Dr. Catlin R. Tucker is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, international trainer, and professor in the Masters in the Arts of Teaching Program at Pepperdine University. She taught for 16 years in Sonoma County, where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2010.
Catlin has written a series of books on blended learning including, The Shift to Student-led, The Complete Guide to Blended Learning, UDL and Blended Learning: Thriving in Flexible Learning Landscapes, Balance With Blended Learning, Blended Learning In Action, Power Up Blended Learning, and Blended Learning In Grades 4-12. In addition to her books on blended learning, Catlin writes an internationally-ranked blog and hosts a podcast called The Balance.
Catlin earned her BA in English literature from the University of California at Los Angeles. She earned her English credential and Masters in Education at the University of California at Santa Barbara. In 2020, Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies at Pepperdine University, researching teacher engagement in blended learning environments.
Catlin is active on X @Catlin_Tucker and Instagram @CatlinTucker.
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136 Responses
Hi Catlin,
I JUST started reading your posts and information on Collaborize Classroom – and I love them! I teach middle school English and feel that this application has so much potential. I know that you have multiple classes as well, so may I ask how you set up the site? Do you set up a different “category” for each class, or do you group all of them together? I am still working my way through the logistics of the site and any help/advice you can give is much appreciated. Thanks – and thanks!
Hello Diana,
I apologize for this ridiculously late reply. My blog has so much spam that I am only now making my way back to the summer postings! My apologies.
I am thrilled you have enjoyed my postings on Collaborize Classroom. I teach high school English (though I am on sabbatical this year because I just finished my first book on Blended Learning for K-12 teachers- to be published in June).
I used my single Collaborize site with 6 classes (164 students total). I did create a category for each class and named them 2A English, 3A English, etc. Then I had category groups (i.e. discussion questions, test preparation, creative writing, etc.) under each category for the different types we did online (…I know the wording category vs. category group is confusing).
Now with the “Groups” feature you can create a group for each class so they only see the questions you post for them as a class.
You may be well on your way by now, but I wanted to respond since I had not seen this comment before. Please let me know if you have any questions at this point in the year I can answer!
Catlin
Glad to see your having success Catlin.
Hi Catlin!
We’ve connected in the past on #edchat and I wanted to reach out and let you know about a new site we just launched: Teach.com. Because of your importance and influence in education and teaching I wanted to let you know about the new site!
If you’re interested in getting involved with the site or guest posting on our blog, we’d love to have you — We’d also love some help building our PLN on Twitter (@Teachdotcom) so any help you can give would be very appreciated!
See you on #edchat!
Sarah
Hello Sarah,
I will definitely check out Teach.com and I would love to contribue to your blog. After I get a feel for it, I will make sure to mention it on #edchat. Thank you for reaching out! It is always nice to connect with other people in education.
Catlin
Thanks Catlin! 🙂
Do you ever use Collaborize as a venue for students to present work (like creative writing, etc.) that is not a direct response to a discussion question, so then other students can see it and respond to it? I am thinking about having my students start submitting work on Collaborize… What do you think?
Hello Rebekah,
Yes, I use my site for creative and formal writing all the time. I like to use media (bizarre pictures or interesting videos) to inspire creative writing on a variety of topics. I create a Vote or Suggest question type and embed the media, then ask students to post their story or poem. After everyone has submitted their creative piece, I ask them to vote for their favorite story. It has been so fun and validating for them. I can tell they put much more effort into their work because they know their peers will be reading them, replying to each other and voting for their favorites.
When we work on a process paper for a formal essay topic, I ask them to post parts of their essay for peer review. One night I will ask them to post their introduction with hook and thesis for peer feedback. Then I have them select their strongest example of a quote with analysis to share since so many of them struggle with analyzing. I will also post feedback if the class does not catch and error, but it makes my job so much easier since they do a great job of providing each other with constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement (especially after we practiced a few times).
Let me know if you have any additional questions! Good luck.
Catlin
I am trying to set up my site to use and am having problems. When I go into the topic library it asks me to create a library profile. I fill out the information requested and click “save my profile”, but it continually tells me {object Object} and won’t save it. Any help?
Hi Mary,
I would suggest sending the tech support team at Collaborize Classroom a message http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/support. I have not heard of that problem before. My profile set up without a problem.
Good luck!
Catlin
Hello Mick and Vicky,
I apologize for not responding to your message from this summer sooner! My blog gets so much spam that I am just now wading through these messages.
I have a ton of resources for teachers using technology that I can share. In fact, I just finished my first book Blended Learning for Grades 4-12: Leveraging Technology to Create a Student Centered Classroom which will be published in June 2012.
A collection of my resources are hosted at Collaborize Classroom and you can access them at http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/resources. You can view them and/or download them for free. They are great for any teacher incorporating online work (discussions, group work, etc.) into the traditional classroom setting = blended learning.
Let me know if you have a need for a resource you don’t see because I may have it in my private collection!
Nice to connect with you.
Catlin
Dear Catlin,
I just listened into your Common Core presentation with Simple K12 and I think you would be a great presenter for ISTE, as well. Would you be willing to talk further about presenting a possible webinar for ISTE?
Let me know. Thanks, Sherry Bosch, ISTE
Hello Caitlin,
Dear Caitlin,
It’s been a while, but I just wanted to let you know that you were by far the most thoughtful presenter I encountered at the FETC 2012 conference. I really enjoyed your presentation, and have only just started looking at your blog, where I was happy to find the same sorts of insightful evaluation of trends in educational technology.
Keep up the good work!
Michelle
Thank you, Michelle!
I really enjoyed FETC. I’m looking forward to (hopefully) returning next year. I actually just submitted my sessions for FETC 2013 last week.
Glad to hear you are enjoying my blog. Take care!
Catlin
Caitlin,
I am putting a handbook together for my NPO’s online teachers. I found an article you wrote, and would like to use it within that handbook, citing you, of course. Can you contact me directly so that I can give you the specifics?
Catlin,
My colleague and I saw you at the GAFE California Summit a few weeks ago, and we are interested in implementing some of your ideas in our classrooms this year. You mentioned that you have each of your students create a gmail account and that you have a letter you send home about that. I wondered if it would be possible to get a copy of your letter or some suggestions for what to include in a letter of our own, if you wouldn’t mind.
We really enjoyed your presentation and are very excited to get started using more technology in our classrooms this year!
Thank you,
Stephanie
Hi Catlin,
I just accessed your site through the link on Mind Shift, specifically to the part on Project-Based learning. I teach high school English at a small charter school in Milwaukee, WI, and have been interested in implementing PBLs, but am sometimes stumped with how to come up with real-world problems to tackle in the English classroom. To this end, I am curious about any resources or suggestions you might have.
