Innovation Proposal

Blended Learning in the Elementary Classroom

A proposal for Station Rotations

Dear Administrators and Principals, 

Over the past 20 years, education has undergone various changes specifically because of the revolution of technology. Teachers can use technology to interpret the student data that drives instruction, create powerful and engaging lessons that integrate apps and programs, and provide students with countless content resources at their fingertips. In order to prepare our students for the future, schools must learn to keep up with the changes. 

Advances in technology allowed students to be educated through a pandemic, both synchronously and asynchronously. In 2020, school districts were forced to navigate uncharted territory in e-learning without a plan in place, causing students to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. As a result, teachers were frustrated. The lack of training and resources hindered them from serving the students who needed them the most (An Y. et.al., 2021). Student growth declined and teachers became tired of blending unfamiliar technology practices with the traditional pedagogy they were used to. 

Three years later, the data is revealing significant learning gaps (TEA, 2021). It is obvious something went awry. Our best intentions fell short and online learning, regardless of the model, didn’t save us as well as we had hoped it would. Digital learning left a poor impression on teachers. Some are now reluctant to teach with technology. My plan would address both teachers and students and bring a technology rich learning experience back to the classroom.

What if we trained teachers to use the technology to facilitate the learning, keep students engaged while allowing more time to deliver meaningful lessons, and do remediation? This is what every teacher already wants. I would like to propose to you an innovative way to use technology in the elementary classroom through blended learning. 

Recently, some Texas school districts have realized that online learning was not the problem, but that the methodology and execution of online learning is where the change needs to be focused. Blended learning addresses this because it is personalized, data-driven, and promotes student-centered learning. There are various types of blended learning models, but the model I am proposing is designed specifically for the elementary classroom. It is a model elementary teachers are already familiar with. 

The Station Rotation model is one of the least complex models to implement and adapt. It comprises a fixed schedule where students rotate to three or four learning stations in the classroom. There are multiple stations designed to teach the content, with one station for technology and one station for students to meet with the teacher for small group instruction (Truitt, A. A, & H.Y., 2018). With participation from the district administrators and principals, I propose that instructional coaches and technology integration specialists be used to provide the support and training that teachers will need to implement the use of a blended learning Station Rotation model. 1:1 devices are not required in the Station Rotation model, however, they are helpful. I believe that blended learning with Station Rotations is a way to get kids excited about school while allowing them to take ownership over their learning. Teaching kids to love learning is the ultimate way to create lifelong learners. 

Sincerely, 

Theresa Hall