As a classroom teacher, I’ve become
increasingly interested in different ways to deliver instruction. One of these methods is blended
learning. Blended learning
is a method of teaching where are portion of instruction is delivered
online. The Innosight Institute
has categorized different types of blended learning: the enriched virtual
model, where student students use an online learning program that is
complemented with a teacher in a classroom on an as needed basis, the flex
model, where students receive most of their instruction through online tools
and teachers circulate to provide extra help, the rotation model, where
students rotate on a fixed schedule between online learning and spending time
with a teacher in a traditional classroom, and the self-blend model where
students choose to take one or more courses online to supplement their schools
other course offerings.
While many of these models are used
in a higher education setting, a number of charter school organizations have
adopted the rotation model of blended learning, in which students use online
learning tools and rotate through small groups with a classroom teacher.
Blended learning is unique because
it allows the teacher to be a true “guide on the side.” Suddenly it’s not longer imperative
that the teacher, execute a lesson effectively. Instead they can be more concerned with helping students
understand the depth and complexity of the material. Additionally, by allowing students to spend a portion
of time using an online tool, they are learning important technical skills that
will aid them in their careers.
While the research on the impact of blended learning is still
preliminary, I think that this type of instruction delivery could really
revolutionize the way in which students learn because it allows for more
targeted small group instruction, and it could prepare students more
effectively for the future.
To learn more about blended learning, check out the work
that innosight institute is doing: http://www.innosightinstitute.org/media-room/publications/education-publications/classifying-k-12-blended-learning/
4 comments:
I like the idea of using more technology in the classroom while providing teachers with the ability to guide students through learning. As a classroom teacher, I enjoy those lessons where students are able to take the reigns and I am there to push their learning to the next level.
However, I have had the opportunity to talk to teachers who have experienced their work day as a "guide on the side" to computers - every day. Each teacher that has had that experience left. They left because as a teacher they feel as though their position had been devalued by a screen and computer keys. In other words, that was not what they signed up for when they chose to become a teacher.
Also, I think that a lot of teachable moments are lost when students are restricted by a computer program.
Overall I'm not totally convinced by using blended learning as the only method by which to teach and learn. When used for appropriate lessons and as a supplement to teaching I do think that this method can be effective.
Blended learning is a pretty incredible and innovative idea, given the way that technology influences our everyday life. I believe that there is a really valuable place for blended learning opportunities, and in fact, have opted to take a position at one of these schools next year (www.touchstoneeducation.org).
While I agree it is not the only way, it is a pretty amazing tool where self-directed lessons can occur and immediate mastery be determined. At the same time, I think it is important for teachers to have a significant role in facilitating this self-guided learning, so that they do not, as previously stated, leave the profession as a result.
I recently heard about blending learning experiments and I remember thinking how exciting and innovative this was for the future of education. I think the majority of real learning comes from small and significant interactions where a student learns one on one, or in small groups, with a teacher. This is why tutoring services and coach classes are pusherd so heavily on students.
If my understanding is correct, students would interact with a video of the lesson at home, and then come to school to do what is traditionally viewed of as homework. This sounds great in theory, but I do not think this model would actually be effective. In order for a student to sit through hours of lectures at home they must have an incredible amount of self discipline. These would probably be the same students that would sit silently during a lecture. On the other hand, this model would seriously fail already low-performing schools.
In my opinion, this is a hot new trend, which is mirroring online universities, but will never be effective enough to catch on and really transform education.
- Josh
I love this idea and think it's very interesting. I think it would truly put the learning in the students hands. It would hold them accountable for their own learning and knowledge. I think for it to work, teachers really do need to be there as a "guide on the side" and need to work to help students develop the motivation and drive necessary to manage their own learning experience. I really love the idea of using these lessons during small group time and can picture my students getting their own individual lesson on the computer while others are at centers and others are at a small group. Excellent idea!
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