BLENDED LEARNING

         Blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through delivery of content and instruction via digital and online media with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace. It represents a much greater change in basic technique than simply adding computers to classrooms; it represents, in many cases, a fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the learning experience. It will play a vital role as school operators begin to rethink the structure and delivery of learning while dealing with the realities of public funding. Schools make the switch to blended learning for a variety of reasons. In addition to considering the age of the students, the reasons for choosing a blended model generally dictate which of the six models they choose to implement:

1) Face-to-Face Driver Model

With this approach, the introduction of online instruction is decided on a case-by-case basis, meaning only certain students in a given class will participate in any form of blended learning. The face-to-face driver approach allows students who are struggling or working above their grade level to progress at their own pace using technology in the classroom.

2) Rotation Model

In this form of blended learning, students rotate between different stations on a fixed schedule, either working online or spending face-to-face time with the teacher.

3) Flex Model

With this approach, material is primarily delivered online. Although teachers are in the room to provide on-site support as needed, learning is primarily self-guided, as students independently learn and practice new concepts in a digital environment.

4) Online Lab Model

In this approach, students learn entirely online but travel to a dedicated computer lab to complete their coursework. Adults supervise the lab, but they are not trained teachers. This not only allows schools to offer courses for which they have no teacher or not enough teachers, but also allows students to work at a pace and in a subject area that suits them without affecting the learning environment of other students.

5) Self-Blend Model

The self-blend model of blended learning gives students the opportunity to take classes beyond what is already offered at their school. While these individuals will attend a traditional school environment, they also opt to supplement their learning through online courses offered remotely.

6) Online Driver Model

At the opposite end of the spectrum from face-to-face driver we have online driver, which is a form of blended learning in which students work remotely and material is primarily delivered via an online platform.

In addition, there are some development of blended learning:

1.      Integrated systems: supporting the seamless assimilation of online content from different sources.

2.      High-quality dinamic content: students can stay powerfully engaged through continous adaptive learning technlogy.

3.      Analytics: allow operators to provide more personalized learning experiences for networks of students.

4.      Automation: simplify educators’ lives by eliminating low-value manual tasks.

5.      Applications that enhance student motivation: using features like social networks, games, badges and micro rewards to engage and incentivize studentsin their own learning.