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Module 1

Instructional Design

Online and blended learning has the potential to provide flexible, personalized learning experiences, but crafting a truly impactful environment requires planning. Teachers must be deliberate in designing opportunities that empower students to take charge of their learning by offering them choice, ownership, and voice. By creating engaging and authentic experiences, educators can foster deeper connections with the material and encourage active participation, leading to more meaningful learning outcomes.

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Instructional Design

Designing and developing a teaching project for young learners may appear straightforward, but it requires thoughtful planning and attention to several key factors. When teaching science vocabulary to kindergarten students, aligning with the curriculum and standards is essential while considering each child's individual and group needs. Through years of experience working with young children, I’ve gained valuable insights into how they learn best. I am deeply committed to my students, striving to provide them with the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. My innovation proposal focuses on teaching science vocabulary through engaging hands-on activities, visual aids, and interactive learning experiences.

Instructional Tools

  • Fink's 3-column and Understanding By Design table, offers a valuable framework for creating a meaningful and effective learning experience. This document highlights the importance of establishing learning objectives that align with five essential dimensions: foundational knowledge, application, integration, human dimension, and learning how to learn. Within the context of my blended learning approach, these elements guide my instructional design, ensuring that students not only acquire fundamental knowledge but also have the opportunity to apply and integrate what they've learned through in-person and digital platforms.

Please take a moment to review the detailed outline to gain a better understanding of the structure and key components of the implementation plan.

I invite you to watch the video below to learn more about my instructional design and explore how it creates a dynamic, vocabulary-rich environment that fosters curiosity and supports the growth of young learners.



 

References:
 

Bates, A.W. (2019). Teaching in a Digital Age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/ Videos from this post are also required viewing in the Discussion section.

 

Harapnuik. D. (2021). Assessment Of/For/As learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=8900

Harapnuik. D. (2020). Feedforward vs. Feedback. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=8273

Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 

 

Harapnuick, Thibodeaux , & Cummings. (2018, January). COVA. Lamar University. https://tilisathibodeaux.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/COVA_eBook_Jan_2018.pdf  

Horn, M.B, Staker, H., & Christensen, C.M. (2017). Blended: using disruptive innovation to improve schools. Jossey–Bass. 

 

Lead4ward. (n.d.). TEKS snapshot: Science, Grade K. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from

 

https://lead4ward.com/docs/resources/snapshots/science/teks_snapshot_science_gr_00k.pdf

Texas Education Agency. (2024, June). Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: Curriculum Standards, Austin, Texas: https://tea.texas.gov/academics 

We can built great things together!

2024 - Angélica Padrón

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