1. Blended Learning Applications in K-12 Social Studies Instruction Nicholas Glading nglading@yahoo.com

2. Introduction Internet and computers are increasingly more accessible for K-12 instruction Offers new opportunities for innovative and dynamic teaching strategies Perhaps the most promising of these strategies is blended learning

3. What is Blended Learning? A well-balanced blend of traditional face- to-face and online learning methods Requires a completely integrated solution Combines the strengths and eliminates the weaknesses of each method

4. Advantages of Blended Learning Osguthorpe & Graham (2003) identify six major advantages Pedagogical richness; Access to knowledge; Social interaction; Personal agency; Cost effectiveness; and Ease of revision

5. Delivery Strategies Shift in content delivery to online sources Drill and practice applications Games & simulations Graphical representations Online tutorials and modules Increased communication opportunities Discussion boards Bulletin boards Email Blogs & Wiki

6. Delivery Strategies Web-based student management program –Provides students and parents access to grades, attendance, homework, and teacher’s comments through the Internet Online databases for historical exploration –WebQuest (Dodge, 1995) is an inquiry-oriented activity that guides and directs explorations

7. Effects on Student Motivation Significant increases found in student enthusiasm for learning social studies when computer-based instruction was regularly integrated into instruction The use of online discourse tools found an increase in student participation from 15% to nearly 100%

8. Effects on Learning Outcomes “Overall student academic performance, as measured by GPA, increased by.15 with teacher mandated use of [the student information management program]” (Hampton et al, 2002) Most significant results seen in outcomes that traditionally are not measured, such as: –Data collection & interviewing skills –Computer literacy –Historical thinking & analytical skills –Historical comprehension

9. Barriers to Success Time and resource constraints –“A blended solution doesn’t occur when you just bolt on some e-learning modules to an instructor-led session” (Zenger & Uehlein, 2001). Administrative pressure for high standardized test achievement

10. Conclusion Potential benefits of blended learning in K-12 Social Studies instruction are quite significant Research reveals large positive impacts on student motivation and learning outcomes Time and resource barriers impede successful widespread implementation

11. Directions for Further Research Additional empirical research should address the following questions: –What measurable impact does blended learning have on historical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills? –What impact do these skills have on traditionally measured learning outcomes? –What significance does student motivation have in traditional learning outcomes?