How can you optimize blended learning for teaching?

Blended learning is the best way to teaching learning. It adds immense value as the child gets exposure to more than one way to connect to the topic. Passive & active learning impacts learning

When presenting blended learning to students with learning impairments it is important to define "end of the course". For some students it may be a total completion but for others a more staggered approach will be useful. In addition to alignment with curriculum standards and assessments, the IEP or 504 goals and accommodations have to be taken into consideration.

When presenting blended learning to students with learning impairments it is important to define "end of the course". For some students it may be a total completion but for others a more staggered approach will be useful. In addition to alignment with curriculum standards and assessments, the IEP or 504 goals and accommodations have to be taken into consideration.

A high school English teacher can implement the station rotation model in their classroom. They divide the room into stations with resources for reading, writing, grammar, etc. Students review assigned materials before class and complete related activities. In class, students rotate between stations, engaging in activities like analyzing literature or practicing grammar. The teacher provides guidance and facilitates discussions. After rotations, students complete follow-up tasks to demonstrate understanding. This model fosters individual learning, collaboration, and enhances language skills and critical thinking in English.

In a student-centered math classroom, teachers often develop single lessons that meet multiple objectives with a focus not just on content-specific standards, but additionally the mathematical practices. Think about how to balance online/offline to allow students time to explore, investigate, and collaborate. What tasks are more valuable to complete in a group? (Investigations, labs, games) What tasks are better left to be done independently? (Quick recall, short answer or "practice sets") What tools can you use to help students check their independent work immediately? It is so important to prioritize the opportunity for discourse (and not lectures!) when planning synchronous or in-person class time.

A good rule of thumb for blending learning is to teach for 20 minutes and to have the students work on activities for 20 minutes. That way you can still engage with them while they are still online, then the students have independent time to work. You can also assign some asynchronous work.

Adding to above, utilizing learning analytics, such as data from online platforms, can provide insights into interaction patterns, completion rates, and performance. Classroom observations, interviews, and reflections can offer qualitative insights into engagement, understanding, and the impact in learners. Feedback from stakeholders like parents and administrators can further contribute to the evaluation process.

In my experience, while all of the above stated steps are a default, the most important aspect is empowering our students. What will 'click' with them and stay after the classes are over is most effective. Students need to take initiative in their learning and as a teacher our job is to prepare that platform and a safe place for them to be 'brave' enough to try, make mistakes and learn - from each other. In fact even our assessments need to be re-looked at. "Child - driven' is what I am driving at. Blended learning is a great way to make students feel safe and explore without fear of constant scrutiny and judgement. Less the teacher is seen and heard -- more is their work and more is the learning happening.

One will also take into consideration, in addition to what has been previously stated, to design and integrate technology into the learning environment with the 4 C's: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. This is a consideration of the instruction and development of 21st-century skills with students and their abilities to integrate this into their schema. Thus, the importance of administrative support, instructional training as well as a by in by all high stake members is critical.