Julie Bass teaches in a preschool program with limited technology resources. She found ways to blend technology into her lessons, such as using Microsoft Paint for student art, creating a classroom website to communicate with parents, and using YouTube videos to engage English language learners. Some blended learning examples included using playlists to reduce transition time, making classroom videos to build community, and allowing students to explore keyboard keys to learn letters. Bass provided tips for blending learning, such as keeping an open mind, exploring technology simply, and asking questions. She found that blending learning encouraged her growth in using new apps and copyright knowledge. Administrators felt the classroom website was a good communication tool, and students enjoyed the educational YouTube videos.

1. Blended Learning Portfolio
Julie Bass
Lead GSRP Teacher
Lincoln Park Public Schools

2. About Me…
• I teach in a GSRP program that services 144 at “high
risk” preschool aged children—almost half of the
children in my classroom speak Spanish at home.
• Our school budget is very tight, so technology in the
classroom is limited to one teacher use laptop and a
set of speakers.
• I thought blending would be impossible because of
our lack of technology, but I tried anyway!

3. Examples of Blended Lessons
In My Preschool Classroom

4. Assessing Student Development:
Using Microsoft Paint
Students were asked to draw pictures
using colors pink, yellow and blue.

5. Building and Maintaining a Classroom Website
Helped to Communicate with Parents

6. Creating Playlists in Windows Media Player
helped to cut down transition times.

7. Creating Classroom Videos helped Build
a Strong Classroom Community

8. Using youtube Gave Me a Way To
Reach ELL Students

9. Allowing Children to Explore Keyboard
Keys Helped Children Recognize
Capital Letters

10. Microsoft Word helped me document
classroom discussions while children
watched their ideas be put into words.

11. Tips for blending
• Instructors:
– You’ll be overwhelmed for
sure, take your time and think
simply.
– Keep an open mind
– Explore like a child explores,
push all of the buttons just to
see what happens (it won’t
break).
– Ask questions, find answers.
• Students/Parents:
– Participate
– Ask questions
– Give feedback, both
negative and positive
– Keep an open mind, the
schooling process is
changing.

12. Blended Learning has Encouraged me to Grow
I have learned to use new apps/software
I can use youtube clips in a variety of venues
I have learned to think outside of paper and pencil
I have learned to ask questions, lots of questions.
I know that I have copyright rights to my work via my Creative Commons license
I know I can keep up with changing education policies
I have learned to think simply first before being overwhelmed.
I can make movies that will aid in understanding for my learners
I can now be comfortable exploring the internet looking for content appropriate
for my students.

13. Feedback from Blending
• Although I have not gotten any feedback from any of
my parents regarding my classroom website,
administrators think it is a wonderful way to
communicate with parents.
• My students love watching the education youtube
clips. Several of my students ask during breakfast,
what the video we will be watching will be about.