Fast-forward six months and the preparation for the dawning of a new school year is approaching, and teachers are having to explore new models of learning as guidelines are enforced to maintain the health of our students and families.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is an educational approach that has been used in pockets throughout our country’s classrooms, but, as an all-encompassing methodology, there is lack. Providing education in a mixed media format of brick-and-mortar attendance with online learning guided by teacher facilitation has been a buzzword embraced by few, misunderstood by many, but the driving force of a new era in education. Some characteristics of a blended learning model include the role of the teacher, physical location, personalization of the learning, and an online learning format.

Blended Learning Models to Try in Your Classroom

While thinking about the implementation of blended learning, it is significant to consider the different types of blended learning, how the learning is facilitated, and the developmental appropriateness for the age range you are instructing.

• Face-to-Face Driver

Using the face-to-face driver model has students located in a brick-and-mortar school building. Within the classroom, the majority of the instruction is provided by the teacher through an online platform. For instance, at High Tech High School in San Diego, California, a teacher may be instructing a small group of students around a concept, two students may be in a small group learning from ALEKS, and another group of students is cutting wood to complete their latest project. The teacher collaborates with the students to determine where they are in their project timeline and the instruction they need, then provides next steps.

Recommended Grades: K-12

• Online Driver

The online driver is completely online instruction, the curriculum and teacher are virtual; however, there is a mandatory face-to-face check-in. As a high school student, one may choose to dual enroll in college courses. For attendance purposes, the student may have to come to the school for an orientation and then they learn remotely for the remainder of the course, or there are outlined check-in dates with teachers to determine if the student is on track to receive credit for the course. We see this with virtual learning options across the nation today.

Recommended Grades: 11-12 

• Rotation

In a rotation option, the students are placed in groups based on whatever criteria the teacher determines, and the students will rotate from center to center with at least one center providing online instruction. Most programs used in this format are adaptive to the students’ learning and regulates the zone of proximal development for students. Teachers will monitor student progress through the learning management system and can adjust learning objectives based on the feedback through formative assessment data analysis. While this is appropriate for all grade levels, it is a great option for elementary-aged students who may not have learned to manage large chunks of time spent in an online platform.

Recommended Grades: K-12, especially K-3

• Flex

Implementing the flex strategy includes primary online instruction with teacher facilitation. Imagine students in a computer lab, learning from an online platform. When the student gets stuck, there is a facilitator there to answer questions and provide instruction to assist the student within the online platform. Once a student has completed an assessment, the teacher would unlock the next unit or reset a test if the student didn’t meet a mastery level. Alternative schools use this model in order to accommodate a range of student grade levels and ability levels, providing maximum options for a student to be successful without being overstaffed with faculty. Alternately, when a student performs at high levels, flex provides students the opportunity to accelerate through their coursework, enriching their learning opportunities.

Recommended Grades: 5-12

• Online Lab

While online learning is a better option for some students, it is not a viable choice for working families when their child(ren) needs guidance and accountability when they cannot be home. In this case, an online lab may be the way to go. In an online lab, the student completes all work virtually with the benefit of supervision and assistance by a trained lab facilitator in a brick-and-mortar building. As a result, virtual learning labs have been created so students are enrolled in the school but all instruction is provided through an online platform.

Recommended Grades: 3-12

• Self-Blend

Students enrolled in middle and high schools are often working at varying levels. Through the self-blend model, the student may choose to take virtual courses to supplement their learning. Why would you do that? If the traditional school does not offer the course preferred or the student is on an accelerated path, this could be an option. These courses could also be zero-hour courses or after-school enrollments.

Recommended Grades: 9-12

Benefits of Blended Learning

Why should blended learning be an option? In today’s time of decreased budgets and high-stakes learning, blended learning provides options traditional models cannot. Blended learning allows teachers to meet students and families where they are and support student learning using innovative methods. Some of the clear benefits of blended learning include:

• Flexibility
• Cost-effectiveness
• Student success
• Efficiency
• Personalized learning
• Multiple learning styles
• Collaboration
• Networking

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What Does a Flipped Classroom Look Like?

A flipped classroom is defined by Schoolology.com as a blended learning model where traditional ideas about homework and classroom activities are reversed or “flipped.” This model involves instructors having students interact with new material for homework first. Then, they use class time to discuss the new information and put those ideas into practice.

This way of doing things is relatively new to the world of education. Using this model, teachers give students homework focused on a new topic, then use class time for guided group work, critical thinking, and reinforcement.

Making a change from a traditional classroom to a flipped classroom can be difficult work since this is such a new trend and so different from old ways of teaching and learning. When a classroom has been “flipped,” it will look much different than a traditional classroom. In a flipped classroom, students view a video presented from the teacher at home. Teachers may attach notes or guides with the video. Then, during class, students have the opportunity to work with the teacher, collaborate with others, work independently, and discuss the concept from the video.

In a flipped classroom the teacher’s role is important because it sets the culture of the classroom. Instead of delivering direct instruction, the teacher takes on more of a facilitator role and provides students with individualized learning. This allows for differentiation to take place and for students to receive an education that is tailored to their individual needs. This also provides students with the opportunity to take on objectives on their own and to think more critically.

What are the Benefits of a Flipped Classroom?

Flipping a classroom allows teachers to take on a different role with students. Instead of delivering direct instruction for large chunks of time, teachers are able to step back and facilitate learning in a way that allows students to work at their own pace and on their own readiness level.