Thanks!
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
I found an list of ideas for “driving questions” on Tommy Vincent’s blog:
Example Driving Questions:
How can we best stop the flu at our school?
Is it worth the expense to move to an organic diet?
Which element of the periodic table is most important?
Should the U.S. use the metric system?
Which simple machine is most important to you?
Should government bail out businesses?
Is it better to buy or lease a car?
What if Rosa Parks never gave up her seat?
Design a better lunch menu for your school.
What if students use their own mobile devices in school?
I really enjoyed reading Thom Markham’s blog about “How Project-Based Learning Educates the Whole Child.”
I hope you find some ideas that are helpful!
Catlin
I was just going over the Collaborize Classroom lessons for this year and I find that one of your postings does not work anymore. It is called “Change for a Dollar.” when I go into it now and click on the video, it goes to a black screen and says “Private.” Is there a way around this or do you want to remove it from the shared lessons?
Thanks for all the other lessons that you have shared.
Hi Mary Beth,
I just did a YouTube search and also couldn’t find it. It must have been removed.
My apologies.
Catlin
Catlin,
I wanted to drop a thank you on you for two things. I think we first cross paths at the Edu Summit at YouTube and I sensed your excellence. But onto my thank yous. One, for being a major force behind tech integration, the right way…. where traditional literacy is being used to facilitate in the design of high tech web 2.0 digital compositions. I have been waging that war at the University of Buffalo, adjuncting new literacies in the Graduate School of Ed for a while…and in the classroom in the Buffalo Public Schools. it is indeed a noble fight to wage. Especially today.
Secondly, holy crapola! Thank you for my inclusion in your new, super dynamic, most awesome, “Teacher’s Guide to Using Video”. Yeah for me. And everyone else who made it into the golden book. Seriously thanks. I have already shown my Graduate students and rest assured they will be part of the next generation of curators and creators as they prepare their kids to inquire about the world around them.
Keep up the good fight. As much as I love video, I know from the song, the revolution will not televised, it will be waged.
Much Peace,
Keith
HipHughes History
Hi Keith,
It was a privilege to meet the creative minds behind the videos as the Edu Summit. I realized how unfamiliar I was with the educational content available on YouTube. Like most teachers, I didn’t feel like I had the time to search out quality video content. I’m hoping the guide will point other teachers interested in video content, but short on time, to some great channels.
Thank you for the hard work you do to maintain a quality station. It was a great addition to the guide.
Take care!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I’ve seen some of your debate topics on Collaborize, and I’m curious whether you assign them regularly and all students respond, or whether you posted a set and let students select which one they find most interesting?
Took your “class” at CUE in October and enjoyed it thoroughly, by the way!
Thanks,
Mark Rathjen
Danville, CA
Hi Mark,
I use the topics periodically. I design them in chunks (when I have time) and share them with the topic library hoping they might be useful to others. I usually post 2 or 3 at a time and allow students to select the one that interests them most. I want them to have enough other students in the discussion to yield interesting conversations, but I also want them to have some freedom of choice.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the CUE workshop. I had a nasty head cold that weekend, so I did not get to spend as much time at Fall CUE as I would have enjoyed. I’m looking forward to this year!
Take care. Thank you for the comment.
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
We met at CUE this past year and I enjoyed hear about the various tools you are using in your classroom, one being Collaborize Classroom. I would like to start using it for a final project for my students to create discussions for their peers, but I have some questions. When I login to Collaborize Classrooms I see your post from your workshop I participated in with your description about how it was used in your workshop. Is that login my own account or was it through your Collaborize account since you had to approve us? Can I use the same login with my students? If so, how do I make the homepage my own?
Thank you for your time.
Rob Hoffman
Hello Rob,
You will need to create your own Collaborize Classroom site to use with students. The site you have access to is one I set up, so I am the moderator. Go to http://www.CollaborizeClassroom.com to sign up.
Once you have created a site, you can give students your URL and ask them to “register.” Then you will need to approve them so they have access to the site.
After you have your students on the site, you can show them how to “Start a Discussion.” As the moderator, you will need to “Approve” questions before they are visible to other members of your CC community.
Catlin
Hello Catlin – I recently bought a copy of your book about blended learning. You have a lot of good ideas in there. I wondered if you might consider presenting a workshop or concurrent session about blended learning at the next CSLA conference? Or perhaps you could recommend someone?
The California School Library Association annual conference will be held February 6-9, 2014, in San Diego.
School librarians and library staff are interested in a wide variety of topics, including blended learning.
Here is the link to our call for proposals: http://csla.net/2014-conference-call-for-proposals/
Although we cannot pay you for your workshop or session, we would like to make the offer of you being able to attend all of the other sessions on your presentation day for free.
Thank you so much for your consideration and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Warm Regards, Liz Dodds, CoChair of Concurrent Sessions, CSLA 2014 Conference
Hi Liz,
Thank you for the invitation! I wish I could attend, but I already have several speaking engagements lined up in February that will take me out of the classroom. It is a popular month for events and conferences! I am happy to tweet out the link for your call for proposals if that would be helpful. I know lots of dynamic educators who might enjoy being part of your conference. Let me know if it is okay for me to spread the word via Twitter.
I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve found my book useful. Librarians play such an important role in leading a school in technology integration.
Enjoy your summer!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I took a few of your webinars today on simplek12 and I was really interested in your use of Google applications within the classroom. I went to Google to check it out and I noticed that there is a lot of resources there. Can you suggest a good starting point? I am a new teacher and I am very interested in flipping my classroom and/or using the applications you discussed from Google.
Thanks so much!
Amber
Hello Amber,
I’ve written a few blogs on using Google that might be a good starting point:
Making the Most of Google Docs
Writing with Google Docs
Google Search: Tips for Searching Smarter
Common Core: Evaluating the Credibility of Digital Sources
Getting Started with Google Sites
There are also lots of great YouTube videos that will walk you through using specific Google apps.
Take care.
Catlin
Hi Ms. Tucker, I am Jasmine Chan from the University of the Philippines Diliman. I attended one of your webinars last month. As partial requirement for our “Computers in Teaching” course, my classmates and I are trying to arrange a webinar and we are hoping to have you as our speaker. It will only be 30 minutes long and can be scheduled anytime between September 1 to October 1, covering any topic you wish to discuss. It will be attended by at least 20 students from our class, but obtaining you as our speaker will definitely increase our audience. Will you be interested?
Hello Jasmine,
What time period would work for your course? I can look at my calendar to find a few dates that work.
I present on a variety of topics. Is there anything of particular interest that your group would like to learn more about?
Catlin
Any available time from September 1 to October 1 would be great.
