Blended Learning in Our Classrooms...The Way of the Future

Source: Dwight Carter's Blog

          The term 'blended learning' is new to me as an educator. Blended learning is the combination of learning in the classroom face-to-face and learning online. It is combining in-person learning with technology-based learning. Online, technology based learning allows for students to participate in more independent and self-paced learning.  On the other hand, face-to-face learning allows for students to continue learn in the classroom setting from teachers and peers.  

 

          Blended learning is different from e-learning, as e-learning is solely learning online, and blended learning is the combination of learning in a classroom and learning online.  Although e-learning can have it's benefits, such as convenience, I believe that blended learning is the better alternative for our students as the social learning that takes place face-to-face is equally important.

          An example of blended learning in the Primary division could be in a community unit. Teachers could teach different types of communities (cities, farm, suburbs, rural, parks, etc.) with the students through reading a picture book on the subject and through discussion. Students can then do work online. The teacher can put up pictures of different communities on computer or iPads and students can identify what is unique to each particular community.

          An example of blended learning in the Junior division is discussing a Social Studies topic like Exploration and Jacques Cartier's expeditions to North America.  Then students can create a comic online using "Bitstrip" of the events that happened using their own words and interpretations of the events.

 

          In an Intermediate Math/Environment class, students could be responsible for researching an environmental topic (like how much water do people in North America use when washing dishes vs. using a dish washer, and taking a shower vs. taking a bath, and brushing your teeth with the tap running vs. brushing your teeth with the tap off). Students could then put this information into a graph to see the differences.

          I wonder, does the skill of learning through technology need to be taught to students? How do we teach skills such as researching? And time management?