Breaking STEM Barriers Through Blended Learning Approach

Denise Birdwell

Higley Unified School District shared how to break through the barriers to provide an exciting STEM blended learning model. The district believes there should be no one set path when you start talking about technology for blended learning. It does not matter whether you start with one teacher, or one school; it is worth the journey. Don’t let obstacles, like money, stand in the way.

Blended classroom teachers say they don’t not use paper. Innovation in classrooms has been happening for years, some programs go away and some stay around. Technology is here to stay. It is important for the leader of the class to be comfortable with technology. Higley Elementary District utilized educators who were leaders in technology to pave the way for others.

National Board Certified Teacher Nancy Foote from Higley never planned to use technology, but now it is an everyday part of her classroom. She began using teaching videos in the early 2000s. As a test to see if they worked, she divided her students into two groups, video and textbook. She tested them and found 83 percent of video students mastered the topic vs. 71 percent of the textbook students. Her videos allow students to revisit lessons, and allow her to reflect on what works, what doesn't work, and to make changes. Students may speed up or slow down lessons to set their own pace. Her message in a nutshell:  Educators must ignite the curiosity in children.

Kyrene students use technology in the classroom every day. Through professional development, teachers learn to create new experiences that empower and engage children.

The district has teamed the Instructional Technology manager with curriculum specialists to address the needs of all learners and effectively integrate technology into the curriculum. The district implemented a 1-to-1 environment, where each student has access to a computing device whenever and wherever they need it.  This initiative is in two schools, and will continue to expand.

Mindy Blake

Amphitheater Public Schools