Blended Learning!

 Hi everybody! Welcome back to my blog!

Today I am going to be talking about blended learning. Blended learning is used as an umbrella term that can be used to describe differing instructional methods, integrated technology, and various approaches to education. One of the most basic definitions of blended learning is "blended learning simply requires two or more different kinds of things that can be mixed" (Hrastinski, 2019). In order for something to be considered "blended" it must include two or more different things. Although blended learning has a variety of different meanings, I am going to be discussing blended learning in regards to technology. 

I will be focusing on Grahams definition of blended learning due to its emphasis on combination. Grahams definition states "blended learning systems combine face-to-face instruction with computer mediated instruction" (Hrastinski, 2019). This means that the student is receiving instruction both in person and remotely. Due to the current nature of the pandemic a majority of students within the United States have been experiencing a form of blended learning for the past year. I have also experienced multiple different blended learning curriculums within the past year. I have had classes that were completely asynchronous, meaning that the class never met at a certain time and students were expected to keep up with assignments and complete them on their own. I have also been in classes where we had face to face instruction or lectures through zoom in combination with assignments that we did remotely on our own. Both of these instructional styles are examples of blended learning. 

"The following list of the blended learning continuum compromises the following categories" (Hrastinski, 2019).

1.)  "Fully online curriculum with all learning done online and at a distance and no face-to-face component" (Hrastinski, 2019).

2) "Fully online curriculum with options for face- to-face instruction, but not required" (Hrastinski, 2019).

3) "Mostly or fully online curriculum with select days required in classroom or computer lab" (Hrastinski, 2019).

4) "Mostly or fully online curriculum in computer lab or classroom where students meet every day"(Hrastinski, 2019).

5) "Classroom in- struction with significant, required online components that extend learning beyond the classroom and beyond the school day" (Hrastinski, 2019).

6) "Classroom instruction integrating online resources, but limited or no requirements for students to be online" (Hrastinski, 2019).

7) "Traditional face-to-face setting with few or no online re- sources or communication" (Hrastinski, 2019).

In 2012, Staker and Horn compiled the 4 models of blended learning that they believe "categorize almost all blended learning programs across the k-12 sector" 

1.) The rotation model, where students rotate between learning modalities 

2.) The flex model where content is delivered primarily online 

3.) The self-blend model where students take one or more online courses to supplement traditional courses

4.) The enriched virtual model where students divide their time between attending a campus and learning remotely in an online setting

I have really enjoyed learning about blended learning, especially while being in some classes that are using various blended learning models. However, one thing that I still find confusing is how broad the definition of blended learning is. This is also touched upon in the Hratsinki article as Oliver and Trigwell argue that we should encourage more specific ways of defining blended learning.

After researching blended learning, I am still wondering if one type of the blended learning model is most suitable for students at a certain age? 

I am also wondering if the increased use of blended learning within the classroom can lead to students feeling burnt out due to the dramatic increase of using technology? 

Let me know what you think in the comments! 

I will talk to you all soon! -Nicole :)

Image Sources

https://www.talentlms.com/old/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/what-is-blended-learning-how-can-it-be-used.jpg

https://www.gettingsmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/0_ImplementationCaseStudyBlog.jpg

https://www.odysseyware.com/sites/default/files/styles/bootstrap3_col12/public/blog-images/blended-learning-blog.png?itok=mFjPpfG7

http://untblendedlearning.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/0/2/31022459/4060976.png?460