Quality Matters Program | Blended learning solution in practice Blended learning is not only the buzz word. It is actually working. Why? Because we all realized that no single teaching approach is good enough to work for all learners. Since time immemorial we’ve been blending different instructional methods in our training initiatives. With the emergence of technology, this approach got new dimensions. What blended learning actually is? We’ve been hired by a training institution to help them design a blended training program for unemployed people aged from 25 to 35, to become accountants, using relevant accounting software. 1. Benefits: Learners could use these lessons at their own pace and according to their prior knowledge;Learners could come prepared to classroom workshops;Learners could use these learning materials also during and after the classroom workshops if needed; 2. Benefits: The same online learning environment was provided for the learners also during live sessions. 3. And what do learners think about this kind of blend? About Jana Jan
16 of the Best Blended Learning Resources In February 2014, Edreform.com published a paper on digital and blended learning that points out over “68 percent of parents support digital learning” and “digital learning has tri-partisan support, with 61 percent of Republicans, 65 percent of Independents, and 67 percent of Democrats in favor.” Such strong support may make blended learning the future standard for education. How can you make blended learning a success in your school or classroom? Become a Blended Learning Expert Image via Flickr by flickingerbrad Blended learning uses both in-person and online methods to teach students, and there are several different models for implementing it in the classroom. In February 2014, Edudemic posted an article that details the basics of what blended learning is, and outlines the building blocks of a successful program. Tools to Make Blended Learning Work Knowing the theories and models of blended learning is the first step toward making it a success in your classroom.
Have you mastered blended learning? 10 strategies for thriving in this growing field Blended Learning Theory and Design Principles | Teaching and Learning Excellence Blended Learning Theory and Design Principles Behaviorism Identify goals and objective to be learned; create environments for learning that assists the learner in acquiring goals; review, examine and consider adopting and adapting existing materials before developing new ones. Implications for online learning Learners should be told the explicit outcomes of the learning so they can set expectations and can judge for themselves whether or not they have achieved the outcome of the online lesson. Cognitivism Design course to include problem solving; provide sufficient help and resources to assist learning in solving problems; Structure problems in steps so learners can be successful in developing their own solutions; analyze learning readiness for learning core concepts, principles and attitudes of the course; and establish course prerequisites. Implications for blended learning Constructivism Keep learners active by engaging them in meaningful activities that result in high-level processing.
7 Stories From Educators About Teaching In The Flipped Classroom Informed articles and commentary on this powerful and often misunderstood concept. The University of Wisconsin’s Stout School of Education publishes a great Tech Tips newsletter. The last few issues of this newsletter have been packed with resources focused on topics near and dear to us here at EmergingEdTech, and we strongly recommend signing up for this free publication. (Click image to access a Flipped Classroom Infographic from Knewton.com) There is a wealth of experienced, constructive knowledge shared in this content. The Flipped Class: Myths Vs. The Flip: Why I Love It, How I Use It: Shelley Wright (in an article published by Tina Barseghian) explains, “I love the flip. Advancing the Flip: Developments in Reverse Instruction: This post by Jonathan Martin on the award winning Connected Principles Blog is ripe with references, in addition to sharing insights into classroom flips performed by instructors at his educational institution and others. About Kelly Walsh Print This Post
Blended Learning What is blended learning? Blended learning is not the same as technology-rich instruction. It goes beyond one-to-one computers and high-tech gadgets. Blended learning involves leveraging the Internet to afford each student a more personalized learning experience, including increased student control over the time, place, path, and/or pace of learning. The definition of blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns: at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace; at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home; and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience. What are the most common models of blended learning? The majority of blended-learning programs resemble one of four models: Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. Blended Learning Universe Blended Learning MOOC May 2013
