BLENDED LEARNING

By: Pricila Chinchilla

WHAT IS BLENDED LEARNING

A formal education program where students learn traditionally, in the

classroom, and through technology.
A portion of class time is devoted to web based learning. According to
The Sloan Consortium, they define blended learning as a course where
30%-70% of face to face time is replaced with technological activities
The percentage is determined by how much online activities the teacher
might need.

BLENDED LEARNING MODELS

There are 6 different models of blended learning. Teachers can use whichever
model that best fits each student and their level:
Face to Face Driver
Rotation
Flex
Online Lab
Self Blend
Online Driver

FACE TO FACE DRIVER

Face-to-face teachers deliver most of the curriculum. The teacher uses online learning in a
technology lab or in the classroom as a supplement.

ROTATION

Within a given course, students rotate on a fixed schedule between self-paced online
learning and face to-face learning.

FLEX

ONLINE LAB

SELF BLEND

ONLINE DRIVER

WHY BLENDED LEARNING?

Some have seen blended learning approaches increase the level of active
learning strategies, peer-to-peer learning strategies, and learner centered
strategies used (Collis, 2003; Hartman, Dziuban, & Moskal, 1999; Morgan,
2002; Smelser, 2002).
Many learners want the convenience offered by a distributed environment,
and, at the same time, do not want to sacrifice the social interaction and
human touch they are used to in a F2F classroom. There are numerous
examples in this handbook of how blending is used to provide a balance
between flexible learning options and the high touch human interactive
experience. (Bonk, C. J. & Graham, C. R. (Eds.)

BENEFITS

There are huge benefits in implementing blended learning in the classroom. It:
Improves Efficiency-students can use adaptive technology to work on
their comprehension of new concepts, therefore giving more time to
teachers to focus on struggling students.

Saves money- blended learning can help school districts save money by
allowing students to bring their own tech devices. Also, the use of etextbooks can drive down costs instead of constantly reordering new
books.

BENEFITS CONT.

Personalizes learning- blended learning allows students to work at their

own pace, making sure they fully understand new concepts before
advancing to the next topic.

Better Student Data- Teachers can see the areas where students are
excelling and struggling. Then, they can take the proper measures to either
go on to the next topic or go over the subject more in depth.

BENEFITS

Common Core Standards- digital fluency is a goal of the Common Core.

States are working to find ways to integrate technology in lessons so they
can fulfill the requirement set forth by the Common Core Standards.

DETRIMENTS

With advantages, come disadvantages. Teachers can be a bit cautious when it

comes to new methods of teaching. The detriments include:
Possibility of technology failure- there are cases where a computer may
malfunction or the internet connection is slow. Lessons that rely heavily
on technology can suffer greatly from this problem.
Solution: Make sure that internet connection is strong before doing
any assignment. If a computer is not available because of a
malfunction or because a student doesnt have one, set aside time in
a tech lab for blended learning.

DETRIMENTS

Where to start- Teachers have trouble starting the blended learning

method in their classroom. With so much research about it, how can they
determine which way to start.
Solution: Attend professional development conferences about
blended learning. Learn from other teachers on how they started the
method. Also, start slow. Understand that with technology and
starting something new, there will be bumps on the road. Have
patience with the technology.

DETRIMENTS

Students are reluctant to try blended learning- there are incidences

where students dont like blended learning. They may either like the
traditional way or they are not used to working in a new way. Blended
learning is an active form of education and they may not be interested in
that.
Solution: Have students understand that this is for their own benefit.
This method allows for students to be in charge of their own
learning path. Let them know that you, as a teacher, are not away
from them. Blended learning is not a way to replace the teacher.

WAYS TO BLEND LEARNING

Teachers can use the following ideas to enhance students learning:

Blogs/Vlogs/Podcasts
Wiki Pages
Online Simulations/Games
Web Quests
Aurasma
Audacity
Many others

CONCLUSION

Blended learning is one way that teachers can utilize the limited time that they
have with their students and use it to its fullest potential. There is a lot of
good points, but definitely some concerns. Technology is the future and as
teachers, we have to keep up. Blended learning is the start of an educational
method that will benefit students while using what they already know about
technology to their educational advantage.

PRESS PLAY

REFERENCES

Bonk, C. J. & Graham, C. R. (Eds.). (in press). Handbook of blended learning:

Global Perspectives, local designs. San Francisco, CA:
Pfeiffer Publishing.
http://www.dreambox.com/blog/five-benefits-of-blended-learning
http://elearninginfographics.com/tag/blended-learning-infographic/
http://www.slideshare.net/a.panych/what-is-blended-learning16173823?related=2
http://www.slideshare.net/dnoland/dnoland-project-3?related=3