The 4/1 model of blended learning is one in which students are learning face-to-face four days per week and online one day per week.
Teacher Feature: Krista Willertz, AP Biology, Anderson High School, Forest Hills School District
4/1 Model: Within the 4/1 model, students are engaged in a face-to-face technology-rich classrooms four days per week and work on online materials one day per week. This one day of online work allows for flexibility within the school day to pursue content-related passions, community service, or internships.
What it looks like: In Mrs. Willertz's version of the 4/1 model, she will be engaging her AP Biology student in technology-rich lessons four days per week in her brick-and-mortar classroom and creating online content for students on one flexible day each week. During this flex time, Mrs. Willertz will be supporting students as they pursue an interest related to Biology, participate in community service or online mentoring, or take up another academic pursuit.
Mrs. Willertz 4/1 model classroom will be piloted in the 2015-2016 school year.
In Mrs. Willertz's Words:
From connecting students with learners/teachers around the world to creating teachable moments of discovery on the web, to having students teach others using technology, blended learning is more than just "using technology in the classroom!" Using all sorts of technology will enable me to offer students flexible and authentic learning opportunities in my AP Biology classes. They will be interacting (and performing "real science") with local scientists through sources like Google hangouts and online programs. They will be creating engaging and professional presentations to demonstrate their understanding and to share their knowledge with their classmates all over the world. Students will be able to work ahead or review without holding up their classmates.