How can you use blended learning for a more flexible class schedule?

1 Define your goals and outcomes

Before you design your blended learning course, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. What are the learning objectives and outcomes of your course? How will you align them with the online and face-to-face components? How will you assess the students' progress and performance? Having a clear vision and a well-defined plan will help you create a coherent and effective blended learning course.

2 Choose the right blend

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for blended learning. You can choose from different models and strategies, depending on your goals, context, and resources. For example, you can use a flipped classroom model, where students access online content before the face-to-face session, and use the class time for active learning and discussion. Or you can use a rotation model, where students switch between online and face-to-face activities in a fixed or flexible schedule. Or you can use a hybrid model, where some students attend the class in person, while others join remotely. The key is to choose the right blend that suits your course and your students.

3 Design engaging and interactive content

One of the main advantages of blended learning is that it can offer more variety and interactivity in your content delivery. You can use different types of online content, such as videos, podcasts, e-books, quizzes, games, simulations, and more, to engage your students and cater to their diverse preferences and needs. You can also use online tools and platforms, such as learning management systems, blogs, wikis, forums, chats, and more, to facilitate communication and collaboration among your students and with you. The online content should be relevant, clear, concise, and accessible, and should complement and reinforce the face-to-face content.

4 Manage your time and resources

Blended learning can also help you optimize your time and resources, as well as provide more flexibility and convenience for you and your students. You can use the online component to deliver the content that does not require much interaction or guidance, such as lectures, readings, or exercises, and use the face-to-face component to focus on the content that requires more interaction or feedback, such as discussions, projects, or presentations. You can also use the online component to offer more options and opportunities for your students to learn at their own pace and place, and to access the content anytime and anywhere. However, you also need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of blended learning, such as technical issues, accessibility issues, workload issues, or engagement issues, and plan accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?