What is Blended Learning?

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What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a way of teaching that combines face-to-face and online learning. This means students can get more personalised and flexible learning experience. Blended learning typically involves students attending regular classes in a traditional classroom setting, and also engaging in online activities, such as watching videos, completing assignments, or participating in discussions, outside of class.

Blended learning is a popular and successful way of teaching in schools. Many students can benefit from this approach because it makes learning more interesting and useful for them. They can also learn at their own speed and in ways that work best for them.

To support blended learning in school, teachers can use a variety of strategies and resources. These may include:

Designing and implementing a blended learning that matches the goals and objectives of the class or subject

Providing students with clear and appropriate learning goals, expectations, and rules for online and face-to-face learning.

Providing students with access to right technology and online resources, and supporting them in using these resources to support their learning.

Engaging students in both face-to-face and online activities, and providing appropriate and timely feedback and support to help them progress and achieve their learning goals.

Monitoring and tracking students' learning, and using the data to inform instruction and support student growth.

There are several different blended learning models that schools and educators can use, including the below:

Flex: In a flex model, students have the flexibility to choose how they want to learn, whether that is online, in-person, or a combination of both.

Rotation: In a rotation model, students rotate between different learning modalities, such as online, in-person, and self-study.

Online lab: In an online lab model, students complete most of their coursework online, but they also attend in-person lab sessions to work on hands-on activities or projects.

Hybrid Classroom: In a hybrid model, students attend class in person for some of the time and complete coursework online for the rest of the time.

Flipped classroom: In a flipped classroom model, students watch lectures and complete other coursework online, and then use in-person class time for discussion and hands-on activities.

Each of these blended learning models has its own unique characteristics and can be effective in different contexts. Educators can choose the model that best fits the needs and goals of their students and the resources available to them.

Here are few examples of how blended learning can be implemented in different roles:

A high school science teacher uses a flipped classroom model, in which students watch lectures online and then use in-person class time for discussion and hands-on activities.

A college instructor uses a hybrid model, in which students attend in-person lectures for half of the class time and complete coursework online for the other half.

A middle school math teacher uses an online lab model, in which students complete most of their coursework online, but they also attend in-person lab sessions to work on hands-on activities or projects.

An elementary school teacher uses a rotation model, in which students rotate between different learning modalities, such as online, in-person, and self-study.

A university program uses a flex model, in which students have the flexibility to choose how they want to learn, whether that is online, in-person, or a combination of both.

Benefits of blended learning:

Flexibility: Blended learning allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, which can be particularly beneficial for those who have other commitments or responsibilities.

Personalization: Blended learning allows for more personalized learning, as students can choose the resources and materials that best meet their needs and learning style.

Improved engagement: Blended learning can improve student engagement, as it offers a variety of learning modalities and allows students to learn in ways that are most meaningful to them.

Increased access to resources: Blended learning can provide students with access to a wide range of resources and materials, including online resources and experts in various fields.

Improved outcomes: Research has shown that blended learning can lead to improved student outcomes, including higher grades and increased retention rates.

Overall, blended learning is an important and effective approach to instruction in school. It provides students with a more personalized and flexible learning experience, and allows teachers to better support and enhance student learning.