Models of Blended Learning

Summary

The Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation outlines four key models of blended learning: Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. The Rotation model involves students rotating through various learning modalities, including online learning. The Flex model relies on online learning with on-site teacher support as needed. A La Carte allows students to take one or more courses entirely online. Enriched Virtual is a full online school experience with occasional in-person support. These models cater to different learning contexts and goals, offering educators diverse ways to integrate blended learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation has defined four models of blended learning.
• 🖥️ Blended learning combines face-to-face and online instructional practices, forming a continuum of different models.
• 🔄 The four key blended learning models are Rotation, Flex, A la Carte, and Enriched Virtual.
• 🔁 The Rotation model involves students rotating between learning modalities, including small group activities, full group lectures, and online learning.
• 🏫 Station Rotation, a sub-model of Rotation, has students move through classroom-based stations with at least one station for online learning.
• 💻 The Lab Rotation sub-model takes students from traditional classrooms to computer labs designed for online learning.
• 🎥 The Flipped Classroom sub-model has students access lectures at home and use classroom time for questions and projects.
• 🧑‍🏫 The Individual Rotation sub-model customizes learning schedules for students, allowing them to rotate between modalities, including online learning.
• ⚙️ The Flex model is heavily reliant on online learning, with teachers providing face-to-face support as needed.
• 🌐 In the A la Carte model, students take one or more online courses while attending a traditional school for other subjects.

Q & A

What is the definition of blended learning as per the Clayton Christensen Institute?

Blended learning is defined as a combination of both face-to-face and online learning.

How does the International Association of K-12 Online Learning depict blended learning?

The International Association of K-12 Online Learning represents blended learning as a continuum of various models that combine online and face-to-face instructional practices.

What are the four key models of blended learning identified by the Clayton Christensen Institute?

The four key models of blended learning are Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual.

In the Rotation model, what does the term 'station rotation' refer to?

In the Rotation model, 'station rotation' refers to students moving among classroom-based activities and modalities, including online learning at least at one station.

What is the Lab Rotation sub-model in the context of blended learning?

The Lab Rotation sub-model involves students moving from traditional classrooms to a computer lab designed for online learning, expanding the learning environment beyond a single classroom.

Who is credited with the Flipped Classroom model, and how does it function?

The Flipped Classroom model is credited to Mr. Bergman and Mr. Sams of Woodland Park High School. It functions by having students access class lectures at their own pace at home, while using class time for questions and projects.

How does the Individual Rotation sub-model differ from other Rotation models?

The Individual Rotation sub-model differs by providing a customized learning experience where students rotate on an individualized schedule among learning modalities, including online learning.

What is the Flex model in blended learning, and how does it operate?

The Flex model relies heavily on an online learning program with individual paths or paces, supported by an on-site teacher who provides face-to-face learning support as needed.

How is the A La Carte model different from other blended learning models?

The A La Carte model allows students to take one or more courses entirely online while taking other courses at a traditional school, which is beneficial for credit recovery or accessing classes not available locally.

What characterizes the Enriched Virtual model in the context of blended learning?

The Enriched Virtual model is similar to the Flipped Classroom and A La Carte models in that students access content and instruction off-site, but it represents a whole school experience where every class is taken online with only occasional in-person support.

What is the potential application of the Rotation models in an elementary classroom setting?

In an elementary classroom, Rotation models can be used for small group instruction with a teacher, individual work, and online learning, often with two to five student desktop computers.

How can the Flex model support students in a blended learning environment?

The Flex model supports students by providing individualized online learning programs and on-demand face-to-face support from teachers, which can be beneficial for personalized learning and addressing diverse learning needs.