Topic would be your choice of:
1. 20 Sites for fast-paced students
2. 20+ sites for elementary teachers
3. 7 habits for the tech-savvy teachers
or any topic about edtech that you would be most comfortable to discuss.
Thank you!
Mrs. Tucker,
My name is Cori, and I’m an 11th grade honors English teacher in Pennsylvania. I have recently begun taking a Teaching New Media and Literacies class at Pittsburgh University, while at the same time I just began teaching students who all have their own personal laptops to use in school. The idea of using new media to engage students seems like a natural solution to the lack of engagement I’ve started to notice with pencil and paper assignments. I have started putting together ideas about how to use the many online resources available to teachers (I’m having students do collaborative prewriting with Google Docs this week), but I have a basic philosophy question I hope you wouldn’t mind answering… How much of what you do in the classroom (and for homework) is computer-based, and how much do you use paper and pencil assignments? I’m tempted to move more toward a computer-based classroom because of the resources we have at our school, and because of the fundamental change that is occurring in our students’ lives after they graduate– I know that in my own graduate classes, almost all of the reading I do is online, and classroom discussion takes place there as well. However, I have some kind of inexplicable fear of abandoning traditional pencil and paper assignments altogether. Am I setting myself up for disaster by trying to move toward a web-based classroom environment? Do you have any advice for a teacher just starting to move towards this?
Thank you!
Cori
Hello Cori,
Homework in my class is almost exclusively online. Students engage in online discussions with Collaborize Classroom, they collaborate on shared Google docs, read and research with Diigo. The only work that is not completed online is their reading and annotations. Because we do not have a 1:1 program, students are reading their texts the old fashion way. They also annotate their reading by hand. Occasionally, they will write notes which I present online (vocabulary and writing videos primarily).
I can understand and relate to your fear. Going paperless was a big shift for me. I didn’t learn that way as a student, and I was not taught to teach that way. As you stated in your post, life beyond the classroom is increasingly technology rich and web based. Students need to learn how to engage with each other online and develop technology fluency to be “college and career ready.”
My advice is don’t think of it as all or nothing. I started slow. I replaced some of my pen and paper assignments with dynamic online discussions. Then I started shifting all of their writing to Google docs. From there I added tools like Diigo to my tool belt. If you shift one tool at a time, it is less daunting and scary. I wrote an article for ASCD titled “The Basics of Blended Learning” which might be worth reading as it discusses my advice for teachers new this blending of learning mediums.
Good luck! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Catlin
Hi Ms. Tucker, I am Jasmine Chan again. I would just like to ask if we can get your confirmation about the date and the topic? thank you! God bless.
Hi Catlin,
I’ve really enjoyed your blog, it’s been the most helpful blog on blended learning and technology that I’ve that I’ve been able to find, so thank you! I’m beginning to use technology to ‘flip’ my 8th Grade Language Arts and History classes. I’ve actually been ‘flipping’ for years; students would read and interact with their textbook before coming to class in order to be prepared for a class discussion and/or project. However, I’ve run into a lot of push-back from parents and students. The issue is lack of technology at home. I have several students without computers and/or internet. The equity issue regarding ‘flipping’ has popped up and I’m not sure how to handle it. Also, I have several parents who do not want their children online because they fear security issues. Have you ever had to deal with these issues? How would you suggest I handle them? Thank you!
Hello Lisa,
I’m so glad you’ve found my blog helpful. I teach on a block schedule, so students have 2 days to complete their flipped assignments. Most of my students have access at home, but the ones who don’t are able to use computers in the library to complete their assignments. I also have many students who watch the videos on their mobile devices.
Do you have any technology in your classroom? If so, I think it’s still valuable to consider flipping in the classroom. Students can work in groups rotating through consuming the information and applying it. This allows them to consume the content at their own pace and also provides a community support as they work to apply what they have learned.
I also have a student use computer in my room that was donated by our local computer recycling center. I always encourage students without access to come use that computer at lunch, break or after school. That might be a strategy for creating equity.
Good luck!
Catlin
Ms. Tucker,
I saw your youtube video on writing an argument. I would like to share it with my colleagues. Unfortunately, youtube is blocked by out fire wall. Is it possible to get a copy of the video sent to me directly, so I can download it to share. It would be a great help to me as I help my team move forward. Thank you.
Hi Keisha,
If you have an updated Firefox browser, you can download the video directly from YouTube when you are at home and not blocked by the filter. Here is a link that tells you about this Firefox add on:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/download-youtube
Let me know if you are able to make that work to get the video past your filter.
Catlin
Mrs. Tucker,
I attended your recent keynote for the Diocese of San Jose. I thought you did a great job with the speech, and it is a great inspiration for teachers. You clearly do great things in the classroom on a regular basis.
I do have one question. There was a program or app you showed during your presentation, and it looked like an online discussion forum. There were many lines of text that appeared to be stacked up and down. Is there any way you could tell me what app / website it was? I believe that it was not the sticky note website you mentioned. I’m sorry that I can’t be more specific!
Thank you so much for coming down to San Jose and doing a great presentation.
Travis
Thank you, Travis!
I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed it. I’m not sure whether you are asking about Padlet (online post-it note board) or Collaborize Classroom (an online discussion platform).
Here is a blog I wrote on Padlet: http://cluttered-record.flywheelsites.com/2013/06/padlet-create-a-virtual-wall-engage-your-students
Here is the Collaborize Classroom site: http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Catlin
Thank you very much! I think it was Padlet. I have just created one, and I will post it on Edmodo for my students to use. Have a great day!
Travis
Hi, Catlin!
I caught your name at a technology inservice and looked up your website, and…WOW!! I love what you do! You have so many great ideas, and I truly appreciate your sharing them with the world. Specifically, I began my own website based on your recommendation of Weebly, and my students created their online portfolios through the site.
Their samples are on my website: http://www.drpatrickwhite.com/
Communication with my students and their parents has been streamlined and much more effective because of Weebly. So, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU for all you do! You’re making a positive ripple effect that is going on…and on…
Thanks again!
Patrick White
Brentwood High School
Nashville, TN
Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your work, Patrick!
I’m thrilled to hear your enjoying online portfolios! I loved the process of supporting students as they built their own websites and posted their work.
Good luck.
Catlin
I think what you are doing is great! I am currently working on the last stages of a Master’s thesis on the design of curriculum for teachers to integrate mobile technologies into their classroom. One area of focus is on how mobile technologies can foster a more student-centered classroom! I just ordered your book online and look forward to reading it!
Thank you, Donna!
I hope you find my book useful in your work.
