Technical Commentary Technical Commentary

Blended Learning
Keywords: Blended learning, Learning Management System (LMS), Learning Style, 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 1990s as online learning technology began to blossom. It is important to note that the blended learning model is not designed to replace teachers. Instead, it is meant to enhance the teachers ability to reach all of their students needs. For example, one of the major advantages of the blended learning 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 resolution and skills development. This model allows teachers to teach and not simply be lecturers. Blended learning also potentially reduces the amount of preparation the teacher has to devote 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

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instruction when needed. In an age where funding is very limited, the cost-effectiveness of adding online learning programs is hard to beat. Creating a Student-Centric Learning Architecture Blended learning is meant to transform the learning experience. 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 technologies and their ability to create a customized modular approach to learning. Christensen explains that learning can be achieved through either extrinsic motivation or intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation is that which comes from outside the task such as earning more money because of an educational achievement. Intrinsic motivation comes from the inherent fun or enjoyment of the learning. Intrinsic motivation 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 student-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 students 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 flexibility is achieved by building individual lessons or courses spe-

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cifically targeting a students individual needs. This is only possible through information technology. Think of modular lessons plans as Lego blocks. A learning management 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 learning 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 grading papers, he or she will have more time to focus on each students needs. This gives the teacher a unique perspective 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 experiences where content is transmitted to the student by a lecture, written material, or other mechanisms, very little control 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 transmitting knowledge and retention. The ability to integrate technology 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 collaboratively in teams and yet gather, create, and curate information 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 individual 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 opposed to a pathway for learning information. Research done on intelligence has discovered that there are approximately 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 intelligence types as possible, to provide maximum learning. This can be achieved, to some extent, in a multimedia approach 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 students specific learning style. However, caution 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 designer develop the online content. Additionally, the course instructor 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 students needs are relevant to their learning path. Different Blended Learning Models There are four primary approaches to blended learning: Rotation 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 methods 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 students 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 -toface 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 lectures at home. The second blended learning model is the Flex model. This model allows students to work at their own pace with a flexible 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 classroom courses. In this model, the student takes some courses

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completely online and some courses completely in a classroom. 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 available 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 organization does not have a computer lab then obviously the lab rotation model would not fit your current infrastructure requirements. Implementing Digital Technology Historically, public agencies and non-profits have been hampered by budget constraints and institutional objections to implementing new technology. Some of these objections are legitimate, such as how to implement a secure wireless network for students bringing their own mobile devices. Organizations that attempted to standardize the type of mobile platforms students used, quickly figured out how fast these platforms are made obsolete by ever changing technology, software updates, and different operating systems. Allowing students to bring their own device eliminates many of these problems but creates new issues such as protecting the organizational 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 specialize in online learning. This is really no different than partnering 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 agencies request certain types of content, technology businesses are forced to listen to their customers and provide those products 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.

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 program as necessary. When developing your organizational strategy think about infrastructure 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 management 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 infrastructure 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 infrastructure 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 objectives for implementation. What about content? A review of many different online courses 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 required 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 instructors 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

How to Implement a Blended Learning Model Implementing a blended learning model requires careful plan-

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REFERENCES: 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 Education, September 2010.

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