Blended Learning

Blended courses (also known as hybrid or mixed-mode courses) are classes where a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online learning. Blended learning as a course where 30%-70% of the instruction is delivered online. While this is a useful guideline, it may not be sufficient to cover every blended learning configuration. Blended learning is also used in professional development and training settings, as it can be used to translate knowledge into a particular skill that is useful and practical for a specific job^. A lack of consensus on a definition of blended learning has led to difficulties in research about its effectiveness in the classroom^.

Blended learning can generally be classified into six models:

• Face-to-face driver – where the teacher drives the instruction and augments with digital tools.
• Rotation – students cycle through a schedule of independent online study and face-to-face classroom time.
• Flex – Most of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform and teachers are available for face-to-face consultation and support.
• Labs – All of the curriculum is delivered via a digital platform but in a consistent physical location. Students usually take traditional classes in this model as well.
• Self-blend – Students choose to augment their traditional learning with online course work.
• Online driver – Students complete an entire course through an online platform with possible teacher check-ins. All curriculum and teaching is delivered via a digital platform and face-to-face meetings are scheduled or made available if necessary.