Blended Learning

Blended Learning

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

2. To encompass a wide variety of synthesis in learning methods.

3. Scale (whereas one instructor can only teach so many people).

4. Models : can generally be classified into six models.

   • Face-to-face driver – where the teacher drives the instruction and augments with digital tools.
   • Online driver – Students complete an entire course through an online platform with possible teacher check-ins.
   • Flex – Most of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform and teachers are available for face-to-face consultation and support.
   • Self-blend – Students choose to augment their traditional learning with online course work.
   • Rotation – students cycle through a schedule of independent online study and face-to-face classroom time.
   • 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.

5. Terminology : "blended," "hybrid," "technology-mediated instruction," "web-enhanced instruction," and "mixed-mode instruction".

   • Used interchangeably in research literature.

6. Can be delivered include web casting (synchronous and asynchronous) and online video (live and recorded).

7. Advantages

   • More effective than purely face-to-face or purely online classes.
   • Can also result in high levels of student achievement more effective than face-to-face learning.
   • To reduce educational expenses, although some dispute that blended learning is inherently less expensive than traditional classroom learning.
   • Can lower costs by putting classrooms in the online space.

8. Disadvantages

   • Strong dependence on the technical resources.
   • Can be challenging is group work because of difficulties with management in an online setting.