As diseases become stronger in nature, currently available antibiotics are no longer strong enough to suppress and cure said diseases. Therefore, what factors contribute to diseases becoming resistant to drugs and what public policies should be developed around them?  In this problem-based learning module, students will work with partners or in groups to first assess the increasing problem of drug-resistant diseases and the toll they are taking on the American public. Additionally, students will work to investigate what hospitals and lawmakers are doing to address this problem. Once students understand and are familiar with the current state of affairs, they will then work to further understand and research exactly why this issue needs to be brought to the attention of the general public, in order to promote change to current hospital procedures and policies. Further, students will determine the current political climate and support (or lack thereof) for policy, and will analyze the interest in keeping, changing or removing said policies altogether. Once the group has a full understanding, students will then work to determine their position on the issues surrounding antibiotic resistant diseases and the policies associated with these diseases. As soon as the group reaches a consensus, students will work to research and determine a professional way in which to present their goals and objectives for curbing the issue of drug-resistant diseases.

A practical guide to creating blended learning, with lots of videos to illustrate steps and concepts. Written for higher ed, but definitely usable for anyone.

This book,"Blended Learning in K-12", is an overview of the concept of "blended learning" and how it relates to the integration of technologies in the K-12 environment. Dr. N.I. Scagnoli, the course instructor, has guided the students of the CTER 7 cohort in the creation of this book. This could not have happened in the 1980s. (By way of explanation to non-Americans, K-12 means all primary and secondary schooling).

A zip line is a way to glide from one point to another while hanging from a cable. Design and create a zip line that is safe for a hard-boiled egg. After designing a safety egg harness, connect the harness to fishing line or wire connected between two chairs of different heights using a paper clip. Learn to improve your zip line based on data. Attach a motion sensor at the bottom of your zip line and display a graph to show how smooth a ride your egg had!

A 30 minute video overview of Padlet and how it can be used by educators

This is the initial draft of something I started working on as a potential performance task for students. I still need to make a few variations and align with specific curriculum objectives, but have a solid start on developing the performance task and consider it important to start building this capacity in our students and staff now as we shift toward more blended learning environments.

During this activity, students will read s blend words, document the different blends they encounter, and graph the results.This is a practice in reading consonant blends, using tally marks for counting/documenting data, and graphing to represent that data.

This lesson includes two versions: 1. Blended Learning in person instruction and 2. remote learning for virtual teaching.The lesson focuses on solving equations that require simplifying each side by combining like terms. In the lesson the students will do a review activity of simplifying expressions by combining like terms then are posed with a problem of the day that requires that skill to solve a multi-step equation. The lesson provides questions to lead discussion and how to help guide students during their learning process. There is a blend of individual practice and partner work for collaboration. In the remote setting, the collaboration piece is a self checking activity of them practicing the new skill. It allows an opportunity for students to share their thought processes and reflection.It would be a great lesson after two step equations have been taught and starting multi-step equations involving combining like terms. Activities: 1. Review of combining like terms online practice and video 2. problem of the day 3. video lesson on new topic 4. around the room collaboration/virtual self checking around the room. 5. Reflection/Summary students summarize their understanding using vocaroo 6. apply new skill to solve problem of the day 7. Challenge question apply new skill to an application problem.

This is NOT an openly licensed resource but is very helpful for teachers who are moving to online or blended learning.

Nadine Gilkison is a District Level Tech Integrator in Illinois and has put together a Google resource full of tips and links to tools for those trying to get a good handle on online/blended learning. It goes beyond just using the tools and considers pedagogical implications and challenges as well.

This is a VDOE recorded webinar, Virtual and Blended Learning Best Practices for EL Teachers, recorded on September 14, 2020.