Blended Learning

Blended learning is a teaching-learning process where the traditional face to face classroom instructions are combined with computer-media activities. A good way to illustrate the blend is by looking at the Common Semester courses, which use a flipped approach, that includes a combination of synchronous (face-to-face learning opportunities as well as online), and asynchronous (comments, ePortfolios, discussion forums etc) learning. Online spaces used include, but are not limited to: Moodle, Blackboard Collaborate (BbC), ePortfolio, and Google Docs. The technology could help the teaching-learning process more effective since teacher easily observes the students’ development and they also could get the feedback immediately. The definition of blended learning itself is a formal education program in which a student learns:

(1) at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace;

(2) at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home;

(3) and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.

The majority of blended-learning programs resemble one of four models: Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. The Rotation model includes four sub-models: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Flipped Classroom, and Individual Rotation.

Using Blended Learning as one of the way to make the learning process more effective has pros and cons, such :

Pros:

      Provides for individualized support for the students

       students can access material at anytime, anywhere, to review the material

      provides richer, more interactive learning experiences

       provides more time for collaboration with the students and teachers

      parents have access to what students are doing - better communication and support

      studies show it increases student and teacher productivity, improves teaching and learning, and provides more and better data, and helps customize learning.

      more and more colleges and even workplaces are using this model

      gives students more time to learn - extends the learning beyond the end of the school day

Cons:

      Teachers will need time to create and/or select content.

      Teachers will need training on using this method of instruction to make it effective

       students will need to be shown how to access, use the technology and what is expected of them

      Students need to be able to do work outside of school hours

·         do they have access to technology at home?

·         do they have access to internet at home?

·         do they have other things that take up their time (job, etc.)

·          students need to be self-directed to work at home

Ways technology supports the strategy

v  Resources are posted online via class website, LMS (Edmodo, Google Classroom, Schoology, etc). Resources include articles, videos, interactive multimedia, virtual labs, and more

v  Teachers can track which students are using materials at home

v  online materials are available to students anytime, anywhere

v   materials are accessible to parents and specialists to assist the students

v  provides interactive activities, support materials and learning resources

v  multimedia content helps address different learning styles

Source :

 https://www.middleburyinteractive.com/curriculum-courses/blended-learning
http://olecommunity.com/blended-learning-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-trending-in-k-12-education/
http://moodle.unitec.ac.nz/mod/page/view.php?id=214273
http://elearninginfographics.com/6-blended-learning-techniques-infographic/ 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L75oPzauAlw
http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning-definitions-and-models/
http://kevincorbett.com/2013/07/4-blended-learning-models/