Blended Learning with Catlin Tucker

Nebraska educators have been implementing and reaping the benefits of blended learning for quite some time. ESU 8 teachers are no different. One of our most respected experts in the field is Catlin Tucker, blended learning practitioner, guru, and published author. Her book titles, especially Blended Learning in Grades 4-12, have paved the way for many classrooms to begin blending and adapting the techniques for their own needs.

Even more valuable, however, is Catlin's experience as a practicing teacher in California. For the approximately 50 professionals who gathered together at the Lifelong Learning Center on June 9, her classroom examples and advice from the trenches were spot-on and tremendously helpful.

The crux of the day was spent experiencing blended learning's most well-known model: station rotation. We not only experience Catlin's station-rotation experience (all centered around dynamic student discussions) but also learned many implementation tips. 

• Blog: Station Rotation http://catlintucker.com/2015/07/creating-small-learning-communities-with-the-station-rotation-model/
• Station Rotation Lesson Template goo.gl/Giigbq (File > Make a Copy)

• Blog: Shake Up Station Rotation http://catlintucker.com/2016/05/shake-up-station-rotation/

Catlin shared an expert look into the flipped classroom model of blended learning and ways to adapt it to leverage even more student engagement and success. 

• Blog: Flipped Classroom Beyond the Videos http://catlintucker.com/2012/04/flipped-classroom-beyond-the-videos/
• Blog: In-class flip meets station rotation http://catlintucker.com/2016/01/inclassflip/
• Flipped Classroom Template bit.ly/flippedtemplate

• Blog: Flipped Vocabulary Lessons http://catlintucker.com/2012/10/vocabulary-lessons-flipped-collaborative-student-centered/ 

Another highlight of the day was playing a classroom vocabulary game Catlin created with her students, modeled after 'Word Sneak' from the Tonight Show. 

• Blog: Word Sneak http://catlintucker.com/2014/09/word-sneak-vocabulary-game-inspired-by-the-tonight-show/

All in all, the day was a successful blending of pedagogy and practices, interaction and inspiration. Nebraska educators who attended were excited to work on implementation goals for the upcoming school year... even this early in summer vacation!

NNNC Summer Technology Institute 2017: Rethink, Redesign, Reimagine

For the past decade you have been joining us just days after the conclusion of your school year to get your geek on with other Northeast Nebraska educators passionate about EdTech. And if you haven't, you are missing out! Highlights of this year's STI held May 31-June 1 at the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk included Matt Miller's keynote message and breakout sessions. Matt shares many of his resources at getmattsstuff.com. 

Members of the NNNC STI Planning Team with 2017 Keynoter Matt Miller on day 1 of the event.

In addition, numerous regional practitioners gave of their time to share their educational technology talents with the approximately 300 participants.

You can continue to access the event's Sched site as many presenters have shared links and resources associated with their presentations, accessible even after the conference's conclusion:
View the NNNC Summer Technology Institute schedule & directory.

View photo highlights from the two day event here:

Don't miss next year's event, currently scheduled for one day (Wednesday, May 30, 2018). The NNNC planning committee was excited to announce that Leslie Fisher is our confirmed keynoter.