E-Learning and Blended Learning It is difficult to find one simple solutions for a complex issues. The expectations with regards to performance at work place or at home are complex; we need a blend of various learning solutions to resolve these complex issues. In such a scenario, Blended learning offers a greater chance of success. Blended learning is not new concepts. In fact, it is an age-old concept that existed for several centuries. In ancient India, the pupil leave with their teacher or guru for years in Ashrams. Today, the needs and challenges of learning have changed. Time constraintTotal number of students that can be reachedLearners being distributed at far different placesComplexity of tasks to performComplexity of contentForms of content (Audio, Video, Text etc.)InfrastructureCost All these factors necessitate a unique learning strategy; a strategy that constructs a learning environment that has the following features. E-Learning and Blended Learning:
iNACOL Resources A variety of research, reports, and resources regarding online and blended learning are available for members and future members. These resources are an important aspect of the ongoing work of iNACOL and its members. Publications and Reports iNACOL Reports and Research Reports and publications bring into focus the latest research on online and blended learning programs, as well as promising practices from the field. View all iNACOL Reports and Research Competency Education Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and/or behaviors students must master in a specific content or performance area. View all Competency Education National Quality Standards Quality standards from iNACOL. View all National Quality Standards Promising Practices in Online and Blended Learning This series explores some of the approaches being taken by practitioners and policymakers in response to key issues in online and blended learning in six papers released throughout 2008 and 2009. View all Promising Practices Presentations
Tips for Creating a Community Within Blended Learning If the 21st Century had to be summarized in five words or less, most could agree on “The Age of Information.” Between text messaging, social media, and the numerous chat programs floating around cyberspace, we have become a culture that rapidly interacts and shares new ideas on every platform available. That being said, blended training programs that incorporate these features often experience increased user engagement. However, creating a blended learning program, and getting learners to embrace it, are two different beasts. Setting Initial Expectations Early It is not uncommon for employees to avoid speaking up and conversating within the training context. Generate Attention-Capturing Lessons Also, by utilizing content and mechanics that inspire communication you are likely to get learners more involved. Likewise, the web training itself should be used as a catalyst to bring students together. Make Sure Training Evolves With Your Learners By Designing Digitally, Inc.
Blended Learning: Using technology in strategic and innovative ways to personalize learning for students in partnership with BetterLesson is making effective blended learning practice visible and accessible to every educator in the world. BetterLesson has chosen 11 of the highest-performing blended teachers in the country to capture and share their effective practices. The number of strategies and artifacts from this project will grow every week for the next several months. Browse Blended Topics Jessica Anderson Deer Lodge, MT Rural 8 years experience 31 Strategies Jeff Astor Los Angeles, CA Urban 4 years experience 27 Strategies Tanesha Dixon Washington, DC 11 years experience 28 Strategies Freddy Esparza 6 years experience 30 Strategies Raul Gonzalez Aaron Kaswell Brooklyn, NY 7 years experience Mark Montero 32 Strategies Johanna Paraiso Oakland, CA 12 years experience Stephen Pham San Jose, CA 3 years experience Benjamin Siegel Bronx, NY 5 years experience 29 Strategies Daniel Utset-Guerrero Miami, FL 34 Strategies Want to bring blended learning to your school or district? * All fields are required Project Timeline Spring 2015
7 Essential Tools for a Flipped Classroom - Getting Smart by Guest Author - classrooms, EdTech, flipped classroom By: Erin Palmer The flipped classroom uses technology to allow students more time to apply knowledge and teachers more time for hands-on education. It’s a continually changing strategy that evolves with technology. Innovative educators are usually on the lookout for the latest technology breakthroughs that will help them better organize and conduct flipped classrooms. The following tools are listed from most basic to most sophisticated and can be used alone or in tandem to make flipped classrooms more engaging. Google Docs Google Docs have many advantages over traditional word processing programs, including real-time automatic updates visible to all users, a feature that enables robust discussion and sharing. YouTube Ideal for first-time flippers, YouTube offers a user-friendly, universally understood platform for taped lectures and other educational videos. Teachem The Flipped Learning Network Camtasia Studio Edmodo or Schoology This guest post was provided by Erin Palmer.