blended learning

In this lesson we'll learn how blended learning disrupts the traditional classroom to provide more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for K-12 students. We'll also discuss the various types of models and how to integrate a blended environment.

Definition of Blended Learning

Did you know that our present K-12 students were born after the World Wide Web came out in 1991? Imagine how technology has made their childhoods vastly different from yours. Today's 14-year-old was born in 2001, the same year a human received the first artificial heart. In 2007, more babies where born in the U.S. than at any other time in our history. But what will 2007 be remembered for? The first iPhone. Our K-12 students only know a life with technology, so you can see why blended learning is not a trend but the new pedagogy.
Blended learning is a mix of e-learning with classroom instruction. Both environments are partly or fully supervised, depending on the model. It is not a simple matter of using more technology in the classroom or assigning homework that requires using the Internet or other technologies. Blended learning is a more robust teaching model that is adopted by a school or an individual classroom. It is still formal learning, as students are assessed on what they learned both online and face-to-face.

Desirable Qualities of Blended Learning

The most obvious reason why schools and teachers enjoy a blended learning model is that it increases engagement. More than half of children 8-12 years old have a phone or smartphone, which is like having a handheld computer. With blended learning students can use their smartphones for classroom activities and learn online at their own pace.
This may sound like a matter of convenience, but engagement is a powerful technique. In a blended learning environment students are continuously connected to the content. Many learning styles are stimulated through various technologies and digital media, helping the students comprehend, retain, and apply information.

Models

Face-to-Face Driver Model: This is a 'softer' approach to blended learning. The lecture will always be in-person. An individual teacher will add content online to support the curriculum. For example, in-class lectures are supported by supplementary lectures and virtual world activities found online.
Rotation Model: The rotation model is a fixed schedule of in-classroom and online instruction. It alternates between an in-classroom lecture supported by online study and an online lecture with supporting classroom activities. For example, in week 1, students will have face-to-face lectures and activities will be online. In week 2, students will watch online lectures and the classroom will be used for activities.
3 Flex Model: Students learn primarily online, while the classroom is used for tech support.
Online Lab Model: Courses are taught fully online but supervised by an adult in the physical classroom.
Self-Blend Model: Students take extra courses online. This is common for students wanting to take advanced courses for college or at-risk students who need extra coursework to graduate.
Online Driver Model: This is also taught fully online. It is self-paced with teachers checking in on a student and providing support as needed.

Ways to integrate

Implementing a blended learning environment is not something you can do alone. It is an overhaul of the traditional classroom that requires additional technologies, technical support, and the understanding of both students and parents about how it will work. If you are past the initial phase and are ready to blend your classroom, here are few common activities that happen online and in the classroom.
As you can see from the models listed above, online instruction is a major part of blended learning. There are a variety of platforms to deliver video lectures. You can use a learning management system (LMS) that has interactive features such as discussion forums and assessments tied to your course. Or you can use a podcast or a YouTube series. There are even more opportunities for online activities: virtual worlds, gaming, and supplementary lectures such as those offered by Khan Academy. The list of potential resources goes on and on.
In face-to-face instruction, you have the traditional lecture format and instructional activities. Remember, you want to assess what students learn online, so in-class activities should be used to check understanding and homework completion. Typical activities include collaborative work, compare-and-contrast challenges, reflective exercises, or peer evaluation.

Challenges With Blended Learning

Are you ready to switch to a blended learning environment? Before you start planning, there are some important issues to consider. A teacher needs to feel confident in their technical skills. Blended learning is not a process of simply using iPads in the classroom every now and then. You will use multiple tools every day and for a large portion of the day. If students need help, they will most likely reach out to an instructor before they contact someone the Information Technology (IT) department. Your IT team needs to be involved because students and teachers will encounter technical problems. That's the technical side, now let's talk about the students. It is common for students to procrastinate when learning online. For example, since they know the length of an online lecture, they'll wait until the last minute to watch it. Also, some students from low-income households may not have reliable access to technology or the Internet.

Lesson Summary

Blended learning is a mixed learning environment of e-learning and face-to-face. There are several models, however each model requires some level of adult supervision.