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Blended Learning

Keywords: Blended learning, Learning Management

System (LMS), Learning Style, instruction when needed. In an age where funding is very

limited, the cost-effectiveness of adding online learning pro-

grams is hard to beat.

Creating a Student-Centric Learning Architecture

Blended learning is meant to transform the learning experi-

ence. This occurs when the content is delivered so as to

reach each student in a unique way that enhances his or her

learning process. In his seminal book, Disrupting Class,

Clayton Christensen details the benefits of online technolo-

gies and their ability to create a customized modular ap-

proach to learning. Christensen explains that learning can be

achieved through either extrinsic motivation or intrinsic mo-

tivation. Extrinsic motivation is that which comes from out-

side the task such as earning more money because of an edu-

cational achievement. Intrinsic motivation comes from the

inherent fun or enjoyment of the learning. Intrinsic motiva-

tion in education is achieved when learning is customized for

each child. The best way to build customized learning is to

create a modular approach. This approach forms a student-

centric model for education. Christensen explains that a stu-

dent-centric learning architecture adapts to the intelligence

type and learning style of the student. This is achieved by

combining content into customized sequences or modules.

This type of customized learning model is extremely difficult

to achieve in a traditional classroom. In fact, most public

schools are set up for standardization not customization.

Given the fact that there is only one teacher per classroom it

would be impossible for that teacher to use more than one

pedagogical approach so as to reach each student’s learning

style. Therefore, the lecture format is used as a means to hit

the overall learning style of the entire class. However, we

know from research that most students do not do well with

this rote means of learning. The memory gap from what is

taught in a lecture to what is retained by the student can be

has high as 90% loss within 30 days. In essence, students do

not remember most of what they are taught.

By creating a modular approach to learning, inherent flexibil-

ity is achieved by building individual lessons or courses spe-

Blended learning is an educational model in which students use

a combination of online delivery of learning content and face-

to-face classroom instruction. The benefits of this model are

that learning can be customized to fit the students’ needs, and

assessment of the students’ learning achievement can be done

in real time. The concept of blended learning first came about

in the late 1990’s as online learning technology began to blos-

som. It is important to note that the blended learning model is

not designed to replace teachers. Instead, it is meant to en-

hance the teachers’ ability to reach all of their student’s needs.

For example, one of the major advantages of the blended learn-

ing model is that the fundamentals of a particular subject can

be offered online, and students can learn at their own pace.

This allows classroom time to be focused on problem resolu-

tion and skills development. This model allows teachers to

teach and not simply be lecturers. Blended learning also poten-

tially reduces the amount of preparation the teacher has to de-

vote to lesson plans. Most online lessons are contained within

a learning management system (LMS). The LMS provides

online test assessments, which significantly reduces the time

spent grading papers. Instead, the student takes tests at the end

of each lesson using the online tools. Teachers can run reports

on the students daily, weekly, or monthly to determine how a

student is doing and where remediation may be required.

A benefit of the blended learning model for non-profits and

government agencies is the ability to reach out to the at-risk

community in a unique way. Combining online learning with

group training sessions allows the organization to cast a wider

net in reaching at-risk youth or adults in transition, without the

need of additional staff. Those individuals in more rural parts

of a state can access online lessons at their convenience. As a

follow up, periodic group sessions, one-on-one mentoring, or

counseling can occur as necessary. Online assessments can tell

case managers where additional training is required and help

individuals who need more life skills training or educational

tutoring. Students who have fallen behind in their studies can

take high school credit recovery classes online, and then meet

with teachers or mentors to receive additional reinforcement

An Information Series by Smart Horizons

Technical Commentary

Technical Commentary

cifically targeting a student’s individual needs. This is

only possible through information technology. Think of

modular lessons plans as Lego blocks. A learning manage-

ment system can build a unique learning pathway for each

student based on test assessments. Each block of learning

is developed into a training plan around the students learn-

ing style, strengths, weaknesses, educational needs, and

interests. The teacher assists in building this training plan

by inputting implicit and explicit data collected on that

student into the learning management system. Since the

teacher is spending less time on class preparation or grad-

ing papers, he or she will have more time to focus on each

student’s needs. This gives the teacher a unique perspec-

tive on what the student requires to achieve success.