Good luck on your Master’s thesis. I’m a huge fan of mobile technology and BYOD approaches to technology integration. My low-tech classroom has been completely transformed by the mobile tech my students walk in the door with.
Take care.
Catlin
Catlin, several members of the Lower Kuskokwim School District attended your Transitioning to the New Standards with Google Apps training in Anchorage, AK and were impressed with it. If possible, we would like to see if you can provide that training to our staff during our district-wide inservice. Would you please contact me so we can discuss this possibility? Thank you.
Dear Catlin,
My name is Fatema Ebrahim, I recently graduated from NYU with a Master’s in Public Relations & Corporate Communication. I’m part of a startup called “Kipin Hall”. Its a retention solution that uses analytics and behavioral interventions to help students towards college completion. It’s like fitocracy for students. Our website is http://www.kipinhall.com.
I’m reaching out to influential people like yourself who share the same passion about education. I’m working on a research project – “The use of K-12 educational technologies for increasing student and parent engagement”.
Goal: I want to get input from teachers on challenges they face in helping students and their families, especially the students who are in most need
I would love to talk to you and set up a brief meeting with you at your convenience. We are always open to learn new insight and share our thoughts with like minded professionals in the field. Would love to connect with you!
Please let me know if you are interested in connecting. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Fatema
Hi Fatema,
I’ve been out of the country for 3 weeks. I will be in touch when I return.
Catlin
Caitlin,
I am about to publish a Google Apps textbook called Google Drive Essentials (http://googledriveforkids.com). I am wondering if it would be worth the effort to publish a Kindle version of the book in addition to the print version. I posed this question on Twitter and Alice Keeler suggested I ask you about your thoughts. The book includes 35 Google Apps tutorials and assessments so the student/user would have the book next to them at a computer. I am not sure how easy a book with lots of formatting and graphics would translate to this medium. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
George Somers
@googledrivekids
Hi George,
When I published my first book, the Kindle version took several months to come out after the printed version. I was surprised by the number of people who requested an electronic version. I guess I should not have been surprised given that it was a book on blended learning. Many of the teachers interested in technology prefer to have digital copies of texts. I’m not sure how challenging the formatting and other issues would be for you, so it’s hard to say if it will ultimately be worth it.
Good luck with your book!
Catlin
Hey Catlin!
I have developed a rubric for my students’ papers… They all just submitted them to me via Google Docs. I am wondering how you grade your students’ papers with a rubric. Do you add your comments to their paper and then attached the rubric below? Or, do you fill out the rubric and send it as a form? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Was very inspired by your talk at SVHS last month 🙂
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea,
I actually use a script on the OLD spreadsheets (version before the “add-ons” were added) called FormEmailer to blast out student feedback and grades directly from spreadsheets. I created my rubrics using Forms and then sent emails directly to each student from the spreadsheet. Here is a blog I wrote about that: http://cluttered-record.flywheelsites.com/2013/02/formemailer-send-emails-directly-from-spreadsheets
Now that Google Spreadsheets has updated (I did not update my spreadsheets on my school account), they have add-ons. One add-on called Another Mail Merge can also send emails directly from a spreadsheet. You can learn more at this link: https://sites.google.com/site/scriptsexamples/available-web-apps/mail-merge
If these two options aren’t clear, then you can copy and paste a rubric in the form of a table into the bottom of your students’ documents and fill in the comments there. It might be a more straightforward way to do it at first.
Let me know if you have any additional questions. I’m so glad you enjoyed my presentation at Sonoma Valley!
Catlin
Hey Catlin,
I am a former Teach for America and KIPP teacher and have enjoyed following your posts. I wanted to inform you about http://www.listencurrent.com, which curates public radio content for classroom and creates lessons and materials for teachers. Having used it, I have seen its power to engage students and develop their listening skills.
If interested, I’d love to set you up with a free premium account for you to review and potentially share to your followers if you like. Just let me know!
All the best,
Warren
Hi Catlin,
I’m an instructional technology coach in SRVUSD. I’ve heard you speak numerous times at M.E.R.I.T./CUE/Google Summits, and I think you’re amazing. Recently I’ve been tasked with working with a cohort of principals to launch a blended learning initiative in our district. So, of course, I immediately purchased your book. I’m looking for blended learning classrooms where I can bring this group of interested administrators to see it in action. Do you know of districts who have been successful in launching blended learning? Any suggestions you have wold be great. Thanks! Kristen Berg
Hi Kristen,
I don’t know of any districts that are doing a full move to blended learning in California. I’ve worked with Holton-Arms School in Maryland, which has embraced a blended learning model.
I wish I could be of more help to you on this. Although I have embraced a blended model in my classroom, it is not a school wide shift. A school wide shift looks different than a single teacher moving to a blended approach. That said, you’d be welcome to come check out my classroom if that would be helpful.
Good luck!
Catlin
Catlin,
Thanks so much for your reply! I know how busy your are and I appreciate your time. We’re really looking for any classrooms utilizing a blended learning model to check out. I’d love to take you up on your offer and come visit your classroom. Let me know how I would go about setting that up.
Thanks!
Kristen Berg
I’ll send you an email, Kristen.
Take care.
Catlin
Hello –
We are interested in having you as a keynote speaker at our Annual Leadership Symposium.
The dates are March 5th – 7th 2015 in Riverside.
I would love to speak with you at your earliest convenience.
Yvette Wagner
Hi Catlin!
Love your posts. Great ideas. How do you find (make) the time? Impressive.
I’m a fellow teacher, word LOVER, and creator of SAT Word Slam, a truly amusing app that teaches vocabulary using rhyme, humor, words in context, and unforgettable mnemonic clues. And it’s all delivered by snarky voice actors.
Apple has featured it several times on the App Store, and Common Sense Media awarded the app last year. I want to give a free copy of the app to any English teacher who wants one.
Cheers! Jodi
[…] brought me to the classroom of Catlin Tucker, one of the more influential teachers in our state. Catlin is an author of books and articles, a […]
Hi Catlin,
I have started to create some art history videos with the flipping idea.
https://vimeo.com/channels/historiadelart
I would like to know your thoughts about the flipped learning as you know the tech in the class.
And I would like to say the more I learn about ICT’s the more I want to use them, but not just inside the class, outside as well
Take care and really thank you for your knowledge and experience
@ManelTrenchs
Hi Manel,
I’m a fan of using the flipped classroom strategies with vocabulary and writing. I can imagine flipping an art history course would also be extremely interesting given that you can flip both the lectures and the analysis of the artwork itself if you pair art with academic online discussions. Below are a few blogs I’ve written about the flipped classroom and how I am using it in my English class.
