What exactly is blended learning? Models & Best Practices

Since the internet has become a vital component to daily life and getting an enormous boost from the pandemic that is spreading, blended learning has been an essential part of educational course. Teachers and other educators have to figure out how to design materials that bring together the best aspects of both while still ensuring pupils are evaluated appropriately.

  What is blended learning?  

There are numerous forms that blended learning can use, but they usually are based on this formula:

Blended Learning is a way for learning that combines online education materials and place-based classes.

In general, this means that the teacher and student must be present physically, but students have some control over when, how, and where they access educational materials.

The term "place-based" doesn't mean that it is necessary for the teacher to be within the same classroom with the student. It can integrate webinars, like and online lectures. Although the students and teachers share the same virtual space however, they aren't physically in the same space.

This means that blended learning is possible completely online, using a variety of tools to create the most complete educational experience.

  What makes blended learning effective?  

Blended learning is quite similar to the conventional school model that has been used for decades. Students receive guidance in the event they need it nevertheless, they also have elements of self-study -- essentially homework.

However, unlike traditional models the students are able to have access to the learning resources wherever they go. It means that they are able to learn at their own speed, and they can also connect learning resources to form more of a complete understanding. This is beneficial for a variety of learning styles. In addition it relieves anxiety because the students are able to learn at their own pace.

  Easy engagement  

Engagement is another major advantage of blended learning. The majority of teachers are aware that there is a range of attention spans that can be found in every classroom. Some students paying attention and some get distracted easily. And much of this may result from factors outside the control of students.

Blended learning provides the opportunity for students who could be affected by issues in their own lives to work at their own speed and engage with the materials in their own way. It reduces the need to be physically present in the classroom. Students with longer commutes (30 to more than 30 minutes) have less time for sleeping and exercising, but using a blended learning method might help level the playing field.

But the benefits do not stop there. Collaboration online allows students to collaborate in a an organized context. This means teachers can check the progress of activities as they happen, making it easier to identify where specific students have a problem. Also, it ensures that the students have a record of their work by using various instruments for collaboration. It is easier to track their work, reducing the risk of failures in group projects due to the involvement of just one person.

  Accommodates disabilities  

Students with disabilities, particularly hearing and sight disabilities could be able to benefit from greater access that blended learning programs provide. Material from the source can be read using text readers, or those with hearing impairments may be able to access transcripts.

Additionally, online calendars enable teachers to notify students about tests as well as allowing students to effortlessly sync their personal calendar to a different schedule. It ensures that children who have disabilities are informed as well as providing benefits to those who do not have disabilities any disabilities. A student could miss a live session however still receive an update on the upcoming activities.

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  Progress tracking  

Tracking progress is an additional element in the blended learning environment. The online tests provide immediate result, and typically self-marking. This makes it easier for instructors to determine quickly for areas in which students need assistance, and identify areas where additional classroom time may be needed if the class is struggling.

  Which blended learning model work best for online courses?  

There are many kinds of blended learning including:

• Remote blended learning
• Station rotation blended learning
• Lab Blended learning with rotation
• Blended blended individual learning
• Flex blended learning
• Blended classroom with flipping
• Blended learning that is self-directed
• In-out Blended Learning
• Blended learning outside-in
• Supplemental blended learning
• Mastery-based blended learning

One of the most popular forms of blended learning online usage is blended learning via remote, in which students mostly complete their course online, only meeting with teachers as required. However, this is limiting, because students need at least some face-to face time regularly. Face-to face time may include planned small-group exercises, individual tutoring sessions, as well as tutorials.

  Lab rotation/station rotations blended learning  

Station rotation blended learning means that students rotate around various "stations" throughout the lesson. In this case, for example, the stations may be organized according to the following:

• Station for teachers
• Practice station independent
• Collaborative/activity station
• Tech station

This is ideal for students who have a range of skills, as not everybody needs the same lesson. The addition of a technology station (potentially that lab component) allows you to test the knowledge of students.

Thus, teachers could set up different groups for each activity and bring groups whenever they want to switch into a different exercise.

These are often utilized by elementary school students to assist them with understanding the fundamental principles, where different approaches to learning are possible.

Another variation is individual rotation blended learning in which students visit certain stations according to the guidelines determined by the instructor. Students can enhance their abilities by performing this activity immediately while others might require more assistance from their instructor. Other students may work best working in teams, which helps each one increase their knowledge.

  Flex blended learning  

This is an online-heavy model that allows students to complete the majority of their learning through homework and self-directed activities. Teachers are however readily available to answer questions whenever students need them.

In a traditional flex environment, the bulk of learning still happens on campus, but it's clear how it can be transferred fully online, with the ability to make calls via Zoom and even messaging on the side of a trip to the classroom of the teacher.