The Department of Education Study

A U.S. Department of Education report published in 2010

indicates that a significant increase in student learning

achievement occurs when traditional classroom instruction

is combined with online learning. The overall findings

from the data of numerous studies evaluated in this report

indicated that classes including online learning produced

stronger student learning outcomes than classes with only

traditional face-to-face instruction. The study also revealed

that the ability of the learner to control media rather than

just having multi-media was more effective at producing

improved learning outcomes. In traditional learning experi-

ences where content is transmitted to the student by a lec-

ture, written material, or other mechanisms, very little con-

trol is provided the student. Learning models that promote

active and/or interactive learning in which the student has

control of what and how he or she learns or has the ability

to learn from other students, is more effective at transmit-

ting knowledge and retention. The ability to integrate tech-

nology into the classroom so as to provide games, drills,

and simulations is much better at improving student control

over the material. Likewise, interactive technology that

facilitates learning experiences between students helps

them learn through a collaborative environment. These are

important aspects of digital literacy, as students will one

day become employees who are expected to work collabo-

ratively in teams and yet gather, create, and curate infor-

mation on their own. Implementing online learning helps

teach students how to develop their own personal learning

network.

Learning Style vs. Intelligence Types

Learning style is the most effective pathway for an individ-

ual to learn something new and then be able to apply that

knowledge. It is not the same as intelligence. Intelligence

is a capacity for gathering or acquiring information as op-

posed to a pathway for learning information. Research

done on intelligence has discovered that there are approxi-

mately seven different types of intelligence. Each type of

intelligence can provide an indication of the most effective

learning style:

Narration: Learning through stories

Quantitative/Numerical: Learning by numbers/patterns

Logical: Learning by thinking deductively

Foundational/Existential: Learning through questioning

Aesthetic: Learning visually

Hands on: Learning by doing and manipulating materials

Social: Learning in group settings by observing others

The best learning strategy is to combine as many of these in-

telligence types as possible, to provide maximum learning.

This can be achieved, to some extent, in a multimedia ap-

proach to the learning content and by combining face-to-face

instruction with group activities and hands-on practice. When

text, sound, graphics, video, and interactive activities are

combined in a unique way the content has the potential to

reach out to a student’s specific learning style. However, cau-

tion is required so that the media does not distract the student

or become overwhelming. The best means to prevent this

from happening is to have a professional instructional design-

er develop the online content. Additionally, the course in-

structor needs to integrate classroom activities with the online

content for maximum learning benefit. During the course, it is

important to provide relevant feedback, and evaluate student

work continuously. This data can be analyzed to further drill

down where the student’s needs are relevant to their learning

path.

Different Blended Learning Models

There are four primary approaches to blended learning: Rota-

tion model, Flex model, A La Carte model, and the Enriched

Virtual model. The Rotation model provides students with a

scheduled transition between different types of learning meth-

ods such as classroom, group study, and online. The Rotation

model can include a station rotation within a classroom in

which online learning is but one station. Another option of

the Rotation model could be a specific lab time in which stu-

dents are assigned online learning. The lab option would not

be within the same classroom. Students would be assigned

times to visit the computer lab and specific times for face-to-

face instruction. Another rotation option is known as the

flipped classroom. With this option students view videos of

lectures or online content that suffices for lecture at home and

then conduct classroom practice of the skills they have

learned. This option is called the flipped classroom because

students are doing their homework in class and the class lec-

tures at home.

The second blended learning model is the Flex model. This

model allows students to work at their own pace with a flexi-

ble schedule for classroom options. This model primarily

emphasizes online learning over the classroom. Classroom

instruction or individualized face-to-face interaction with a

teacher is provided as needed. This model favors students

who may need individualized tutoring.

The A La Carte model allows students to take online courses

independently on their own while simultaneously taking class-

room courses. In this model, the student takes some courses

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ning and an understanding of the technology options available.

It is best to start with a strategy based on your organizational

objectives. Do you want to better engage your students and

improve learning outcomes? Do you want to reach out to

youth who find classroom settings more difficult? Perhaps you

want to cast a wider net and reach students who live further

away from your facility and find it difficult to participate in

group training sessions. While blended learning can help in all

of these scenarios, it is best to start simple and grow the pro-

gram as necessary.

