Blended learning

Aims:  Define blended learning.  To differentiate the four models of blended learning

What is blended learning?  “to combine or mix mode of Web-based technology to accomplish an educational goal”.  “to combine various pedagogical approaches (e.g. constructivisim, behaviourism, cognitivism) to produce an optimal learning outcome with or without instructional technology”.  “to combine any form of instructional technology with face-to-face instructor-led training. (Driscoll, 2002)

Therefore blended learning is……  An integrated approach to teaching and learning that includes multiple modes of instruction and students practice.  In other words, blended learning is a formal education program in which a “brick-and-mortar” school structure, face-to-face classroom methods are combined with computer-mediated activities

Why  The goal of blended learning is to provide the most efficient and effective instruction experience to combining delivery modalities.  Blended learning aims to join the best of classroom teaching and learning with the best of online teaching and learning.

Task  In pairs or threes think about the pros and cons of blending one of your course.

Pros  Can save time, effort and cost.  More effective than single methods of instruction  Allow sharing with other learners from various regions.  Suit individual learning styles  Encourage self-directed learning  Use a wide range of educational activities

Cons  Can be a complex job to bring the right blends together, involve more work and planning  Students unfamiliar and unable to make the most out of the experience.  Learning methods that don’t fit the course objectives.

Models  Blended Learning can generally be classified into four models  Rotational model  Flex model  A la carte model  Enriched virtual model

Rotation Model  Students rotate on a fixed schedule between learning online in a one-to-one, self-paced environment and sitting in a classroom with a traditional face-to-face teacher.  Students rotate at fixed points in time between a classroom and computer lab  Students learn predominantly online  The classroom is generally reserved for other learning activities.

Flex model  Online learning forms the backbone of a student's learning  Students still attend a brick-and-mortar school every day.  But every class is divided into online instruction and face-to-face time with teachers rather than just one or two courses, as in the rotation model.  Programs with a flex model feature an online platform that delivers most of the curricula.  Teachers provide on-site support on a flexible and adaptive as-needed basis through in-person tutoring sessions and small group sessions.

A la carte model  Provides students with opportunities to take online courses that supplement in-person courses.  Online learning is remote, and  Traditional learning is in a brick-and-mortar school.  Formerly known as Self-Blend

Enriched virtual model:  An online platform and teacher deliver all curricula for the most part, students work remotely.  the “whole class” is on the same schedule, meaning each students takes the same exact course load of online and offline classes

Task  Which blended model is better? To find out the answer refer the online resources provided on the blog  With the help of online resources available on the blog, create a graphic organizer to show all the models of blended learning.