Many students and instructors were introduced to online learning and other non-traditional classroom formats as a result of the emergency move to remote learning. Now that familiarity with alternative course formats has grown, more instructors are considering alternatives to the traditional classroom model. In particular, blended learning is of interest to instructors who see benefits to teaching online. Blended learning refers to courses that combine face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning and reduced classroom contact hours (reduced seat time). Blended courses use technology to combine the benefits of online instruction with the benefits of face-to-face instruction. 

The percentage of time that the course is online vs. in person varies, but some sources emphasize that at least 20% of instructional time must be moved online in order for the course to be considered blended. At the same time, University of Central Florida encourages educators to view blended learning as a pedagogical approach that “combines the effectiveness and socialization opportunities of the classroom with the technologically enhanced active learning possibilities of the online environment, rather than a ratio of delivery modalities (Dziuban et al., 2004).” Blended learning requires thoughtful course design in order to determine what aspects of the course are best delivered in person and those best delivered online.

When deciding how content will be delivered in your blended course, it’s best practice to start with your learning goals. For example, if your goal is for students to uncover multiple themes in a text, a lively in-class discussion may be the best approach. On the other hand, if your goal is to teach students to evaluate credible sources, you could provide instruction for evaluating the validity of online sources via a video lecture then give students an online scavenger hunt where they are responsible for determining the credibility of found sources. The online format of the activity gives students the flexibility to work at their own pace, garner support from outside resources, and get hands-on practice. 

The primary benefit of blended courses is that students have more choice and flexibility when deciding where and when they will engage with course content and activities. The flexibility inherent in blended courses enables students who struggle in traditional classroom environments to achieve academically. The varied learning activities and teaching modes make it possible to engage students with varied learning styles. Instructors designing the online components of their blended course often leverage multimedia presentations and interactive online experiences such as games and simulations. These new modalities are highly engaging to some learners. 

The blended classroom also leverages technology to provide students with unique learning experiences not available in the physical classroom. Online discussion boards can be used to capture student reflections on a visit to live courtroom proceedings, for example. Students can attend a lecture from a renowned expert in their field remotely. The blended classroom gives students access to authentic learning experiences otherwise impossible to recreate in a classroom. In larger classes, incorporating online group activities gives students the opportunity to work with classmates, which might otherwise be prohibitive in cramped classroom spaces. The ability to choose which instructional environment will involve your students most in the learning process, makes active learning all the more possible. 

While there are many advantages to a blended approach, balancing both face-to-face and online instructional components is not without challenges. The most common challenge is technology. Struggles with technology are typical in the first couple weeks of class if students don’t have the required tools or lack a strong technological background. Instructors can help students manage the technological demands of a course by including institutional resources, limiting the amount of tools students are required to use, and providing direct instruction in how to access and learn to use required tools. The next major challenge is loss of motivation due to falling behind. Since blended courses have no set format that instructors must follow, the potential for students to lose track of course requirements is higher than in traditional courses. To mitigate the potential that students will lose their way, frequent communication and clear course design are essential. 

Even when the challenges are taken into account, the advantages of a blended course are clear. The flexibility of course delivery gives instructors the opportunity to design responsive, student-centered instruction that improves academic outcomes for students. The ability to design active learning experiences, no matter how large your class, allows for increased interactions between students and the instructor, students and fellow students, and students and outside resources. 

If you would like to talk in more detail about the blended course model, complete this consultation request form and we will schedule a time to meet with you. If you would like to design a blended course or redesign an existing course, we are always happy to help. 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360131519302544?via%3Dihub

https://library.educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2004/3/erb0407-pdf.pdf