. • Higher performing students may not need academic support, so enrichment programs could be an alternative.

21. Benefits of Using Non-Certified Staff in Computer Lab Approach Non-Certified Staffing: • 3 significant benefits: • Cost savings: using noncertified staff can help reduce costs • Simplifies Training: online programs often require somewhat detailed training sessions; easier to train paraprofessionals to staff all Computer Lab classes than all teachers to work with their own classes • Frees up teacher time: by not being with their students during Lab time, teachers can meet with other teachers, participate in professional development, do peer observations, etc.

22. The Structure Is Established. Now What? 1. What Is Hybrid Learning? 2. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning 3. Computer Lab: A Recommended Hybrid Approach 4. Next Steps: Content, Delivery, Costs, Data 5. Takeaways

23. Content:Who will provide the online content? What vendors will you partner with to supply the content? Recommendations: Make sure each program is both engaging AND adaptive Find a model that fits your budget and negotiate on price Choose vendors that can provide comprehensive data reports Ensure that these partners will also provide on-demand customer support, initial training, and PD when applicable Scrutinize any results that the vendors have made available; the product(s) you bring in MUST be proven effective Make sure each program aligns with state standards Bring in the product(s) for a trial period as soon as possible

24. Choosing Online Content Providers Mass 2020 has developed ratings of Online Content Providers based on six dimensions: affordability, adaptability, data usage, level of customer support and/or professional development, proof of efficacy, and alignment with state standards.

25. Online Content Providers (cont’d) Spreadsheet available upon request. Basic information also includes web address, grades and subjects offered, and availability of trial periods.

26. Open Educational Resources (OER) Some of the best content on the web is teacher-generated and FREE. The following are 4 of the most popular, fastest-growing OER sites:

27. Bill Gates’ Favorite Teacher The following screenshot comes from a Khan Academy video: 1800+ videos provided, from arithmetic to calculus, biology to banking

28. Delivery:How will the online content be delivered? What platform will you use to deliver the web-based programming? Note: In answering this question you will have to choose among computers, laptops, smart phones, and other handheld devices. Recommendations: Use the school’s already-established computer lab(s). Note, though, that devices such as the iTouch or the TeacherMate are effective and affordable. Choose Online Content Providers who host everything online. Do NOT rely on school or district servers to host the software

29. Costs:The right human capital model is important How will you staff the Computer Lab? Three Options Non-certified but trained staff; kids rotate through Certified teachers; kids rotate through Certified teachers; lab at beginning or end of day Increasing in total cost

30. Costs:Vary Significantly Based on Staffing Model • Note: cost estimates based on the following assumptions: • Student population of 250 • 1 hour of extra time (in lab) • $22/hour for paraprofessional $41/hour for teacher • Rotate models: 2 labs of 25 computers each (assumed to be in school already); Tack-on model: 10 labs of 25 each • PCs & accessories: $400 each • 10 hours of training needed An Excel-based cost-calculator is available through Mass 2020 for schools to estimate their expected costs using different staffing and scheduling models.

31. Costs:Online Content May Not Come Cheap (but it can) How much are you prepared to spend on the online content? • Considerations: • Costs vary considerably based on the following: • number of students using the software • the content provider • usage model (e.g. RTI vs. “whole school” model) • amount of professional development/support necessary • Costs, for 250 students, can range from less than $5K/year (e.g. Renzulli Learning, Accelerated Reader, and IXL) to more than $30,000/year (READ 180, Odyssey, and Pearson).

32. Data:A Great Benefit But How Will You Use It? How will your teachers use the new data coming into the classroom? Recommendations: Make sure there is a well-communicated strategic plan for how the teachers will use the data in the classroom Train the staff on the usage of data. Be careful about which vendors you bring in: some provide limited data, others provide data that may be too sophisticated or too hard to access for teachers to actually use. Avoid programs that only provide “usage reports.” Look for data that can promote a sound differentiation strategy. Look for data that can generate comparisons at the student, school, and possibly district levels.

33. Long-Term Considerations and Other Recommendations 1. What Is Hybrid Learning? 2. The Benefits of Hybrid Learning 3. Computer Lab: A Recommended Hybrid Approach 4. Next Steps: Content, Delivery, Costs, Data 5. Takeaways

34. A Careful Process of Implementation Teacher involvement, motivation, and support are essential. • Use existing data to identify needs of specific students and what types of skills you need to focus on. • Evaluate a range of online content. Negotiate free trials if possible. Involve the entire staff in trying out the software, allowing teachers to “play” with the programs to develop buy-in. • Identify ways to staff Computer Labs so core teachers can have PD or collaboration time and you can reduce staffing costs. • Make sure to train all staff who will work with students, and provide ongoing support for teachers. • Monitor student growth and identify most successful programs. • Coordinate open stream of data from computers to classrooms.

35. Other Recommendations Time and teacher buy-in are the biggest obstacles to implementing adaptive technology; if those can be mitigated—through an ELT framework and strong leadership—then your school might be able to formulate a successful plan in less than a month. • Start small and give yourself the best chance of success: adaptive tech does not have to go school-wide right away • A potential strategy for near-term implementation would be to use the technology as part of a privately funded controlled study, where not all students would be impacted • Explore the range of tech-driven models and online content vendors: select the model and programs that work best for your school • Document everything: record every step in the process, for both institutional memory and for ease of replication at other schools

36. QuestionsandNext Steps Planning Thank you for your time.

37. Planning Your Next Steps • What three ideas or lessons do you want to remember from this session? • What lessons from this session can you do now or do in Year 1 of your school redesign? • What elements do you want to have implemented by Year 3? • What next steps does your team have to take to act on these priorities? (Who? What? By when?)

38. Appendix: Research Says Hybrid Education Works Note: Research in this area has been limited as adaptive learning technology is still new, though tech applications improve and grow in number every year. • A 2009 U.S. DOE meta-analysis found that students in purely online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction, and those receiving “blended” instruction (both online and face-to-face) performed even better • This countered an older Mathematica/SRI study which found no significant difference in student performance between classrooms using technology and others using face-to-face instruction • A national survey funded by the MacArthur Foundation found that 77% of school district administrators agree that new Web 2.0 technologies have value for teaching and learning • Numerous case studies on hybrid learning and online content vendors boast of student gains and increased student engagement