Hybrid/Online Courses @ BHS

Over the 2012 summer, Mr. Mezeske and Mrs. Dreyer each taught a BHS hybrid/online course, In Writing and Personal Finance respectively, to students who were wanting and willing to learn in a different environment.  It was so successful, the administration decided that it was a good idea to offer hybrid/online classes this semester.

We learned a lot of information regarding the process and the tools that we used.  One big restriction we had needing to find tools that were free to allow the learning environment to happen.  We ended up using three different platforms:

• Google Drive:  Producing and sharing products
• Anymeeting:  Video Conferencing
• Engrade:  Online Grading

Of course, there were some issues, in particular to Anymeeting not necessarily working perfectly and Engrade not providing a seamless discussion board.  So, we went back to the drawing board.  Just about the time we were reevaluating, Google gave us the ability for students to have a Google+ account under our school Google accounts.  Thus, this semester we are getting our feet wet with having students use the Google Suite for the hybrid course.  (If things go well, we will open up the chat and video feature for all of our students).  This is what we plan on using:

• Google Drive:  Producing and sharing products
• Google+:  Receiving information regarding the class/collaborating
• Google Hangout:  Video Conferencing
• Gmail:  Direct correspondence
• Google Groups:  Discussion board
• Google Sites:  Display work for Digital Portfolio

To help assist students, I created documentations on using particular components of the Google Suite.  Feel free to use this documentation for yourself.

Creating/Sharing Google Docs

Creating Google+ Account

Google Hangout

Google Groups

We are very excited about the possibilities ahead of us.  Of course, we will have a better idea after the semester is over, whether or not our ideas were on track.  More to come at the end of the semester!