Flipped Classroom: Beyond the Videos
Flipped Classroom: 5 Strategies to Flip & Engage
Vocabulary Lessons: Flipped, Collaborative, & Student Centered
I hope those are helpful!
Catlin
Hello Caitlin,
I’d love to speak with you about how we can work together in regards to the
blog that I manage. I’d be interested in publishing a snippet of your book, “Creatively Teach the Common Core Literacy Standards with Technology.” Please let me know how we can best connect!
Thanks!
Jessica
Keynote at MassCUE fall conference 2015
Hi Catlin,
Would you please email me about giving a keynote address for the 2015 MassCUE/M.A.S.S. technology conference (Wed. 10/21/15) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
Thanks
Catlin,
I watched your video about quitting… thanks you didn’t… I felt the same and nowadays I am really excited about using new tools, electronic devices and ICTs with my students.
Thanks for sharing your own experience.
Keep in touch,
Manel
PS: If you think so, I would like to send you by mail some of my “teaching activities” (with ICTs or realted to blended learning).
Hi Catlin,
Can we discuss a onsite session in our district? I was in one of your sessions recently and it was great. Thank you!
Hi Caitlin,
I am a Technology Integration Specialist for a public school in Ohio. I’ve started teaching a Blended Learning class for our staff based on your book, Blended Learning in Grades 4-12. The participants love the book and so do I! Our district uses Schoology for our LMS and the class is taught using this format. I would love to have you virtually visit one of our classes for a time in order the the participants to ask you some questions or get some insight directly from you.
Thanks,
Joe Sarnes
Hello Joe,
I’m thrilled to hear you and your class are enjoying my book! I am also using Schoology this year. I finally transitioned from using Collaborize to Schoology, and I am loving it. I’d be happy to virtually visit your class to respond to questions.
Catlin
Catlin,
Just heard your interview on the EdListen podcast. I am so impressed with your approach to teaching, use of technology, and your dedication to improvement of instruction to help your students achieve as much as possible. Keep up the great work. Having taught public school and also on-line courses at a university, I know how difficult it is to change the mode of instruction and to give you students the interactive feedback they need and deserve.
Hi Jerry,
Thank you for the comment! I’ve enjoyed the journey to embracing technology and shifting to a blended model. It has been invigorating, challenging and rewarding! I cannot imagine returning to traditional instruction, which was always so teacher-centered instead of student-centered.
Take care!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I just attended your sessions in Anchorage last Sunday, great tools and techniques! I wanted to know if you have any favorite functional apps or tools for students to use for video creation in the classroom & out. Smart device based would be awesome!
Thanks,
Joanna, 8th science
Anchorage Alaska
Hi Joanne,
My favorites video creation tools for creating videos in class are iMotion HD, Animoto & Lego Movie Maker. iMotion HD does time-lapse videos. Animoto combines images, video and text to create videos. Lego Movie Maker allows students to create stop motion films.
Catlin
Dear Catlin:
We just released a new website called http://www.readingportfolio.com.
We have about 80 of the most recommended high school book titles. Students read a book on the list then go to the website to complete a camera recorded test on the book. We spot check the recordings after and delete all data in 24 hours. Students build a portfolio of books read (and corresponding points) for their college applications.
We want to put readers on par with athletes, musicians an artists in terms of extracurricular activities. We have had half dozen colleges write testimonials, but as I say it is brand new. As a technology savvy teacher, we thought you might find this really interesting.
Thanks! Matt Pearson
Thank you for sharing, Matt! I’ll check it out.
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I just finished watching your webinar on ISTE and Common Core integration on the ISTE website. I enjoyed it very much and got some great ideas. I was hoping you could tell me where you found the simplified CCSS standards you had broken down by grades(K-1, 2-3, etc)? You referred to them as a “staircase”. Was this your own summary of the CCSS or is this official? Thank you very much and I look forward to reading your website.
Bill Hatcher
Hi Bill,
Yes, I designed those staircases. They will appear in my next book Creatively Teach the Common Core Literacy Standards with Technology, which will be published by Corwin in June!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I just discovered your blog and absolutely love the resources you are posting. I teach high school English and am interested in turning my classroom into a flipped classroom. Any suggestions on how to go about doing this? Thanks!
Hi Kristin,
I’ve written a couple of blogs on the flipped classroom that might be helpful!
Flipped Classroom Beyond the Videos
Flipped Vocabulary Lessons
Flipped Classroom: 5 Strategies to Flip & Engage
TED-Ed: Creating a Flipped Lesson
I hope those are helpful!
Catlin
Good morning, Catlin!
I was part of your break-out group at the AIMS professional development back in November in Baltimore. I’ve implemented your flipped vocabulary strategy as a way to ease myself and my class into that structure, and it’s going extremely well! Thank you for the idea.
I am curious as to how you use videos for your flipped English classroom. Are you able to list some content-specific examples? I’ve only made one video, and that was to show my students how to use our WordPress site for our newspaper. I’m interested in using videos for my 10th grade English and American Literature classes.
Thank you for any examples and suggestions you can provide!
Hi Stephanie,
I’m so glad the flipped vocabulary lessons have been successful! I also use videos to flip my writing instructions. Click here to view a playlist with my writing videos. Students watch videos, take notes, then we write in class!
I also posted my first grammar video and plan to continue adding more.
I hope those give you some ideas!
Catlin
I also just posted my first grammar video and plan to continue adding more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x_xmCAkQR8
Hi Catlin,i am studying for SAT and ur SAT vocabs helped me to an extent no books on earth could. I am a student of Bangladesh and i am so lucky to get a teacher like u.I wished so much u could be my real teacher in high school. Thanks a lot for helping students like me
Hi Sadia,
I’m thrilled the SAT videos I am recording have been helpful to you in your studies. I love that technology makes it possible for me to share my videos with students all over the world.
Thank you for the wonderful comment! You made my day.
Take care.
Catlin
Caitlin
I read the article in California Educator highlighting some tools you use with your students such as Diigo. I am meeting resistance from the Tech department on monitoring such a tool. I would love your feedback on ways your District monitors students on the computers. I feel like I am swimming up stream and have to justify every tool I wan to use with my students. Any help or ideas appreciated! Thanks 🙂
Hi Beth,
My students create their own accounts, so I cannot directly monitor their work using Diigo. However, it’s a tool used for research and annotating online. It isn’t a social engagement tool, so I’m surprised you’d get push back on using Diigo. I’m fortunate that my school has supported my decisions about using technology. I’d highlight the direct ties to the Common Core and then show the basic functionality.
Good luck.
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I stumbled upon your SAT vocab videos, and I think they are wonderful. I am planning on using them as supplemental material for a vocab class I’m teaching at College of Marin in the fall semester. Do you happen to have a listing of which words are covered in which videos? If so, would you be willing to share that with me?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I’m glad you enjoyed my SAT vocabulary videos and can use them. I will share a Google Folder with all of my words in the next few days. Keep an eye open for it.
