What is Blended Learning?
In its simplest terms, blended learning is a “thoughtful fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences [..] such that the strengths of each are blended into a unique learning experience” (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008, p. 5). When technology is meaningfully incorporated into instruction, students not only deepen their understanding of academic content but also cultivate proficiency in utilizing digital tools, thereby preparing them for the demands of modern communication and business practices. Blended learning helps to keep students engaged, stimulated, and motivated.
Models of Blended Learning
Guide to Blended Learning by Commonwealth of Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
Source: Hannon & Macken, 2014.
- Opportunity for collaboration at a distance: Individual students work together virtually in an intellectual endeavor as a learning practice.
- Increased flexibility: Technology-enabled learning allows for learning anytime and anywhere, letting students learn without the barriers of time and location but with the possible support of in-person engagement.
- Increased interaction: Blended learning offers a platform to facilitate greater interactivity between students, as well as between students and teachers.
- Enhanced learning: Additional types of learning activities improve engagement and can help students achieve higher and more meaningful levels of learning.
- Learning to be virtual citizens: Learners practice the ability to project themselves socially and academically in an online community of inquiry. Digital learning skills are becoming essential to be a lifelong learner, and blended courses help learners master the skills for using a variety of technologies.
(Cleveland-Innes & Wilton, n.d., Chapter 1)
Blended Learning and Flipped Classrooms
This video explores blended learning and how it contributes to the concept of flipped classrooms. (6:26)
Blended and Online Curriculum Design Toolkit
This toolkit was prepared by John Hannon and Claire Macken for University Instructors (La Trobe University)
Guide to Blended Learning
This guide offers instructors a step-by-step approach to incorporating authentic experiences in the university classroom.
References
Cleveland-Innes, M. & Wilton, D. (n.d.). Guide to blended learning. Commonwealth of Learning. https://openbooks.col.org/blendedlearning/front-matter/introduction/
Garrison, D. R., & Vaughan, N. D. (2008). Blended learning in higher education: Framework, principles, and guidelines. Jossey-Bass/Wiley.
Hannon, J., & Macken, C. (2014). Blended and online curriculum design toolkit. La Trobe University. https://www.academia.edu/50736490/Blended_and_Online_Learning_Curriculum_Design_Toolkit