BLENDED LEARNING

What is Blended Learning?

As its name clearly states, this type of learning implies a combination of teaching methods and technology, which would produce learning. A couple of clear examples of this learning would be:

• Asking students to look up on their cell phones the meaning of a word
• Directing students to online links to practice exercises of any topic.

Advantages

According to Dr. Charles Graham, professor of Instructional Psychology and Technology, the advantages could be summarized in the "6Ps"

1. Participation
2. Personalization
3. Pacing
4. Preparation
5. Place
6. Personal Interaction

According to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the advantages could be:

1. Blended learning creates effective training
2. It saves money and time
3. makes training more engaging for learners
4. offers learning professionals the chance to innovate

History

Considerations

According to Graham, a course designer should consider prior to designing blended learning course:

1. The role of live interaction: How much is the face-to-face or the online interaction necessary?
2. The role of learner choice and self-regulation: how much guidance students need when choosing the type of blended learning?
3. Models for support and training: how to train instructors.
4. Finding balance between innovation and production: find a cost-effective way.
5. Cultural adaptation: the material needs to be adapted?
6. Dealing with the digital divide: everyone, from any socio-economic level, is included?

Blended learning in your classroom

Use of blogs

According to the Internet TESL Journal, a weblog or blog can be thought of as an online journal that an individual can continuously update with his or her own words, ideas, and thoughts through software that enables one to easily do so.

Type of blogs

1. Tutor blog

            The blog is managed by the teacher and the content is limited to syllabus, course information,  homework, etc.

1. Class blog

Both the teacher and students have the chance to write in this type of blog.

1. Learner blog

Each student creates his or her own blog and the role of the teacher is to keep an eye of what is being written on them.