Blended Learning

Blended Learning

• Inovative way to deliver content and skills to students
• Combination of classroom instruction and online learning
• Utilizes small group instruction with individualized hands-on application
• Allows students to feel some control over pace an method of learning.

Gem Prep Nampa

Exclusive interview with Brenda Campbell: Shelley and Sherri talked with 2nd-grade teacher, Brenda Campbell. Brenda is part of the team at Gem Prep Nampa, where students are are immersed in blended instruction.
She shared with us how she uses a rotation model in her classroom. Students work in small groups: one group is working at the computer center on lessons, another group is with a teacher's aide getting assistance, while a third group is working directly with Brenda and receiving new or additional instruction.

Brenda went on to say that a big part of blended instruction includes several weeks of practicing rotations and perfecting classroom management before online learning beings. As a result, Brenda reports that her students are able to sign on and off and be ready to rotate in under a minute (B. Campbell).

Blended Learning and Skills Needed

13 Skills Present in 21st Century Classrooms

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Creativity and imagination
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Global and cultural awareness
• Information Literacy
• Leadership

Untitled Slide

• Civic literacy and citizenship
• Oral and written communication skills
• Social responsibility and ethics
• Technology literacy
• Initiative
• List compiled by:Andrew Potter, MA; Amanda Whitener, M.S.

Some skills previously listed are automatically enhanced through blended learning. These include technology literacy and student initiative. Others on the list need to be encouraged and cultivated by the teacher. Such as global and cultural awareness and creativity (Potter; Whitener).

A thought taken from the book titled, "Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age, Designing for 21st Century Learning" by Helen Beetham and Rhonda Sharpe says,

"There have been some wild statements from opinion-formers about technology, revolutionizing how students will learn in the 21st century, but the research-based fundamentals of what it takes to learn have not been challenged...pedagogy is still seen as guiding the learner to learn. The emphasis is still on pedagogy leading the use of technology, rather than adapting to what technology offers."

Upon Reflection:

Blended learning seems to be the best of traditional and innovative worlds. Students are able to work at a pace and academic level that is best for them. Teachers are able to monitor student progress and differentiate instruction (www.gemprep.org). Students get individual teacher attention right where they need it . However, our concern is how to keep students motivated and progressing.

Based on our own online learning experience the blended model would be preferable to strictly online learning. There have been times when face to face instruction would have been valuable.

In our opinion, if the model is done well, blended learning can benefit student education. Classroom management and a teacher who understands how to teach in this environment contribute to student success. Teachers can focus specifically on individual student needs. Educators will need to keep up with each student and have lessons ready to meet the needs of the individual.

Works Cited

• Andrew Potter, MA; Amanda Whitener, M.S. "Thirteen Essential 21st Century Skills for Today's Students", www.envisionexperience.com
• Beetham, Hellen; Sharpe, Rhonda, "Re-thinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age, Designing for 21st Century Learning", 2013, Routledge, New York

Works Cited - continued

• www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar13/vol70/num06/The-Basi...
• B. Campbell, Personal Communication, 10-29-16
• www.gemprep.org/nampa/blending-learning/