By using a video to introduce the lesson, students have the advantage of replaying or reviewing parts of the video as needed. They are also able to prepare questions for the teacher before coming to class. Additionally, parents have access to teacher videos and can see firsthand how the concept is being taught.

Another benefit of a flipped classroom is that teachers can be present and available to students while students are applying their knowledge. Students can show what they have learned from their homework in class or ask for help on what they are struggling with at home.

Several studies have also shown the academic benefits of using a flipped classroom model are great, with one study from the Australian International Academic Centre showing that students of flipped classrooms outperforming students in traditional classrooms. In fact, students in the flipped classroom scored more than twice as well on a multiple-choice test. 90% of students also reported that they enjoyed the interactive learning methods employed in the flipped classroom. Instructors reported improved student learning and engagement, as well.

Creating a Flipped Classroom

Flipping your classroom might not be easy at first, but there are lots of resources available to you. Keep in mind, you will need a device to record your lesson. This could be a laptop or even your cell phone. You will also need to make a plan for how to share your lessons with your students. This could be done over email or Google Classroom. The following tips will help you create the flipped classroom you’ve been dreaming about!

• Get advice from teachers that have already created a flipped classroom
• Re-arrange your classroom to allow students more access to each other (groups and teams)
• Research apps to help you record and share your lessons
• Notify parents and share information and research with them
• Seek support from your administration
• Research how Google Classroom can help you flip your classroom
• Create detailed videos that provide resources
• Get students excited about “flipping” your classroom

Turning your traditional classroom into a flipped classroom may seem like an overwhelming task at first, but once you and your students get the hang of it, you will appreciate its advantages. Flipping your classroom will give you the opportunity to meet students where they are with a more personalized learning approach.

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Why Classroom Isolation can Limit Learning Experiences

Classroom isolation can limit learning experiences when teachers only use resources within their classroom. With the immense amount of teaching activities and instructional content available on the web, it could do students an injustice if teachers don’t dig into their digital toolbox. Simple searches on websites like Discovery Ed open the door to hundreds of resources that take learning beyond the classroom walls and into the real world. Additionally, teachers can use one of the most readily available resources they have access to: their colleagues. One of the easiest ways to combat classroom isolation is by walking next door and asking for help or for ideas from teammates. After all, these teaching partners are teaching the same content and likely come with the experience of shaping various resources to meet each student’s individual needs.

Create Virtual Classroom Partners

Another way to overcome classroom isolation is by creating virtual classroom partners. This 21st century makes it easier than ever to connect with classrooms around the world. One virtual classroom tool that has become popular is called Empatico. This website is 100% free for educators and is great for students ages 6-11. It combines live video with research-based activities that are designed to foster meaningful connections among students. There are 148 countries connected by Empatico and nearly 48,000 students who have shared experiences from the people they have met by using this educational tool. Virtual classroom tools such as this are helping to connect students and cultivate their global citizenship skills. What better way to stop classroom isolation then by virtually connecting with students around the world?

Get in Touch with the Real-World

Another easy way to get in touch with the world outside the classroom walls is by bringing in real people from the community. Is your class studying agriculture? Why not bring in a local farmer to share what it’s like to farm crops. Are your students learning about businesses? How about bringing in a store owner from the community to share what it’s like to manage their business. Members in the community are often very willing and eager to help out local classrooms. Also, how inspiring is it for students to learn from the people that live and work in the houses and buildings around them? If teachers are not sure who to invite into their classrooms first, why not turn to the parents of the students in the class. Students often are proud to have their parents as guest speakers, and parents love seeing the dynamics and energy of eager learners.

Reach out to Scientists

Bringing in members from the community is a great way to help overcome classroom isolation. Another idea that is sure to engage young learners is to use websites such as Skype a Scientist to connect with real professionals. This website allows real life scientists to reach students from all over the world without leaving their labs. There are thousands of scientists ready to chat or available to schedule a Skype session with. Global citizenship can be fostered by giving students a look into scientists around the world and what roles they have in taking care of our world.

Connect Nationally and Internationally

Connecting nationally and internationally with professionals such as scientists can help broaden students’ perspectives. Another way to foster students’ global perspectives is to get involved with events and initiatives happening outside of the school district. One Tree Planted is a non-profit program focused on global reforestation in North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The website provides access for teachers to lesson plans, resources, and fundraisers that they can take part in. There is also an interactive global forest watch tool students can use to explore tree cover loss and forest change. One Tree Planted and other international initiatives are just one way to help widen students’ worldly understandings.

Partnership with Other Grades

A final idea to help overcome classroom isolation is to create a partnership with other grades in the building or in neighboring elementary, middle, and high schools. For example, an elementary science class could connect with a high school science class. They could participate in an experiment together or give a joint presentation. Activities such as these build collaboration skills and teach students how to work with people outside of their close-knit classroom. Connecting with other grades can help develop the understanding that people have different ideas, perspectives, and viewpoints and that everyone can still work together towards a shared goal.

Conclusion

Students today need to learn not only reading and math skills but also the skills to work globally and cross-culturally. Classroom isolation, when teachers only use the resources and ideas inside their classroom walls, can limit learning experiences and hinder the development of the global citizen. By using resources such as virtual classrooms, connecting with real-world people such as scientists, and reaching out to colleagues for ideas and resources, students’ awareness of the wider world and their understanding of how they fit in it is strengthened.

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