Blended learning

Blended learning

1. Introduction

   • formal education program via digital and online media
   • combined face-to-face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities
   • used to translate knowledge into a particular skill

2. History

   • major advantage that offers is scale (one instructor can only teach so many people)
   • PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations)
   • Mainframe-based training had a number of interface limitations that gave way to satellite-based live video in the 1970s
   • CD-ROMs emerged as a dominant form of providing technology-based learning as bandwidth
   • used this heavily to track how well one did on courses, how much time was spent, and where someone left off
   • Boeing used CD-ROMs to provide training for personnel

3. Models

   • Face-to-face driver – where the teacher drives the instruction and augments with digital tools
   • Rotation – students cycle through a schedule of independent online study and face-to-face classroom time
   • Flex – Most of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform and teachers are available for face-to-face consultation and support.
   • Labs – All of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform but in a consistent physical location. Students usually take traditional classes in this model as well.
   • Self-blend – Students choose to augment their traditional learning with online course work

4. Advantages

   • students can work on their own with new concepts
   • improve student attitudes towards learning
   • communication between lecturers and students has improved
   • reduce educational expenses

5. Disadvantages

   • group work because of difficulties with management in an online setting
   • use of lecture recording technologies can result in students falling behind on the materials
   • more time-consuming (and therefore more expensive) when electronic media are used

6. Community

   • develop a better feel for an online community where discussions can be held
   • positive results from the online community
   • Many schools use this online tool for online classes, classwork, question & answer forums