How to Implement Blended Learning in your classroom

 

How to Implement Blended Learning in your classroom

By: Ms Kashfia Latafat

As explained by Dr. Catlin Tucker Blended learning is combination of active engaged learning online with active engaged learning offline .It enhance engagement of learners in learning process. Blended learning is broader term which encompasses several models to support online and offline learning. Blended learning aims to give support the students in learning from these four aspects, which are 1.Time, 2. Place, 3. Pace, 4. And Path.

Blended learning is beneficial for learners from various angles.

·        It provides opportunities for differentiation learning it caters the group of students with different needs, skills, language proficiency and interests.

·    For assurance that each learner is making progress towards learning goals, it personalize individual learning paths.

·        Build more student mechanism, or choice and voice, into lessons and learning experiences.

·        Allow students to control the pace of their learning.

·        Highlights the students’ questions, wondering, voices and ideas.

·        Encourage collaborative approach for completion of shared tasks.

·     Improve access by incorporating the core principles of Universal Design for Learning into lessons and learning experiences.

Models for Blended Learning:

There are different models for implementing blended learning, and the method used will vary depending on your classroom. I recommend starting with one method–if you see positive effects, that you have more time to collaborate in class and your students are more engaged then continue. If not, then use this opportunity as a way to learn more about your students and their needs. As teachers, we need to constantly reflect on our methods and encourage self-assessment with our students, all part of learning and growing together. Getting started can take some risk and exploration, and definitely time.

The rotation models work best in a traditional school setting.

● Whole Group Rotation–The whole class rotates between online and offline learning.

● Station Rotation–Groups of students rotate through a series of online and offline learning stations with one station offering a small group, teacher-led experience.

● Flipped Learning–The transfer of information is provided via video or other media that allows students to control the pace at which they process and consume that information. Then class time is dedicated to student-centered learning (e.g., application).

● Playlist/Individual Rotation Model–Individual students make progress through a sequence of learning activities that mix learning modalities and media to allow students a high degree of control over the pace of their learning.

Blended Learning Design Checklist for Teachers:

This checklist is design for teachers in order to check students learning and effectiveness of model.

·         Identification of aims and objectives which supports goals of learning

·         Selection of standards and skills which you need to address during course of learning.

·         Decide on the blended learning model that will be best fit given your target standards and learning objectives.

·        For tracking learners progress during learning process decide upon how to collect and formative assessment data:

Ø  How to assess learner’s prior knowledge at the start of the lesson?

Ø  How to check learners understanding during the lesson?

Ø  How will you encourage a reflective practice at the end of the learning?

·        Think about ways through which you can use your blended learning models to support differentiate learning.

Ø  How might you reshape the process by which you teach something?

Ø  How could the product students create to demonstrate their learning be different?

Ø  How might you adjust the academic rigor or provide additional scaffolds as students focus on a particular skill?

Ø   Would it be useful to have different groups focusing on different skills?

Ø   Would presenting information using a range of media (e.g., text, audio, video, visuals) aid with comprehension?

·         Prioritize student agency.             

Ø  What key decisions will students get to make?

·        Balance the online learning with the offline learning to give students a break from the screen and encourage conversation and collaboration.

·        Dedicate time to connect with and support small groups or individual students via small group instruction, coaching, or conferencing.