Blended learning is a new instructional strategy/model that is quickly increasing in popularity with education systems and educators across the world and country. This educational form could be defined as a combination of online learning and face-to-face learning (Itslearning Marketing, 2013). Students use computers for a minimum of twenty-five percent of their day but it is important to remember that during the time on computers in this learning model students are using technologies as a tool and learning from computers rather than learning about the computers (TEDx Talks, 2014). Blended learning does not have specific guidelines or rules as to how it should be worked into the classroom or what it should look like because there is no ‘best practice’ or ‘right way’ of incorporating blended learning in the classroom since it is such a new educational practice (TEDx Talks). This results in teachers being able to use this strategy in many different ways depending on what works with their students and how comfortable they feel with this educational model. The most important consideration for implementing blended learning in the classroom is that the teacher must find the perfect mix of online learning and face-to-face learning that promotes success and achievement in the classroom for both themselves and their students (Itslearning Marketing, 2013). I hope to show in my following points how crucial it is for blended learning to be implemented in the classroom and how I plan on using this educational model in my classroom.
According to Monique Markoff there are many different models of blended learning emerging in schools such as the Rotational Model, Laboratory Model, Open Classroom Model, and Flipped Classroom Model (TEDx Talks, 2014). In the Rotational Model throughout the day students rotate through three different stations. These different stations would occur in one classroom where some students may be working with the teacher in small groups, while another group of students are working together in collaborative groups, and the last area of the classroom is where the rest of the students would be working on computers (TEDx Talks, 2014). The Laboratory Model is similar to the Rotational Model station where students are at the computer for part of the day. However, in the Laboratory Model the entire class moves into a laboratory setting at one point in the day to learn from computers (TEDx Talks, 2014). In the Flipped Classroom Model students watch videos or read articles at home and come to class to do work based on the knowledge they have already gained. The final model of blended learning is the Open Classroom Model where there are a large number of students with a few teachers in a room working on computers (TEDx Talks, 2014).
I feel that the Open Classroom Model is the most unlike the classrooms we have today and this could be an uncomfortable method to try for teachers and students when blended learning is trying to be implemented in the classroom. With this in mind I feel that as a teacher I would begin by trying a mix of the Rotational Model and Flipped Classroom Model because in my opinion these models provide the most opportunity for students to build independent learning skills, while increasing student engagement and success. As I have already mentioned the key to implementing blended learning is to find the perfect mix between computer learning and face-to-face learning and I think that these two models provide the greatest flexibility in order to find the perfect combination for myself and my students.
Blended learning should be implemented in all classrooms and schools because this educational model promotes students success and achievement. Students are engaged in their learning and are able to work at their own pace through the computer tools that are usually specialized to their learning style and strengths. Many computer tools and programs that students can use with this learning approach provides students with immediate feedback and students are able to access lessons at home. Blended learning gives students more choice in when they learn, where they learn, and how they learn. In terms of teaching, blended learning helps teachers be more effective and efficient. Teachers can tailor lessons and computer tools to each student’s level of ability and track their improvement. Teachers become the orchestrator in the classroom and now have the ability to tailor lessons to each child while giving each students individual feedback and help. I hope to be able to successfully implement blended learning in my own classroom because of the benefits it provides for students.
References
Itslearning Marketing. (2013, May 24). Blended learning in 2 minutes and 38 seconds. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5txJfv2q0c
TEDx Talks. (2014, May 6). Blended learning and the future of education: Monique Markoff at TEDxIthaca College. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb2d8E1dZjY
I feel that the Open Classroom Model is the most unlike the classrooms we have today and this could be an uncomfortable method to try for teachers and students when blended learning is trying to be implemented in the classroom. With this in mind I feel that as a teacher I would begin by trying a mix of the Rotational Model and Flipped Classroom Model because in my opinion these models provide the most opportunity for students to build independent learning skills, while increasing student engagement and success. As I have already mentioned the key to implementing blended learning is to find the perfect mix between computer learning and face-to-face learning and I think that these two models provide the greatest flexibility in order to find the perfect combination for myself and my students.
Blended learning should be implemented in all classrooms and schools because this educational model promotes students success and achievement. Students are engaged in their learning and are able to work at their own pace through the computer tools that are usually specialized to their learning style and strengths. Many computer tools and programs that students can use with this learning approach provides students with immediate feedback and students are able to access lessons at home. Blended learning gives students more choice in when they learn, where they learn, and how they learn. In terms of teaching, blended learning helps teachers be more effective and efficient. Teachers can tailor lessons and computer tools to each student’s level of ability and track their improvement. Teachers become the orchestrator in the classroom and now have the ability to tailor lessons to each child while giving each students individual feedback and help. I hope to be able to successfully implement blended learning in my own classroom because of the benefits it provides for students.
References
Itslearning Marketing. (2013, May 24). Blended learning in 2 minutes and 38 seconds. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5txJfv2q0c
TEDx Talks. (2014, May 6). Blended learning and the future of education: Monique Markoff at TEDxIthaca College. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb2d8E1dZjY