The Basics of Blended Learning

Summary

In this video, Michael Thompson from Education Elements explores the fundamentals of Blended Learning, a teaching approach that combines traditional classroom methods with digital technology. Thompson discusses various models such as lab rotation, class rotation, flex, and pod, emphasizing how these models enhance student engagement, enable personalized learning, and improve teacher effectiveness. He highlights the benefits of Blended Learning, including increased student control over their learning pace, real-time feedback, and more efficient classroom management, showcasing its potential to transform educational experiences.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Blended learning is a teaching approach that combines traditional classroom methods with technology-based learning.
• 💡 It aims to differentiate and individualize instruction, moving beyond lecture-style teaching to more interactive and personalized learning.
• 👨‍🏫 The teacher's role in blended learning shifts from delivering content to facilitating depth and application of concepts, focusing on higher-order thinking skills.
• 💻 Digital content is leveraged to provide students with skills and practice, allowing for individualized self-paced learning.
• 📊 Data from digital learning labs informs classroom instruction, enabling teachers to provide targeted support based on student performance.
• 🔄 There are four main blended learning models: lab rotation, class rotation, flex, and pod, each with a different approach to integrating technology into the classroom.
• 📈 Students in blended learning environments show increased engagement, real-time feedback, and control over their learning pace.
• 🚀 Blended learning can lead to students accelerating past grade-level skills, enhancing their learning velocity.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Despite larger class sizes, students feel more connected and supported due to the personalized nature of instruction.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers find planning for small group instruction easier and more rewarding in a blended learning environment, leading to improved classroom management.

Q & A

What is the primary product of Education Elements mentioned in the video?

The primary product of Education Elements is the HLMS, which stands for Higher Learning Management System. It is discussed in more detail in other videos by the same director.

What is the definition of Blended Learning as per the video?

Blended Learning is defined as an educational approach that falls between the traditional classroom environment and a student learning on a computer at home. It leverages digital content to provide individualized instruction while allowing teachers to focus on the depth and application of concepts.

How does Blended Learning aim to differentiate and individualize instruction?

Blended Learning uses technology to provide individualized self-paced instruction to students, while teachers can offer differentiated small group instruction based on data, leading to a more personalized and effective learning experience.

What are the four Blended Learning models discussed in the video?

The four Blended Learning models discussed are Lab Rotation, Class Rotation, Flex, and Pod.

How does the Lab Rotation model work in Blended Learning?

In the Lab Rotation model, students move in and out of a classroom to a computer lab where the data from the learning lab informs the instruction in the classroom.

What is the Class Rotation model in the context of Blended Learning?

The Class Rotation model involves breaking a class into smaller groups that rotate between different stations, including one with the teacher and two with computers, allowing for more personalized instruction.

Can you describe the Flex model in Blended Learning?

In the Flex model, students primarily work on computers in a large lab setting, and teachers may pull out groups for seminar, intervention, or direct instruction.

What is the Pod model in Blended Learning?

The Pod model is a school-within-a-school concept where each pod might have multiple grade levels and the teacher's role may be redefined into discrete roles like an advisor, behavior specialist, or instructor.

How do students benefit from Blended Learning according to the video?

Students benefit from increased engagement with online content, real-time feedback, control over their learning pace, and the ability to accelerate past their grade-level skills.

What are the advantages for teachers in a Blended Learning environment?

Teachers find it easier to plan for small group instruction, find teaching in small groups more rewarding, and experience easier classroom management with students fully engaged on computers.

What is the term used in the video to describe the acceleration of student learning beyond their grade level?

The term used to describe the acceleration of student learning beyond their grade level is 'unleashing their learning velocity'.