Take care.
Catlin
[…] The characterization is machine (cold, rote, impersonal, confusing) versus human (warm, messy, boutique, also confusing), and the conflict is fierce. As we think about how to offer students more authentic and richer engagements with content and each other, we've got to be smarter and more willing to experiment. About. […]
I was a presenter last week at the Upstate Technology Conference in Greenville, SC. I received a free copy of your book ! Thank you so much, I really appreciate the book!
You’re so welcome, Lisa! I’m sorry I didn’t get to sign it for you.
Catlin
How well does the flipped classroom work if not everyone of your students have technology at home? Should the classroom be flipped in elementary level (K-6)?
Thank you…awesome blog and resources
Hi Mayra,
I think the flipped model can still work if a handful of students don’t have tech at home, but you have to be more creative. I’d start with a technology survey to find out exactly who has access and who does not. Then you can burn DVDs of your videos and “rent” them out. I know some teachers who use flash drives instead and loan them out.
If I was using the flipped model with elementary aged students, I’d do it in class using a learning stations approach. The key element of the flipped model is that students can self-pace their learning. If you only have a handful of devices, students can still watch a recording and pause as needed in one online learning station.
I hope that helps! I’m so glad you’ve found my blog useful.
Catlin
My district has fully embraced GAFE and Google Classroom. I am attempting to go as paperless as possible in my first year, but I have a question I cannot seem to find an answer to yet and I’m hoping you can help me.
I had students complete vocabulary quizzes using a google form posted into my google classroom. At the completion of the quiz, I typically let students do quiz corrections to earn back half of their points. This is where my obstacle arises – students can’t go back into the form to see which questions they answered incorrectly. I don’t want to give them a public link to everyone’s responses, but I would like them to see the questions they answered incorrectly. Any ideas? I am even willing to print out (I know – goes against the whole paperless purpose) individualized results for students to correct, but I’m struggling with finding a way to do this as well.
Any assistance you can provide is appreciated and I really enjoy your site as well as your tutorials ( I already started implementing some of the grading ones to make written work easier to manage.)
Regards,
Joanne Seale
Hi Joanne,
I’d have students complete the Google Form, then I’d use Flubaroo (a Google Sheets add-on) to grade the quiz automatically. Flubaroo gives you the option to email students scores (with or without the answer key). If you select to send it without the answer key, then the students can see what they answered incorrectly, but they won’t know the correct answer. That will allow them to reattempt the answer. In fact, they can retake the quiz and enter new scores and you can automatically re-grade with Flubaroo.
I hope that works for you!
Take care.
Catlin
Catlin –
Thank you for your prompt reply. I also participated in tonight’s webinar through SimpleK12 which was great.
I still have one question. If I want this to count as a quiz should I check off the box allowing for edits after submitting before the quiz or should I alter that setting after the exam has been graded and I now want to allow for test corrections? I hope that makes sense. Essentially, I don’t want them to change their answers until the original responses are graded.
By the way, I love Flubaroo and I am beginning to explore Doctopus. Are there any other add-ons you would recommend?
I also found you hints for changing preferences in Google Docs extremely helpful.
Thanks again,
Joanne Seale
Hi Joanne,
You can grade the original test and enter those grades, but when you email students just don’t email the key. Then they can retake it, you have Flubaroo re-grade it, then you can update their score.
Flubaroo and Doctopus are the primary Sheets add-ons that I use. Kaizena is a Documents add-on that I use to leave voice comments.
I’m glad you were able to attend the Simple K12 “Meet the Author” event.
Take care!
Catlin
Hi,Catlin:
There is a very active teacher who is, what her husband called, a woman of no filter.
The teacher is a mother of two children – a daughter and a son.
Her daughter is both loquacious and inquisitive – she keeps singing and talking all day long as long as she wakes up in the morning.
The son would clamor violently and then keep rolling on the floor if you suggest that he should put on a vest lest he should catch cold.
I like and have learned very much from your Sat Vocabulary lessons on YouTube. Thank you very much for your effort and unselfish contribution.
May I ask when the lesson will continue? or just done already?
(I am a retired old man , and am from Taiwan. But I like learning English.)
Hi Giman,
I’m impressed by all of the details you’ve absorbed from my explanations! I created those videos for my students and we never get through more than 35 lists, which is why I stopped at 35. However, I have received several messages on YouTube requesting that I create more. I will do my best to post more.
Thanks again for the comment! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them.
Catlin
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Take care & take your time, don’t rush.
You’re welcome!
Catlin
Catlin,
You mentioned in a recent article, “More Than a Google Search” that you use a Google Doc Form for providing the students with questioning skills. What kind of input do you ask them to provide?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Susan,
Here is a blog I wrote with the link to my Got Credibility Form and a screencast to show you how to make a copy.
Catlin
It’s been my experience that, credible source’s are sought researched and referenced.
Dear Catlin–
I am an English teacher in Claremont, NH. I’ve been teaching for eight years– and I need an intellectual recharge this summer. I need to do better with technology in English class– more images, audio, video, projects, eportfolios– my question: what’s the best way to learn this stuff over the summer?? I do best when I’m not flailing on my own, but have clear expectations and a teacher.
Many thanks, Bruce
Hi Bruce,
I would suggest researching education technology events in your area over the summer. Even something informal like a local EdCamp (unconference) would provide some much needed inspiration. I’ve found that attending education technology events and connecting with other educators in my subject area is incredibly energizing. Plus, if you attend an event in the summer, then you have the time and space to get ready to use it with students when you return to school in Fall.
Good luck!
Catlin
Hello,
I am working with Turnitin which recently released a new edtech writing instruction resource, Revision Assistant. We would like to inquire about your product review process. We are willing to pay a fee for this service. Could you let me know how best to proceed?
Here is a recent article: https://edtechdigest.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/cool-tool-revision-assistant/
Thank you,
Alyssa Boyce
JHarrisonPR
I am so glad to see your continuation (#35,#36) of your sat vocabulary.
Listening to your explaining the meaning of each word is a kind of enjoying a good meal.
Your voice is clear, sweet and with confidence, and even with some kind of wisdom.
I like it.
Thank you for your effort.
Hi Giman,
I’m so glad you are enjoying my vocabulary videos!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I have come across your blog and really love what you are doing. I have also had the chance of reading a few comments where people have asked to resend them materials that you presented during a conference. I have a tool in hand for you to solve this problem.
