What is…Blended Learning?

Summary

Blended learning transforms education by integrating digital learning, active learning, and independent study to enhance the learning experience. This approach includes face-to-face instruction, digital resources, and personalized study time, allowing flexibility in the mix of these components. Educators shift towards a facilitation role, guiding students through learning activities and digital content. Emphasis is placed on empowering learners with the skills needed for self-directed learning. Blended learning also supports customized content and appropriate assessments, leading to innovative approaches like flipped learning, which has evolved into a distinct method.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blended learning integrates digital learning objects and active learning methods to enhance the learning experience.
• 😀 The model emphasizes a combination of face-to-face instruction, digital materials, and independent study time.
• 😀 There is no set percentage for each blended learning component; the blend can vary depending on the session and context.
• 😀 Blended learning supports the educator's shift from a traditional lecturer role to a facilitator of learning.
• 😀 Educators focus on guiding learners through the use of digital materials, active learning, and independent study.
• 😀 The key role of educators is to empower students with the skills to make the most of digital and active learning opportunities.
• 😀 Active learning activities, facilitated by the educator, play a vital role in the blended learning process.
• 😀 Digital learning objects, often in bite-sized chunks, provide easily accessible content for learners to engage with independently.
• 😀 Blended learning supports personalized learning experiences by allowing educators to customize materials based on students' needs.
• 😀 The development of digital and active learning content is crucial for educators when implementing blended learning.
• 😀 Flipped learning is a popular approach within the blended learning model, where content is learned at home and applied in class.

Q & A

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is an educational approach that combines digital learning objects with active learning methods to enhance the learning experience and improve outcomes.

What are the three main components of blended learning?

The three main components of blended learning are: active learning activities facilitated by an educator, digital learning objects (often bite-sized information), and structured independent study time guided by face-to-face teaching.

Is there a fixed percentage for each component of blended learning?

No, there is no set percentage for each component of blended learning. The amount of each component can vary from session to session.

What role does the educator play in a blended learning environment?

In blended learning, the educator shifts to a facilitation role. They empower learners with the skills and knowledge to make the most of digital materials, active learning activities, and independent study time.

What are the key areas that facilitators focus on in blended learning?

Facilitators in blended learning focus on three key areas: developing digital and active learning content, guiding the learning experience of individual learners, and customizing material to enhance the learning experience.

How does blended learning affect the teaching session?

Blended learning changes the design of teaching sessions by incorporating activities that benefit from direct instruction in the beginning and combining them with digital and independent learning components.

What is the role of assessments in blended learning?

Like other educational methods, blended learning includes appropriate assessments to measure learning progress and outcomes.

What is flipped learning, and how is it related to blended learning?

Flipped learning is a specific approach within blended learning where traditional teaching methods are reversed—students learn new content through digital resources before class, and class time is dedicated to engaging activities. It has become an approach of its own within the blended learning model.

How does the educator's role change in a blended learning model?

The educator's role transitions from direct instruction to a facilitation role, where they guide learners through active and digital learning experiences, helping them apply knowledge and skills independently.

What is the significance of 'structured independent study time' in blended learning?

Structured independent study time allows learners to engage with materials on their own, reinforcing learning outside of face-to-face instruction, and promoting self-directed learning.