Blended Learning

Transforms Classrooms
The concept of blended learning is becoming increasingly meaningful in the early 21st century. Many
professional educators have praised this flexible, student-focused model for allowing them more
classroom time to do what they truly love and what is highly beneficial to their students: engage in
relevant discussion, explore creativity, and offer academic and social support for individual and group
projects.
Blended learning involves the seamless incorporation of Web 2.0 platforms into the curriculum. Students
access required reading, media programs, databases, and other materials online and participate in realtime dialogue with classmates and teachers via social media. Teachers share lessons on platforms
accessible to the whole class and can even allow students to take practice tests in an online environment.
Back in the classroom, the group enjoys more time to focus on asking and answering questions, refining
ideas, and deepening what they have learned. For most teachers, this emerging instructional model
aligns much better with their goals of fostering critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Caliber: Beta Academy in Richmond, a city in Northern Californias East Bay Area, has adopted just such
a blended learning program. The public charter school, operated by Caliber Schools, teaches a
curriculum focused on Common Core by using blended learning, personalized education plans, and a set
of rigorous academic standards designed to assist students in preparing to do college-level work.