3 levels of blended learning
Written on 20:59 by Unknown
3 Levels Of Blended Learning
Blended learning is a term that is thrown around a lot in e-learning these days. Teachers may see it as an effective pedagogy for delivery wheras many others see it as this cool approach that is fashionable and the 'hip' way to learn today. Perhaps they are both right but I believe that blended learning is not really that new but has the potential to provide a grewt opportunity to support a learners educational journey. Ever since technology has invaded the home from the humble radio to fibre optic Internet there has been an opportunity to explore a blended approach. How often would you watch or hear something at home from one of these technologies and then continue a discussion at school or work the next day?
This has been made much easier by the accessibility that is brought from the Internet as well as the advancement of new online technologies such as Web 2.0. So blended learning can be summed up as a combination of technology or online assisted learning supported by traditional face to face methods or a way to digitise the learning environment.
I consider that there can be three levels of blended learning
1. Integrating technology in lessons
This approach is very basic but considers Learners using a range of online or technology resources within traditional tasks to help develop learning and in some cases help provide evidence for assessment. On a basic level this is digitising the learning and requires more teacher direction and little reliance on learners taking a lead. It can include using certain websites as a vehicle for traditional tasks such as discussions or brainstorming or using digital cameras within teamwork activities.
2. Using online technology to teach and assess
With this level teachers sre expected to deliver most learning within the classroom which is supported by online materials to extend and in some cases assess the learning. This can be done using a VLE or even encouraging learenrs to use blogs or social media. This is the middle ground where there is less reliance on self driven learners but still offers a range of support for learners outside the classroom.
3. Flipped classroom approach
This is where the majority of the learning is done online in pre prepared activities from the tutor. The theories and knowledge can be delivered by video lectures, assignments, revision tasks etc which would lay the foundation for the follow up practical session. In this way the tutor can spend more time in the session providing formative support and can differentiate easier offering greater opportunity for stretch and challenge of learners. This model requires a tutor that can meet the learner needs in a competent way and learners that are very self driven.
Blended Learning can be used very effectively to support and drive learners forward and with these levels, can be implemented quite easily. I would expect higher level learners to have more input and ownership by level 3 but perhaps also the levels can be considered as a stepped approach to find where your learner are best situated.
