A new learning strategy mixes traditional teaching with technology

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – On Thursday, October 16, Ector County ISD showcased their Blended Learning model at Wilson and Young Medal of Honor Middle School.

This learning strategy is the future for all ECISD classrooms.

Blended Learning mixes traditional teaching with technology to personalize the learning experience for each student.

“Our goal is to make sure that we’re tying our activities and our lessons to student choice and data,” said Megan Watts, the Principal of Wilson and Young Medal of Honor Middle School.

This process can look different for each teacher but the goal remains the same, students have more control over their individual learning and can discuss their growth and goals.

“It makes it very personal for them. One, it’s personal because they know how they’re performing and two, they feel like there’s a relationship and an investment from their teacher and also our administrative team,” Watts said.

Starting back in July 2024, Wilson and Young implemented Blended Learning in nine of their classrooms, three in each grade.

Watts says she first saw apprehension from her teachers because of the control they were giving up of their classrooms.

“At first it was nerves and fear and now they’re really seeing the fruits of their labor and their planning and their facilitation, so it’s been positive for our campus,” said Watts.

Positive results spread to seeing increased test scores.

“On STAAR we had some pretty significant growth in our meets category in all of our RLA classes,” Watts said.

This new initiative also tracks student growth with the MAP test and regular checkpoints throughout the year.

This new teaching style also helps students develop new skills they might use in their professional careers.

“Building those collaboration skills of being able to communicate effectively and having a shared goal,” said Amanda Webber, the Blended Learning Coordinator for Ector County ISD.

In the district, Blended Learning started with a pilot program back in 2020.

After that success, they decided to spread it to more campuses across the district.

Currently 16 schools have implemented Blended Learning in some of their classrooms, with six more being added this year.

“We do training in the fall, giving them the information and then in the spring we focus on support and feedback. We come into the classroom, see how it’s going, we take pictures, and give them feedback,” Webber said.

Blended Learning is expected to be implemented at every ECISD campus by the 2028-2029 school year.

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