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Showing posts from February, 2018

101. The Transformative Power of AI

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Folks, let’s face it. Our classrooms are going to look a little different this year. AI, specifically ChatGPT, is going to change the way we design learning experiences and assess student mastery. I’ll be honest, when I first explored the ChatGPT platform I was terrified. As I have dug deeper into the technology and its capabilities, I realized that while it does pose significant challenges — it also presents us with some pretty amazing opportunities. In this series, we will explore what AI is capable of, its implications in the classroom, and how it can benefit both teachers and students. Let’s start by examining where we have been, where we are currently, and looking forward to where we are going. Whether this is a trip you wanted to go on or not, the AI train has left the station and it is time for all of us to jump on board. From Card Catalogs to Artificial Intelligence I belong to the micro-generation called Xennial. Xennials are considered to be a “bridge” between Generation X a...
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#7. Formative and Summative Assessments in a Blended Classroom

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How will a blended classroom model change the way that I assess my students? I currently assess my students once every unit.  Each summative exam typically consists of 45-55 multiple choices questions and a free-response question with five vocabulary terms.  The students are required to define and apply the vocabulary terms to a prompt. My class periods are 45 minutes so I have tried to mimic the length and format of the AP exam to allow for students to become familiar with the test layout before the AP exam in May. I need to decide how and when to assess my students in my blended course next year.  Typically, my students take the exam in class on Friday and complete test corrections in class the following Monday.  However, I'm not sure this is the best use of my class time if I am only guaranteed three class days with my students each week.  Considering I assess approximately twelve times per year, I would be "burning" a lot of days administering assessmen...
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#6. Student Flex Days

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What Are Flex Days? Updated Information:  Flex days are days in which the student may not be required to attend AP Psychology.   They can choose instead to work on their digital assignment or go to approved locations in the school building.  The days are determined based on the curriculum and can vary in number from week to week.  The students are notified as to when they occur at the beginning of the unit.  Reminders are also posted in Canvas.   Student Attendance:  T hey will be required to attend class five days a week if their AP Psychology grade drops below a C- or if they are asked to attend for additional instruction, remediation or extension activities .   However, they are more than welcome to come to our classroom every day day if they wish! Some possible uses for flex days include; 1. Test Corrections - Students are required to complete test corrections.  The AP Psychology exam is cumulative and the st...
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#5. Blended Model Course Format - Pilot Overview

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My pilot for the blended learning class was approved in the fall of 2017.  It will be the first blended learning class at our school.  This provided me with a great deal of flexibility in terms of format and expectations. The AP Psychology, blended-model course will meet three days per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 45 minutes.  During this time period, the students will participate in traditional lessons that  include lecture, discussion and demonstrations.  They will be expected to complete additional assignments outside of the classroom so their experience will be comparable with students in the traditional model.  The out of class assignments could range from watching videos, reading experiments and creating authentic assessments. If a student's grade drops below a C-, he or she will be required to attend class every day until their grade is satisfactory.  My intent for this requirement is two fold; 1) it will provide an opportunity f...
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#4. If It Ain't Broke...

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Historically, AP Psychology has been a very popular and successful class at our high school. I have had the pleasure of being involved with the program from day one.  The development of this program has challenged and inspired me.  Today, I was asked why I am proposing changes to a class that is for all intents and purposes working, and working well.  In other words, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Here are some ways in which I think we might benefit from offering a blended course in addition to a traditional model; 1. Student Schedules - Most of my students are taking a rigorous course load.  In order to fit in all of their courses they sacrifice study halls and lunch.  They would benefit from having flexible periods built into their day where they could makeup tests, complete test corrections or receive tutoring.  The blended model will allow them to receive the same content as the traditional student, but allow them to meet some of their other needs ...
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