Blended Learning 3 June 2009 Barcelona Pete Sharma

Aims To explore the concept of Blended Learning To describe the benefits of a Blended approach to teaching English in Spanish secondary education

Overview Definitions and dimensions of blended learning Benefits for language teaching – learners – teachers Conclusions - principles

Blended Learning - 1 Work Training

Blended Learning -2 Same time same place Same time different place Different time different place Same place different time Synchronous Asynchronous

Blended Learning - 3 transmissive constructivist Mix approaches P-P-P TBL Mix approaches

Blended Learning - 4 Mixture of technologies Skype Virtual Learning Environment Mobile learning DVD Wikis

Blended Learning - 5 Second life Real world

F2F Tech F2F Tech Dual track Integrated Blended approach F2F

Blended Learning Natural – range of definitions Broad – “nothing new” Narrow – restrictive? Connotation + / - Cultural differences Subverted Diluted

A practical definition Blended Learning refers to a language course which combines a F2F (face-to-face) classroom component with an appropriate use of technology (Sharma / Barrett)

Benefits of a Blended Learning approach Learners (1) Teachers (2)

Learner benefit -1 Learning beyond the classroom – time and place

Beyond the classroom Cross- border Projects E-pals

Learner benefits – 2 Facilitates learner choice

Listening ThenNow “I’m going to play the tape twice…….” Bookmark it! Choice – how many times? with or without sub-titles?

Reading – Quick view

Vocabulary – storage & review

Learner modalities visualauditorykinesthetic

Learner benefits – 3: digital literacies Search skills Cut and paste Spell-checking ……..

Learner benefits 4 Motivation & creativity Blog

Motivation - games

Creativity

Learner benefits 5 Memorable presentations Spotlight tool Screen reveal

Teacher benefits 1 Time saving & convenience Saves annotations

Listening through IWB

Testing & tracking

Teacher benefits - 2 Technology enhances and complements Crisp Fuzzy

Role plays Infinite cloning tool

Learner voting tools

“Search to research”

Phonology Then Now

Teacher benefits - 3 Multi-tasking, multi-level classrooms Int Elem Adv

Teacher benefits – 4 Currency / relevance / personalisation

Digital blank canvas

Teacher benefit – 5 Review

Teacher benefit – 6: Materials

Conclusions – four principles Know the role of the teacher and the technology Teach in a principled way Technology complements and enhances teacher “It’s not what it is, it’s what you do with it” (Jones)

Review Definitions of Blended Learning work + training f2f + on-line mix approaches mix technologies in-world + real world

Advantages for students ‘Beyond the classroom’ Learner choice Develops digital literacies Motivating Memorable

Advantages for the teacher time saving enhances multi-level personalises review materials

Four key principles – Roles of teacher & technology – Principled teaching – Technology complements – “It’s not what it is – it’s what you do”

Knowledge – Skills - Attitude New technology KSA