Educators are constantly working on their craft. In our
field, new ideas, strategies and best practices are consistently developed and
shared in an effort to continually improve the teaching and learning process. One
of the instructional strategies at the forefront of the educational
conversation today is blended learning. Blended learning combines online
learning with traditional classroom instruction. Most often, this means
teachers will share content such as small, targeted segments of videos or
screencasts online for students to access when, where and how they desire. Class
time can then be spent working through student questions rather than sitting
through classroom lectures. Students are able to take control and personalize
their learning.
Time and targeted professional development is required in
order for teachers to feel comfortable with this model. In my experience, the
biggest hurdle teachers must overcome is simply the lack of confidence to get
started. Newton told us that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. It takes
effort to overcome inertia. Support and encouragement for teachers who are
reluctant to try new things or to take a risk is critical.
Blended learning can benefit the child who needs more time
to review the day’s lesson. She can access the content as many times as necessary.
Accelerated students can quickly move through the lesson and then go beyond to
explore and consider new questions and further applications. Blended learning
promotes classroom differentiation (individualized learning) – another powerful
teaching strategy.
Blended learning is often more engaging than traditional
lecture. The online platform allows
teachers to embed pictures, videos and resources which make the instruction
more interesting. Online discussions and the use of online tools to engage in
conversation with teachers and other students build community and interaction
that is difficult to have in traditional classrooms. Shy, quiet students now
engage more actively.
Time and money (not to mention the environment!) are also saved
since assignments, notes, articles and resources can be posted to the online
platform. The need to print is reduced or eliminated.
This model is helpful for the student athlete or thespian that
often misses part of the school day because of away games, performances or
competitions. The student who has a doctor’s appointment or an illness is also
able to catch up when he begins to feel better. Teachers who have mastered this
model of instruction are well equipped to teach electronically when their school
is closed unexpectedly. Say goodbye to
snow days as we have known them. At the same time, say goodbye to make-up days.
I believe that the greatest benefits involve the students
and their ability to optimally focus and learn at school. Students deal with
issues on a daily basis and it is impossible to learn when they are
experiencing anxiety, have had little sleep or are consumed by something that
happened in the hallway or even at home before they came to school. The ability
to learn without typical adolescent distractions is a significant benefit of
blended classrooms. Blended learning strategies enable the teacher to meet
students where they are and offer multi-faceted, rigorous learning experiences
that continually foster a passion for learning.
