Blended Learning in the 21st Century

Blended learning, that is a term that frequently pops up in the world of education.  But, what exactly is blended learning and how does it work?

I think a great representation of blended learning is found in the graphic in figure 1.

Figure 1

This graphic outlines the balance needed for blended learning.  It can be a tightrope in terms of approach and delivery, but one that's needed for success.

The Ministry of Education for Ontario in recent years has made a push for more blended learning in Ontario schools as a way of supporting face-to-face instruction.  This is important because technology plays such a large role in the eyes of today's students that the education system must make moves to leave the 19th century, skip the 20th and try to catch up to the 21st century.  It's not an easy task, but one that certainly has its benefits.


So what does blended learning in Ontario look like?  From the Ministry website found here, blended learning is set put allow students to "learn or review key concepts, stay organized, show what they have learned, submit assignments, track their achievement, and communicate with others" in a safe and secure environment.  Items found inside this environment include tools for class discussions, submitting assignments, reviewing class notes, interaction with classmates and teachers, news stories, journals and a wide array of other tools.  I've had the opportunity of using this software in a variety of courses with great success.  Below are a couple examples of the online environments I have created for my courses:

In these courses, all class notes are posted, but merely as a guide for students to follow along as the classroom instruction occurs or if they missed that day.  On the site are places for students to share and discuss course-related topics (giving a voice to otherwise shy students), the ability to submit their work electronically using a variety of sources (I have set up Google Docs sharing for student using their school accounts), follow the class Twitter feed where I or class members can post and share using the class hashtag code as well as other ways for students to share and engage in class matter.  Surveys, quizzes, email communication and even a calendar/organizer are all there for the benefit of the students.

Maybe I went overboard on the old-style NES appearances, but one of the keys that is often overlooked with implemented a blended learning environment is the atmosphere created by the online environment.  Sure, it can be basic and bland, but how does that engage anyone?  My students know I love old video games, and the classroom setup I have reflects that with my classroom visuals incorporating classic games and characters.

So what's important when it comes to blended learning?  Believe it or not, the same thing that is important in the classroom - student engagement.  It is the pinnacle of the SAMR model.  It is the new way of teaching students.  Teachers can still have the face-to-face instruction, but the methods of delivery and sharing must change to reflect the times.  All boards in Ontario have an e-Learning Co-ordinator (eLC) that is available to assist with the setup of these courses and provide guidance along the way.

Blended learning is not distance learning.  Teaching still are required to play a part in the education as that personal connection is needed for growing adolescents.  What needs to change, however, is the approach in how it's done.  Technology offers so much potential to further knowledge and education, and it is up to us in the system to use it effectively to ensure success.