Had
the Internet existed back when I began teaching, I would have definitely
flipped my classroom and used the variety of blended learning opportunities that exist today.
Blended
Learning is an innovative approach to course design that 'blends' the
best of both face-to face & online learning. Its main intent is to build from both approaches to create an efficient, effective and well-rounded learning experience.
We live in a hybrid world-we communicate face-to-face as well as online. Blended learning mixes the best of both of these worlds for instructional & learning purposes.
A
well-designed blended learning course will leverage what needs to be done in
person, (group presentations & discussions and hands-on instruction)
in combination with what can be completed by the learner independently & online (reading, research, worksheets, document management &
organization, individual projects, etc). This is especially effective for high school, college and adult learning.
There are basically 2 approaches to blended learning: the supplemental approach and the replacement approach.
The supplemental model keeps the basic
structure of traditional course lectures & textbooks and supplements with technology-based, out-of-class activities.
The replacement model reduces the number of in-class
meetings and replaces some of that in-class time with out-of-class, online,
interactive learning activities. This makes significant improvements in the remaining in-class meetings.
From our work and personal interaction with children who have a variety of alternate learning styles, we have seen that innovative learning is always in the student's best interest. We are now embracing these approaches in our adult education division.
Our very first blended/Hybrid course will run 10 weeks, and combines an enhanced, interactive eBook manual with audio and video media, live group chats, phone/skype sessions, individual projects and a live, 1 day hands-on workshop. In the process of designing this course we have realized just how many benefits there are to this approach:
- places more control of
your time and scheduling back with you
- flexibility/access to materials while
retaining a sense of community
- reduces travel and
lodging time & expenses
- experience enhanced learning through a variety of channels
- fully interactive and
allows an opportunity to explore the subject in depth
- ensures thorough study and understanding of subject matter
- technology offers more
opportunities for collaborative learning environment
- learning is guided & allows you to learn at your own pace with the help of instructor and others
- weekly email support, phone and Skype sessions allow you to ask questions and interact with your
instructor
- not location dependent-learn anywhere
- low cost to produce materials-so tuition coast is lower for the learner
The Blended Approach offers numerous benefits and a more
engaging & integrated learning experience for both instructors and
students.
We have observed that this method is the most engaging,
efficient and thorough way to learn complicated, involved or new subject
matter, as compared to the more common 2-3 day "immersion" workshops, which are clearly not for everyone.
Our (unofficial and non-scientific) research has shown that a participant is
more likely to stay motivated & effectively assimilate, understand & use the newly learned
material immediately when they participate in a hybrid/blended course, than when they take a weekend workshop.
(Compare: short and succinct exam study sessions spread out
over a 3 month period, or "cramming" two days before the exam. Which
would you rather do?)
We invite you to explore the informational links below - and to be one of the first to take advantage of this newly expanded course offering.
EARLY Registration for the Spring/Summer Session (May 3-July 12) opens today!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Related Reading Links:
To find our growing library of
Webinars and Conference Call recordings
.
