Blended learning-it's all about the mix!

The latest blog post my class and I have been assigned by our Guru of Technology Instructor is new trends in Digital Learning. I have chosen to write about Blended Learning. Blended learning is a hybrid of traditional classroom learning and online learning. Each student is given instruction in class and then students take it upon themselves to enhance that lesson on their own.

 Immediately, flipped classrooms come to mind when I think of blended learning. This is where an educator provides a lesson for students to watch at home or at their convenience (within a given amount of time) and with which students need to become familiar.  An extension of this lesson will be presented at the next class. There are so many advantages to blended learning, in my opinion. This gives students a way to be more in control of their own learning. It also allows for students to watch the online portion as many times as necessary. In this regard, flipped learning is really very adaptive to students, as they are able to learn the online portion at their own pace. I would also like to add that I ask my students to bring their phones (or whatever tech they own and are comfortable bringing to

Another way that blended learning is used in classrooms is research for a topic in any class. Teachers can assign a project or topic for an assignment and students are able to research online.  I have found that when I assign online research for projects in my classes, students embrace the opportunity. Because the technology is literally at their fingertips, students are able to fully comprehend their assignment, and then begin their research. As questions arise, students are able to search for the answers and continue to form understanding of their task.

Another way that blended learning is very apparent in today’s classrooms are online textbooks. I have a class set of science books and a code for each of my students to access the online textbook. This is a great option for students, as they don’t have to carry a heavy textbook back and forth to and from school daily. There is a drawback to the online textbook option for those, however, who do not have access to technology or internet at their homes. This is where teachers need to provide students an opportunity to have access to the textbook. In a perfect world, all students would have a device and internet access at all times. We are moving to 1 to 1 technology here in Edmond, but at this time, we still have students who have no access to tech at home. One way that I have tried to solve this issue is to allow students to visit the media center for computer access during lunch or after school. This takes away from their social time with friends, but does allow them a chance to read the online textbook. This is not the best option, but it can be an option, when necessary.

I use blended learning often in my classroom and I believe that most teachers do this, as well. We have figured out that there are so many benefits to allowing students to use technology in education. I personally believe that allowing my students to be in charge of their own learning (and bringing their own devices to class daily) has truly enhanced their understanding of the curriculum. If they don’t understand something, they can stop and google it and then go on. I love this idea for my kiddos! I encourage my students to ask questions and to have understanding of what they are learning.

I strongly believe that blended learning is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to digital trends. I am so glad that my students have the opportunity to participate in this type of learning, as I truly feel that it puts in charge of their own learning, helps them learn skills that are going to be necessary in the “real world”, and helps them to become more independent learners and citizens. I am grateful that I work in a district that embraces technology and encourages educators to find ways to implement Ed Tech at every level. This has given me the drive to try new technology with my students. Here’s to blended learning-it’s all about the mix!