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Community Corner

H-H Introduces New Technology-Enhanced Learning Model

Five schools are incorporating technology into their everyday learning to develop individualized instruction for students.

Hatboro-Horsham School District is taking individualized learning to a heightened level by launching a hybrid learning classroom model in five of its schools this semester: Hatboro-Horsham High School, Keith Valley Middle School, Hallowell Elementary School, Simmons Elementary School and Pennypack Elementary School. These schools are incorporating technology into their everyday learning to develop individualized instruction for students.

“Our goal is to leverage the technology skills students already have,” Director of Curriculum David Weber said. “By using technology as an educational tool in the hybrid learning model, we can enhance student achievement and transform the way we deliver instruction.”

These schools are among the first schools in Pennsylvania to implement these new models of instruction as part of the Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Institute. Hybrid learning blends digital resources like laptops and the internet along with in-classroom teacher instruction to provide a more student-centered approach to learning.

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The model combines three stations of learning into one classroom – direct instruction from teachers; collaborative group activities with peers; and self-directed work with digital content.  The goal is to improve academic achievement by providing teachers with smaller, more flexible student groups, better student data and multiple instructional methods to customize instruction for individual students.

“We are optimizing the way we deploy technology in the classroom,” Weber said. “However, this model also allows us to better address student learning. If a student is struggling to understand something, the teacher can know about it almost immediately through the data provided by the digital lessons. Additionally, if a student is exceeding expectations, the teacher can provide more enrichment. It takes individualized learning to another level.”

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At the elementary schools, approximately 120 students and 5 teachers have implemented hybrid learning for math classes. Keith Valley also uses hybrid learning in math classes, with approximately 100 students and two teachers. At the high school, 360 students and 6 teachers have implemented hybrid learning in Spanish, French and Geometry classes.  Hatboro-Horsham High School is among one of the first schools in the state to implement hybrid learning in world language classes. 

“Our teachers are using this model to their advantage by keeping students engaged in what they’re learning,” Weber said. “With three rotations, the class period has built-in transitions and students stay engaged through multiple learning formats.”

While it is too soon for data to be gathered about the effects of hybrid learning in Hatboro-Horsham, Pennsylvania schools that have launched similar programs have seen higher standardized test scores, increased parent and teacher satisfaction, less behavioral problems and more engaged students.

Weber said if all goes well this year, Hatboro-Horsham is planning to apply for grants to grow the hybrid learning model into the other district schools. The state preliminary budget incorporates $10 million in grant money for schools to begin or further develop a hybrid learning model. If it is passed, the grant money could help the district maintain and expand the program.

“We are getting very good feedback from our teachers so far,” Weber said. “We’re encouraged by our initial results and very optimistic about expanding this program in the future.”

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