Assignment of ICT (6)

BLENDED LEARNING

What is Blended Learning?

Blended is mix two things into one thing. The definition of blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns: (1) at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace; (2) at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home; (3) and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.

The majority of blended-learning programs resemble one of four models: Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. The Rotation model includes four sub-models: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Flipped Classroom, and Individual Rotation. The same person generally serves as both the online and face-to-face teacher. It differs from a fully online course because face-to-face learning sessions are more than optional office hours or social events; they are required.

Today's schools are embracing blended learning environments where technology and teaching inform instruction—leading to increased student engagement and academic success

Language Labs

Students complete courses in the school's language lab with the assistance of lab mentor or teacher.

Classroom

Teachers use our courses as primary or supplemental curriculum and leverage in-class rotations and student grouping.

Extended Day or Summer School

Schools expand their world language program with support from parents, paraprofessionals or world language teachers.

Independent Study

Students complete self-study of a Middlebury Interactive course onsite or at home with a virtual language teacher.

What is Blended Learning Classroom and The Pros and Cons ?

Blended Learning Classroom

The blended classroom is designed to meet the individual needs of student by allowing teachers to personalize instruction. It combines what traditional teacher do in the classroom with the technology (virtual, online). Blended learning combines face-to-face and online instruction. Project Based Learning is a type of blended classroom. Students work on projects at home, and in class. In class, they can ask the teacher for help, and continue on the project at home, with online materials for help. By having online materials available, students have access to support when out of the classroom. Students access some material at home and complete some work at home, while leaving more time during class to get into deeper context with the teachers.

There are some pros and cons in the Blended Learning:

The Pros

The Cons

·           Provides for individualized support for the students ·           students can access material at anytime, anywhere, to review the material ·           provides richer, more interactive learning experiences ·           provides more time for collaboration with the students and teachers ·           parents have access to what students are doing - better communication and support ·           studies show it increases student and teacher productivity, improves teaching and learning, and provides more and better data, and helps customize learning. ·           more and more colleges and even workplaces are using this model ·           gives students more time to learn - extends the learning beyond the end of the school day

·         Teachers will need time to create and/or select content. ·         Teachers will need training on using this method of instruction to make it effective ·         Students will need to be shown how to access, use the technology and what is expected of them ·         Students need to be able to do work outside of school hours do they have access to technology at home? do they have access to internet at home? do they have other things that take up their time (job, etc.) students need to be self-directed to work at home

In the web, there are two kind of videos. The first video is about 4 models of  Blended Learning and the second video is about five different images from different websites about blended learning.

In the first video, those are 4 models for instruction of Blended Learning:

The Blended Learning Models by Clayton Christensen.

In the second video, there are five different images from the VoiceThread.

1.      Hybrid learning

2.      Blended learning from Online Coaching

3.      Blended from Virtual blended learning

4.      Blended learning from Mrs Spicer's Grade 6 class

5.      Blended learning from About the classroom, a blended learning environment

I think Blended Learning is very sophisticated learning because it is an online learning. After I had read some webs and videos in the e-teaching web, I know that blended learning is very useful for teacher to make students interest in learning. The students can find the other material that the teacher have not explain yet in the class. I find one of the disadvantage of blended learning, if the school uses WiFi connection when the WiFi is not fast so it will be obstacle for both teachers and students.

Sources:

1. https://www.middleburyinteractive.com/curriculum-courses/blended-learning
2. http://olecommunity.com/blended-learning-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-trending-in-k-12-education/
3. http://moodle.unitec.ac.nz/mod/page/view.php?id=214273
4. http://elearninginfographics.com/6-blended-learning-techniques-infographic/ 
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L75oPzauAlw
6. http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning-definitions-and-models/
7. http://kevincorbett.com/2013/07/4-blended-learning-models/