This course is ideal for students that require little supervision, but are motivated to complete the course.

  Flipped classroom blended learning  

It is among the more common versions of blended learning. In this, students learn about content at home and then use teaching time to ensure they have a good handle about the basic concepts behind the subject. Essentially, this is online learning that includes online tutorials, webinars as well as face-time to direct learners to the right direction. It's flipped because the classroom isn't an area for teaching core concepts , but instead to practice.

  Self-directed blended learning  

In this model, virtually all learning is self-directed. In the end, students create their own courses The main aim being to understand the subject that they are defining.

For subjects like history, such as, for instance, this is quite practical as students are able to explore a specific area of history and prove they know it by writing an essay or dissertation. This can be a good option for those who don't require much guidance however it could be difficult for students who require clear learning pathways.

  Inside-out/outside-in blended learning  

The focus of the blended learning model is the use of the classroom to provide information and discussions, however the lessons might not commence or end in the classroom itself.

With inside-out blended learning, classes begin inside the classroom but may be completed outside in the community. This might be ideal for subjects that require practical experience, for example, and those that lend themselves easily to work in the communities. This doesn't mean that it will reduce the teaching time, however, and it can be challenging for students struggling to be able to do their work on their own.

Outside-in blended learning involves taking experiences from outside inside the school. Instead of providing students with knowledge and demanding them to build on it, it demands students to explore something in a non-academic environment before introducing it to the classroom. Students who are struggling to be independent may be unable to do this.

  Additional blended learning  

Blended learning uses either the classroom space or the online space as supplemental to each other. Essentially, one form is dominant, the other serving as a supplementary back-up.

It can encompass many other blended learning methods, therefore it's not the most helpful definition.

  Blended learning based on mastery  

In mastery-based blended learning, students have to demonstrate that they have mastered the subject before moving onto the next stage. Students can use online and face-to-face instruction, however the most important thing is designing assessments that show they have mastery of the subject rather than merely being able to regurgitate an answer.

This is ideal for areas where mastery is critical however it is difficult to design tests that show mastery.

  What are the tools you can use to enhance mixed learning?  

Zoom is possibly the most popular tool to teach blended classes, thanks to its easy accessibility, universal accessibility and compatibility, and competitive price point. It's designed for face-to-face interaction that allows for multiple group call.

But, Zoom on its own does not provide the true blended learning experience, however it's an essential aspect. Other tools to create take-home training materials and create effective engagement solutions are vital.

You can share your information using its simple upload-drag-and-drop platform You don't need to know anything about coding. Share:

• Videos
• Text
• Downloads
• Questions and surveys
• Discussions
• Adobe Captivate and Articulate files

Additionally you are able to create pre-requisite lessons, alwaysgreen and time-sensitive content, groups or even membership sites in addition to supporting multiple instructors.

Create the ideal learning environment your students with 's easy-to-use learning experience platform . try them for no cost right now!

  Motrain  

It's often not enough to have an appealing website and amazing course materials. To engage students, it's useful to have the ability to maintain their attention.

MotrainAs students accomplish milestones they earn virtual coins, which they can redeem to win real money. It also integrates with

  What is the role of eLearning in the concept of blended learning?  

Blended learning typically involves some form of eLearning. In some cases, it might be used as a complement to the classroom. However, when it comes to a blended learning environment, eLearning plays an integral function. It could involve:

• Online courses that are self-paced and self-paced.
• Tests online
• Webinars and tutorial sessions
• Prerecorded lectures
• Live lectures
• The structure of research

E-Learning is a great alternative to traditional education however, it's not necessarily the goal. Classroom time is extremely useful for students, and allowing students to mix classroom time with eLearning opportunities can help make more of your time.

  Blended learning tips  

  Consolidation is crucial  

Having numerous log-ins and platform compatibility issues can hinder the creation of a blended learning system. The reduction in the number of platforms you're using means you have fewer tasks to keep track of It also ensures that students get a consistent learning experience across all teachers.

  Allow class time to perfect blended learning  

Not every student has an innate understanding of blended learning applications -- in fact, the majority of students require assistance in mastering the fundamentals in the beginning. Allocate classroom time where possible for blended learning before using it as an integral part of your education experience.

Students might need assistance in making notes using a video, accessing key files, and running certain applications. Making use of classroom time to instruct these skills can solve many issues later on.

  Blended Learning is about teaching, not technology  

It's easy to focus on the technology aspects of blended learning, rather than teaching. However, this shouldn't be. The focus should be on teaching and increasing your performance as a teacher more than the technology underpinning the process. This isn't to say that technology isn't important -- of course it is. But it shouldn't be your first priority.

  Collaboration is essential.  

Are you prepared to roll out blended learning?

It's easy to build online learning opportunities to enhance your classroom experience. With blended learning. Test it out for absolutely free now!