It is a platform called shareli that let’s you share files instantly from any device with a unique code so when you are out speaking at conferences and doing workshops, you can tell your audience to download the presentation or materials you just used with the code from shareli’s platform. This way, you will avoid people taking photos of your presentation meanwhile speaking and also getting them more engaged afterwards.
Another use for this platform would be in the classroom, during a class you might have to distribute a file to your students. But instead of emailling them the file or uploading them on the private network that the school might have installed. You can give your students the unique code to shareli’s platform and let them access it instantly through there.
If you would like to speak further about shareli, I am available at your disposal and will happily give you a personal presentation of the platform.
Thank you for taking your time to read this! 🙂
HI Catlin,
I really want to start blogging with my students. Can you recommend a good site where we can all see/respond to each other’s blogs on the same page (or at least see each other’s)? You did a training at my district and I remember what yours looks like, but I don’t know where to go to begin. Can you help? Thanks!
Hi Brenda,
Here is a blog I wrote on how I manage blogs (because I know it can be daunting). http://cluttered-record.flywheelsites.com/2013/09/20-philosophy-meets-blogging
I also posted this resource that can be a helpful reference in guiding students in their blogs.
http://cluttered-record.flywheelsites.com/2015/12/help-blogging/
Take care. Good luck!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I enjoyed reading about you in David Cohen’s Capturing the Spark. I’m also a teacher/writer. Perhaps you’ve seen my work in California Educator. My January essay there was made into a RSA-style animation that you may find interesting because of the tech.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO1zqc3qobg
If you like it, drop me a line.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for sharing, Matt!
I’ll check it out.
Catlin
Hi Catlin! The Christmas ornament organizer is a fantastic idea for student cell phone storage! Can you please direct me to where you purchased yours? Our school is definitely going to use this idea. Please email me at eweiss@themesivta.org when you have a sec! Thanks!
Hi Ellie,
Here is a link to one that is similar to the ones I got a couple of years ago.
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Ornament-Container-Removable-Compartments/dp/B013RNB5L4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1501188680&sr=8-4&keywords=cloth+holiday+ornament+container
Catlin
Catlin,
I love your Blended learning Grades 4-12 book. I used it for a course I’m teaching. I’m trying to share the discussion rubric with my class for their final project, but it’s telling me the files isn’t there. I’m looking for the one on page 206 – the online discussion. The url is http://goo.gl/UiCWQ.
Thanks!
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
I apologize for the delay. I lost all of my copies of that book when my home burned down, but I searched my drive and found this simple rubric for online discussions. Since that book, I’ve combined my offline and online discussion standards into a more comprehensive rubric, which you are also welcome to share.
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
Thank you so much for your innovation and your willingness to share it. I’ve read “Creatively Teach” and an currently reading “Blending Learning in Action”, and I’m beyond excited with the ideas you’ve given me for my senior English classroom.
I’m curious to know how you structure your course units? For example, do you have a “Of Mice and Men” unit and “Shakespeare” unit, or do you have a “Writing” unit, and “Research” unit?
Thank you!
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
I’m thrilled to hear you are enjoying my books!
I used to organize my units by text. Last year, I began team teaching so we organized our units by topic (e.g., nutrition and the body, social media and identity). This allowed our team to make clear connections between what they were studying in English, science, and history. I still teach core texts within each unit, but the big idea or topic drives the unit not the text.
Catlin
Hello Catlin,
First of all I want to thank you for your dedication to your page. Growing your page to what it is with such great content takes time and clearly lots of passion. Thank you for your dedication and contribution!
My name is Ka’Ren Minasian and I have a huge passion for teaching and the topic of social emotional learning. Last year I went on tour and worked with over 100,000 students across CA and HI and it was amazing!
My company STORM (Special Team Of Role Models) supports schools across the country by implementing programs that improve attendance, reduce office referrals, improve engagement, and more..
Recently I finished a book to help teachers engage better with their students and I wanted to share it with you in hopes that you might have some sort of interest.
I am also attaching a link to a Indiegogo campaign that is going to be LIVE on 4/29. The goal is for schools across the country to begin their own ROLE MODEL WEEK with the help of Indiegogo supporters that will sponsor the program. Hope you find it interesting..
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/5-day-role-models-in-training-program-community-kids/coming_soon
Would love to see if you have any interest in what we do.
I figured that since you are an expert in your field, your opinion would be very valuable.. Any feedback or support would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you again for your time!
Ka’Ren Minasian
STORM
http://www.stormprogram.com
I am a Technology Integration Specialist in a Maryland school district, and my focus is on Student Bkended and Flipped Learning. I work with elementary, middle, and high school teachers and students. I’m looking for a good conference to attend on Blended, Personslized, and/Flipped Learning. Do you have any to recommend for this year? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Hi Sheila,
I’d suggest iNACOL, ISTE, and CUE.
Catlin
Hi Catlin!Hi Catlin!
I teach 8th grade ELA/ELD and US History here in the central valley. I am currently going to school to obtain my Master’s degree. One of our assignments is to interview an educational ‘rockstar’, which I consider you to be! If you have a few minutes, I would love to hear about your experience with using technology in the classroom:
1. What are a few of the ‘hot topics’ you see as trending right now in the classrooms?
2. Why do you think these trends are so popular with the students/teachers?
3. What would you say is one of the biggest challenges with using technology (or these trends) in the classroom?
4. Do you see any correlation between the use of technology and an increase in test scores?
5. What advice would you give a teacher that wants to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology in the classroom but isn’t very tech savvy?
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I’m so excited to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
Hi Lindsay,
I’m flattered! I’ve responded to your questions below.
1. What are a few of the ‘hot topics’ you see as trending right now in the classrooms?
On the technology side, there is a lot of excitement around virtual reality. The cost of the equipment is a barrier for many schools, but the possibilities around using VR to immerse students in learning is exciting. I’ve been exploring research on the brain, which has added to my interest in VR. It turns out that individuals in a state of short-term emotional arousal demonstrate higher levels of attention and enhanced memory. That means that a student could experience an intense moment in history as part of a VR experience that could improve their ability to encode or make memories about that event.
I also hear the word “personalization” used a lot in education circles. How teachers get to the point of actually personalizing learning for every child is still up for debate, especially in a reality where most teachers have 150+ students and are restricted to short 45-50 minute class periods. My perspective, which I will be exploring in my next book (2020), is that teachers must partner with students, particularly on assessment, if they are going to be successful at personalizing learning.
2. Why do you think these trends are so popular with the students/teachers?
VR is cool because it opens up new worlds for students. They can explore, experience, and learn in a dynamic way.
Personalization is what we (the education community) know is best for learners. We all know that kids are in wildly different places in terms of their skills and one-size-fits-all lessons don’t work. So, personalization is what we should be striving for as educators. Actually making that ideal reality is no easy feat.
