Blended Learning Institute (BLI) graduate Matthew Turner utilized many different edtech tools in an effort to prepare his 8th grade Algebra class for the Common Core Exam,including Canvas (an online discussion board) and online lessons for differentiated pacing. In this presentation he reflects on the results of using these tools and the struggles he faced with student motivation.

1. BLI Showcase
(Class)Room to Grow
Using an online classroom space to further individualize learning
for accelerated students

2. Context
8th grade class with a handful of students who were interested in taking the
Common Core Algebra Regents Exam
Students with other 8th grade teacher who were also interested
Learning Cultures model for classroom
Mini-Lesson
Independent Work Time
Conferences
Unison Reading

3. Blending
Online classroom space for discussions (Canvas)
Online lessons that were linked through the class page
Individualized algebra resources for IWT
Unison Reading group for students taking the regents
Conferences with the regents students focused on Algebra I

4. Expectations
Students who engaged with others in the online class space and kept up with the
online lessons would do better on the benchmark
Students who did not have the intrinsic motivation to do the algebra work or who
did not use their peers as resources would not be successful

5. Issues
Independence in learning
Collaboration skills
Self-Reflection about skill level
Discussions were mostly online so feedback and clarification took longer
Started midway through the year
Principal required a score of 85 on the benchmark to sit for the regents

6. Successes
Students worked together online to work out the concepts
Some students enjoyed the discussion boards (especially the ability to like others’
posts)
Exposure to the material even though they did not meet the 85 cutoff benchmark

8. Moving Forward
Setup regents website at beginning of the year and have students work on it if they
are at all interested
Do an early benchmark/diagnostic so they know what foundational skills they need
to focus on
Sync the benchmarks with 9th grade to be able to compare data
Increase variety of resources identified on website (especially foundational and
remedial skills