Blended Learning

Blended Learning

1. formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through delivery of content and instruction

2. Blended learning can generally be classified into six models

   • face-to-face driver
   • Rotation
   • Flex
   • Labs
   • Self-blend
   • Online driver

3. via digital and online media with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace

4. used in professional development and training settings

5. Advantages

   • more effective than purely face-to-face or purely online classes
   • result in high levels of student achievement more effective than face-to-face learning
   • inherently less expensive than traditional classroom learning
   • allows for personalized education, replacing the model where a teacher stands in front of the classroom and everyone is expected to stay at the same pace

6. Disadvantages

   • strong dependence on the technical resources or tools with which the blended learning experience is delivered
   • tools need to be reliable, easy to use, and up to date, for them to have a meaningful impact on the learning experience
   • challenging is group work because of difficulties with management in an online setting

7. The terms "blended," "hybrid," "technology-mediated instruction," "web-enhanced instruction," and "mixed-mode instruction" are often used interchangeably in research literature

8. Technology-based training emerged as an alternative to instructor-led training in the 1960s on mainframes and mini-computers.