complete with tutorials in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms.
As teachers tackle moving instruction from face-to-face learning to virtual learning, the curriculum needs to be converted to a digital learning environment that utilizes an intentional pedagogy for delivering instruction online. According to Modern Teacher, a strong digital learning environment is organized, engaging, creative and rigorous, supportive, as well as collaborative and connected. By using HyperDocs and the included guided template as the foundation for your new digital learning environment, you will be giving students a digital experience that includes each of those aspects and sets them up with a high-percentage shot at being a successful virtual learner.
The founders of HyperDocs Lisa Highfill, Sarah Landis, and Kelly Hilton describe the concept this way, “HyperDocs, a transformative, interactive Google Doc replacing the worksheet method of delivering instruction, is the ultimate change agent in the blended learning classroom. With strong educational philosophies built into each one, HyperDocs have the potential to shift the way you instruct with technology. They are created by teachers and given to students to engage, educate, and inspire learning. It’s not about teaching technology, it’s about using technology to TEACH.”
When teachers create a digital learning environment that involves using one pedagogical framework that can house unlimited amounts of content, crucial consistency can be achieved.
Consistency in how teachers present materials and how students and their families access materials
Consistency in a manageable set of digital tools in which teachers and students can continue to develop mastery
Consistency in elements of lesson construction
Consistency in expectations for student completion of work
By adopting a pedagogical structure that can house a lesson and be adaptable to any content across any grade level, HyperDocs makes it easy for teachers to build and easy for students to access and navigate. When one method is used repeatedly, teachers get better at designing because they are doing more reps with the same technique. Kids get better at executing the tasks as well due to more reps with the same technique. As the legendary Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
What may seem like a simple doc with links is really a detailed progression of delivering digital instruction. Many HyperDocs follow this basic format that takes students through six steps of a lesson. Google Education Innovator Brian Briggs explains each:
Engage: Hook your students, get them engaged, and activate prior knowledge. You might use a fun video, interactive website, or audio recording.
Explore: Link resources, such as videos or articles, for students to explore more information.
Explain: Clarify the learning objective for your students. This is where you could teach a whole group lesson with direct instruction, or add additional resources for students to explore.
Apply: What do you want students to create to demonstrate their learning? Give instructions for the assignment.
Share: Provide a way for students to share their work and receive feedback.
Reflect: Pause for reflection (whole class, think-pair-share, etc.) or link them to a digital way to share their thoughts.
- Extend: This portion is great for early finishers. Provide extra activities, additional online resources, or challenge them with an extension assignment to extend their thinking.