When developing your organizational strategy think about in-

frastructure and IT support. Does your organization have a

computer lab? Will you even need a computer lab with an

online learning model, or will you require students to bring

their own device. If you are using a cloud based learning man-

agement system then IT support will be minimal. However,

you will still need a wireless network properly set up with the

necessary firewalls and security protocols. If you have in-

house IT support then you probably already have this infra-

structure in place. If you choose a blended learning model in

which students do most of their online work at home, then IT

support will be negligible. Instead, your organizational needs

will be focused on classroom space and available teachers or

facilitators.

What type of instructional model will you implement with your

blended learning approach? This choice will drive infrastruc-

ture requirements and budget. If new infrastructure is needed,

then how will this be funded? It is best to start thinking about a

timeline within your strategy so as to set up milestone objec-

tives for implementation.

What about content? A review of many different online cours-

es will be necessary to find the programs that fit your needs.

Often organizations find that no one program fits all needs.

Therefore, to create the curriculum desired multiple content

providers must be selected.

Staff will need training on the best use of online content and

technology platforms. Most learning management systems

have reporting capabilities that will need to be explained to

staff. Additionally, evaluation tools and analytics will be re-

quired to measure student learning outcomes. Often, these are

integrated into the learning management system but again,

training will be required for program administrators.

As this document has noted, blended learning is not just about

inserting technology into the classroom nor is it about replacing

teachers with computers. Instead, this exciting teaching model

provides the best of both technology and experienced instruc-

tors to enhance the learning experience for students. Blended

learning has specific benefits for at-risk youth as they often

need self-paced programs to achieve success. As technology

further evolves blended learning will become the backbone of

the teaching profession. For more information contact Smart

Horizons Lifetime Training Solutions at 855-777-8032 or visit

website at www.mytrainingnow.com

completely online and some courses completely in a class-

room. Typically, the online courses are supplemental to their

regular class work.

The Enriched Virtual model is a unique combination of online

lessons and classroom lessons within the same course. This

provides students with the face-to-face time they need, while

simultaneously giving them self-paced work to do on their

own. The amount of online versus classroom instruction for

each course can vary.

Choosing the best model for your organization is based on

available resources, student needs, subject matter, and availa-

ble infrastructure. For example, if your organization does not

have a wireless network then perhaps a blended model that

allows students to work from home with periodic classroom

instruction is best, such as the flex model. If your organiza-

tion does not have a computer lab then obviously the lab rota-

tion model would not fit your current infrastructure require-

ments.

Implementing Digital Technology

Historically, public agencies and non-profits have been ham-

pered by budget constraints and institutional objections to

implementing new technology. Some of these objections are

legitimate, such as how to implement a secure wireless net-

work for students bringing their own mobile devices. Organi-

zations that attempted to standardize the type of mobile plat-

forms students used, quickly figured out how fast these plat-

forms are made obsolete by ever changing technology, soft-

ware updates, and different operating systems. Allowing stu-

dents to bring their own device eliminates many of these prob-

lems but creates new issues such as protecting the organiza-

tional network from viruses. Another critical concern is how

to develop the online learning content. Most organizations do

not have the resources to create original content. Therefore,

they need to partner with commercial enterprises that special-

ize in online learning. This is really no different than partner-

ing with a textbook company.

Private enterprise has the mission of producing quality content

at the lowest possible cost in order to stay competitive. This

is not the model of government entities or non-profit agencies.

Therefore, it makes more sense to look to commercial entities

to provide this digital learning content as businesses must stay

on the cutting edge of technology in order to compete in the

marketplace. As schools, non-profits, and government agen-

cies request certain types of content, technology businesses

are forced to listen to their customers and provide those prod-

ucts and services demanded. The challenge for customers will

be to evaluate the plethora of learning models and technology

platforms to stay ahead of the curve.

How to Implement a Blended Learning Model

Implementing a blended learning model requires careful plan-

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R E F E R E N C E S :

Christensen, Clayton., Disrupting Class, McGraw Hill, New York, NY 2011.

Gardner, Howard., Intelligence Reframed, Basic Books, New York, NY 1999.

Means, Barbara., et al, Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning, U.S. Department of Educa-

tion, September 2010.

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