BLENDED LEARNING

Anita B. SchmidtOctober 8, 2009

Outline

Definition of blended learning (BL) Why blend? Advantages How to blend Examples of blended activities Blended combinations Q & A

Definition

Courses that integrate online with traditional face-to-face class activities in a planned, pedagogically valuable manner, and where a portion (institutionally defined) of face-to-face time is replaced by online activity.

Source:

Picciano, A. G. (2007). Introduction. In A. G. Picciano & C. D. Dziuban (Eds.), Blended Learning: Research Perspectives. Needham, MA: Sloan Consortium.

Why Blend?

Face time = direct interaction Leave textbook learning to online

Supplement with online quizzes, threaded discussions

Optimize classroom time Clarification Further explanation Demonstrations Socialization Physical activities Guest speakers Artifacts

Why Blend?

Logistics Share scarce resources

Classrooms with high-demand technology Physical space

Convenience Student personal commitments “Geographically undesirable” Creative scheduling

Advantages

Motivation Access Persistence

(retention) Learning

Directed F2F Extra time Repeat

Preparation for FOL

Course redesign Creativity Flexibility

Students Faculty

How to Blend

Online and F2F portions must always be integrated

Requires skills in facilitating online discussions Keep discussion on topic Probing questions Correct gaps in understanding Lurk

Examples of Blended Activities

Begin discussion F2F and continue online Online, each student asks a question on

the chapter material (or what “happened” in class), and another student must answer

Set up groups and their tasks F2F then groups meet online (Angel is great for this)

Show online work/discussions in class (on projector) and comment

Blended Combinations

MWF (2 out of 3) TR (1 out of 2) Evening (shorter time; skip weeks) Saturdays

Last Slide

BL is taking place worldwide: UK Australia Israel Ireland

Students expect technology in their college experience.

Thank you.

Questions or comments?