3. What would you say is one of the biggest challenges with using technology (or these trends) in the classroom?
Getting teachers excited to use it. Most teachers are doing the lion’s share of work in the classroom. They are exhausted and don’t have the bandwidth for anything else. The sad reality is that most teachers are drowning and don’t feel they have the support they need to experiment with alternative teaching models and technology tools. In my newest book Power Up Blended Learning, I make the argument that schools and districts need to invest in building a professional learning infrastructure to support teachers as they implement blended learning. Dumping huge amounts of money into hardware and the technology infrastructure will not yield transformative change without an equal investment in professional learning.
4. Do you see any correlation between the use of technology and an increase in test scores?
No. If teachers were engaging students in dynamic, higher-level, student-driven work with technology, then I would expect to see a correlation. However, using technology to substitute for tools we have had for a hundred years instead of using it to reimagine learning is not going to radically change learning outcomes.
5. What advice would you give a teacher that wants to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology in the classroom but isn’t very tech savvy?
Build your personal learning network online NOW! Get on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Facebook and find interesting people to connect with and follow. I am challenged and inspired daily by my PLN on Twitter. We must aggressively pursue our learning!
Take care!
Catlin
Dear Mrs. Tucker,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to read my long comment.
My name is Ryan Park, a manager of Newlearn.io. I am writing to you because I want to introduce an educational platform, Newlearn.io, where teachers can make social network and get free ELA resources. Because of your importance and influence in education and teaching I want to let you know about the new site! After my introduction, I hope you would like to see Newlearn.io.
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
– Mother Teresa
In the belief of the power of collaboration, my team developed Newlearn.io, which will give teachers opportunities to experience a moment of good influence flowing. We believe that Newlearn.io is going to be a place for teacher collaboration. Teachers are going to have a positive influence on each other, and it will turn into something beneficial for student learning.
Since September, Newlearn.io has focused on three main functions to support teachers.
First, it helps teachers search qualified teaching materials in a short time, and use them freely. ELA validated teaching materials based on the CCSS can be found, and teachers can download them for free.
Second, it helps teachers share teaching materials with other colleagues easily and quickly. SNS features such as Twitter and Instagram are mostly implemented.
Third, it helps teachers create and organize own teaching materials. Videos, documents, and links can be organized for their teaching materials.
As soon as the initial model of Newlearn.io developed, we participated in the 2018 NCTE Annual Convention (Houston, TX) as exhibitors. We introduced our educational platform for many teachers, and they shared their sincere opinions with us. We were very impressed by the many teachers’ feedbacks because they were looking for effective teaching materials all the time, and they wanted to share their knowledge, too. Through their valuable feedbacks and our experience, we believe that our educational platform can help teachers in many ways. For now, we are trying to upgrade Newlearn.io continuously and actively reflecting the feedbacks of teachers.
Newlearn.io, however, has just sprouted up. It still needs to keep growing, and we need all kinds of nourishment. It means that we cherish every single feedback from all people. And of course, it will be a great honor for us to have a review from an award-winning educator like you. Any help you can give would be very appreciated.
If you are interested in Newlearn.io, please sign up and take a look around. Just for a reminder, we only admit school district email to maintain our educational platform only for teachers.
Thank you for your consideration.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let me know.
Best regards,
Ryan Park
Hi Mrs Tucker.
Just wanna say thanks for SAT Vocabulary and I so wish you can continue with them.
Thank you for the kind note, Frantz.
I made those videos for my students. If I have time in the future, I will try to add to them using the new SAT format.
Take care.
Catlin
Hello,
I love reading your tweets and blog posts! I was wondering based on your thoughts of using a more standards based grading approach, how and what you would grade if you were told by your administrators that you needed to enter 2 grades per week into your grade book. Our grade book system is not set up to enter grades in the standards based format. I do include the math standard when I am entering assignments. I would love to hear some ideas as our grade book is set up as 5% homework, 35% formative assessment, and 60% summative assessment. I teach 7th grade math and will be implementing Open Up/Illustrative Math this coming fall.
I look forward to hearing your ideas!
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
Weighted categories are tough. I eliminated those when I shifted to this new approach. If I had to enter homework, I would not grade it as I feel homework should be a safe space to fail. I would probably just do points for completion. Then I would use my formative and summative assessment categories to enter things that get feedback (formative) and final scores on assessments (summative). I would do exactly what it sounds like you are doing and assess each individual skill and enter it separately. I know many schools have minimum numbers of grades per week/grading period, but if we separate the skills and enter each separately two grades a week is less daunting.
I know experimenting with progressive grading practices are tough when we cannot control the layout of the gradebook or are forced to enter a specific number of grades each week. I hope that helps!
Catlin
Hi Catlin,
I got to see you when you visited Shoreline and did a blended training with us! So, I have a technical question regarding navigating the website. I’m trying to see if I can browse all the posts, but it seems that I can only click “older post” to look through blog posts one at a time. Is there an easier way that I am not finding?
Appreciate it!
Hi Nathan,
The easiest way to navigate the site is to search by keywords in the search window in the upper right-hand side of the site. If you still have issues finding blogs on particular topics, let me know.
Catlin
I’m looking for a starting place with my PreK-8grade school. I like what I’ve seen on your blog – what book do you suggest we start with? Publication order is not always the way.
Thanks for your help!
I would recommend starting with Blended Learning in Action, which provides an introduction to blended learning and the various models.😊
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Catlin
Hi Catlin!
I am an Instructional Coach in Augusta County, Virginia. We are currently in hybrid mode. Most students attend school two days a week and work from home for three.
Throughout this craziness, I’ve decided to take my lessons learned, my experience with teachers, and share them with the world in the form of a blog. Now, more than ever, we need real voices to be heard that can highlight the struggles and perseverance of teachers.
My question for you is how did you get started? You have multiple streams of income and blog that does not run outside ads. How can I get to where you are?
Any advice would be valuable!
Thanks!
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
I agree we need voices in this space sharing the challenges and successes of this moment!
I began my blog almost 10 years ago and committed to blogging once a week. I try to keep my blog really practical and concrete. I also share the resources I write about instead of monetizing them. My goal is to support as many teachers as possible with the work I do. If they want to pay for additional resources, they always have my books and online courses.
I do not sell advertisements on my blog because I don’t like looking at webpages full of blinking ads myself. Advertisements are also distracting, and I want people to be able to come to my blog to learn without distraction.
I would suggest starting a blog, commit to blogging regularly, and share useful resources. It helps to have a social media channel to share your posts and work. You’ll develop a readership over time.
Good luck!
Catlin