Bold School: Old School Wisdom + New Technologies = Blended Learning That Works 2017 (ICLE Publications) Paperback – July 5, 2017

This book provides all the tools necessary to transform teaching and learning in schools. Weston Kieschnick's ability to mix educational theory with sound, logical, real world applications provides teachers and administrators with the resources necessary to make an immediate impact in their classroom. Education is changing. Students are learning differently and at a rapid rate. The Blended Learning Framework discussed in Bold School is a guide for educators on how to combine technology with traditional instructional practices.....or if you are Bold......new instructional practices! Weston's writing style, humor and sense of passion make for an enjoyable learning experience.As an administrator I would highly recommended conducting a BOLD SCHOOL book study with your staff. Each chapter breaks down a different instructional approach and explains how you can integrate technology at various levels. Weston is not an author who writes a book and then moves on to the next topic. He truly believes and lives his message. We have communicated on several occasions and his energy and enthusiasm in contagious.Are you looking to revitalize your instruction? Are you looking to improve student achievement? Are you looking to make learning more engaging and relevant for your students? Are you looking to turn your classroom or school from "OLD" to "BOLD?" Weston preaches that technology is great....but teachers are better. You have it within you to change student learning. Join the BOLD SCHOOL movement today. You won't be disappointed.Rich Hayzler, Middle School Principal

I bought this book immediately after attending Weston's sessions at the Model Schools Conference. He was so engaging and inspirational, and his spirit and love for teaching carry through in Bold School. I have never laughed so much while reading a professional book! Filled with anecdotes from his coaching experience, pop culture references, and fun graphics, Bold School unfolds a practical approach to layering technology on top of good ol’ teaching practices—those strategies we know make great impact. Bold School is a guide for teachers at all levels and content areas who want to elevate their craft by using tech tools in a meaningful way to increase relevant student learning.Before learning from Weston, I was overwhelmed by trying to figure out how to use the coolest tools in my classroom. I now get why starting with the shiny things doesn't work! Student learning outcomes and strategies must precede the tools/technology! Weston validates that good teaching is still king and offers 5 simple steps to strategic blended learning. I feel inspired and armed to implement the Bold School framework in my classroom right away and I will be sharing this amazing resource with my teacher friends and colleagues.

Weston Kieschnick is an outstanding resource for any educator wrestling with the challenges of using technology as a springboard for innovation in their classroom or their school. His book, Bold School, provides not only a big picture view of blending learning in the modern classroom, it also has a series of chapters providing immediate assistance for teachers to take their instruction to that next level. The BEST option for school leaders is to bring Weston in to work with your teachers. He is an outstanding coach and inspirational speaker. The SECOND Best option is to buy his book and use it with your teachers. My recommendation: Do BOTH!

Bold School is an interesting book, especially for those of us who do not come from an educational background. I read it as part of a book club for a class, and I found the structure of the book to be quite logical and the writing easy to follow. This is a book about blended learning, which is the use of "old school" teaching methods combined with newer technologies to produce greater learning outcomes - what the author terms the "Bold School" method. Kieschnick draws upon his years of experience in the classroom to provide his readers with a practical, yet methodologically sound picture of what blended learning looks like in K-12 education. What I found particularly useful from this book was his breakdown of case studies in classroom instruction that populate the second half of the book. Each study presents a different teacher using an "old school" instructional strategy, but not to its greatest potential. Kieschnick then takes apart the lesson, implements a new technology that better accentuates the learning goal, and constructs a new "Bold School" lesson plan. This is a great book for those who are just beginning to explore the concepts and strategies related to blended learning.

I NEVER like "teacher books," but this one was fantastic! It offers advice on how to incorporate new technologies without throwing out your old school teaching.It was very informative - highly recommend!

I saw Weston speak at Model Schools and was totally captivated by his passion and message- how to blend old school pedagogies with modern technology. Each chapter showcases a teaching strategy (with Hattie's effect size) and how to use a modern tech tool to have a blended learning class. This book is an easy and quick read and it is relevant for any educator. I highly recommend this book for educators.

Great ideas with laugh out loud humor. A good combination. If you are tech nervous, I feel this book will alleviate your stress. If you are tech savvy there are some great suggestions to add to your repertoire. Regardless, of your tech knowledge I highly recommend this book.

Great information and real life examples of classroom implementation of technology and effective strategies (based on effect size). Unfortunately, most of the examples were focused on secondary classrooms. It would be great to see more elementary examples that can realistically be implemented, while promoting higher order thinking, using relevant material, and supporting common core/or state learning objectives.