The term “blended learning” seems shrouded in mystery. In talking with colleagues it has become clear that very few know what blended learning is. In fact, my principal asked me to define the term for him just last week. This surprises me given the current trend in education towards this model of instruction.

So what is blended learning?

Blended LearningBlended learning weaves various instructional mediums into a cohesive whole.  It is broad, amorphous term that refers to the spectrum of teaching modes that combine traditional face-to-face instruction with an online component. This integrated approach to teaching has been born from both necessity and increased access to technology.  The necessity for a “better” solution to the growing education crisis is leading many educators and institutions to this hybrid style of instruction. Growing class sizes, dwindling resources and increasing pressure to teach to “high stakes” standardized exams are causing many teachers to feel overwhelmed and disillusioned. The demand placed on teachers to do more with less has led many to embrace this new model of instruction.

Blended learning provides teachers and students with flexibility.

Teachers can design lessons that weave the best of traditional instruction with the benefits of an online component to achieve optimal learning for all students. This frees teachers from the perpetual race against the bell. Instead of jamming huge amounts of curriculum into one class period, teachers can complement their in-class instruction with an online component. Lessons can begin in class and continue online and vice versa. The trick for the instructor is to successfully weave these two components together to create a seamless educational fabric that is modern as microfiber and practical as denim.

The blended learning model is malleable. Teachers can tailor this model of instruction to best meet their students’ diverse needs. For example, high schools students who often feel anxious or shy about speaking in front of peers can benefit from online discussions that complement in-class curriculum. This provides time for students to consider a question or topic, articulate a response and read those responses posted by their peers. For many students this allows them an equal voice in discussions without feeling the pressure to speak in front of the entire class in real time.

Students at a higher level who are more self-assured and less inhibited can benefit from a blended learning model that flips this traditional mode of teaching.  Teachers can present media rich content online, then use traditional in class meetings to discuss material or complete assignments in collaborative groups.

The online component can support a wide range of student driven projects and assignments that are often neglected in traditional classroom due to time constraints and a general lack of student focus. Involvement in a project can take place asynchronously using an online component, which allows students the ability to participate in a time and space that is convenient for them.

The second factor leading to this trend in education is the proliferation of technology in our society and the mastery of this technology by students. Even teachers with limited technology in their classrooms can harness and leverage the technology available to them through their students to create a blended learning environment.

As budgets shrink and work loads increase, blended learning offers teachers the opportunity to break the traditional mold and create a hybrid learning environment that fosters collaboration and provides much needed flexibility.

Of course, not everyone is sold on the blended learning concept. It is controversial and some, both educators and the general public, resist it.

Their objections merit discussion – and rebuttal, where appropriate.  That will be the subject of future blogs.

2 Responses

  1. Catlin Tucker has done a valuable service in providing a clear explanation of what blended learning is all about. I had vague notions on the subject but wasn’t sure I had it right. I appreciate her effort to demystify the term – and look forward to hearing about the “other side,” those who disapprove of “blended learning.” I suspect they come from older generations and their objections may be rooted in fear of change. I’m well into my senior years, but am very comfortable with new technology, though not as adept at it as today’s young people. I think it’s inevitable that technology will change various facets of education – just as computers and other devices have changed so many areas of society.

    • Thank you for the comment! I am glad I could put a more concrete definition to this term since it is emerging trend in education. Using a blended learning model with my own students has transformed the way I teach and the way my students interact. It has great potential, but there are definitely concerns about universal access to technology, student online conduct/ cyber bullying, and teacher time spent moderating an online component. These are all issues I plan to discuss in future blogs.

      Thank you again for taking the time to comment on my post!

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