1. What is "Blended Learning"?
Blended learning is a new educational environment that is trying to be created within school districts. This new educational concept is more student-centered and instruction will be a combination of face-to-face, online and digital learning. This plan will allow students and schools to have more flexibility to use time and resources. In order for this concept to be successful, it requires an effective teacher present to guide and support student learning.
2. Why is there interest in this?
There are so many changes and expectations in education with all of the new technology that a new direction needs to be implemented. If school districts are able to create this new environment within their schools, teachers and students will be more successful.
3. Is this a "fad" or is this the evolution of learning? Why?
This is the evolution of learning because education changes every day and other countries are constantly raising their standards so we must evolve our learning environments to be able to compete with everybody else.
4. What are the advantages?
Learning will be more student-centered, instruction will be personalized for each student’s skill level, and students that lack access to great teachers and resources will now have a variety of options. Learning will be a little more self-pace and take some stress off of teachers.
5. Should teachers and eLearning professionals care?
Yes, teachers and eLearning professionals should care because this environment is the next move for a lot of states and school districts. Everybody is going to have to be on board to make this plan beneficial for students and to change education.
http://educationelements.com/our-services/what-is-blended-learning
Blended learning offers greater student learning and improved school efficiency. It combines teacher talent and technology tools to individualize student learning and help them master the content and skills needed.
http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning-3/
This website discusses the four different models of Blended Learning and mentions how the field is rapidly developing.
http://ilearnproject.com/online-learning/advantages-of-blended-learning/
This article focuses on the benefits of Blended Learning for students, families, teachers, and the overall cost-savings.
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