Term Sheet: What Does ‘Blended Learning’ Mean?

Welcome to Term Sheet, the blog series that answers your questions on specialized terms and phrases from the world of audio-visual IT (AVIT).

This month we’ll look at the term “blended learning”, where it began and how it differs from simply putting technology in the classroom. We share the details from a blended learning educational program that has shown “statistically significant positive effects” on student achievement, according to research at the Department of Education.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning refers to a balance of classroom instruction with solitary online coursework. The term was used loosely in the 1990s, but became more clearly defined after the publication of The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs in 2004, edited by Curtis Bonk and Charles R. Graham. The book provided examples and results from teachers actively applying blended learning models across a wide range of countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa and the UK.

How is blended learning different from a technology-rich classroom?

There is more to blended learning than just buying Chromebooks for students or giving them online homework. A true blended learning module involves giving students more control in the shape and direction of the lesson. While one of the biggest benefits of a classroom environment is that the teacher can guide the discussion of a topic, blended learning gives students more resources to bring into that discussion through independent study. The two sides of this equation should not overlap, but each should open up original lines of thought and enable as many different learning styles as possible. Visual, auditory, tactile, and conceptual learners can all find their own way into the subject through a variety of blended learning models.

Can you give me an example blended learning?

One of the most popular blended learning models in use today involves three steps. First, the teacher introduces a topic in the classroom with an interactive exercise, often using audio-visual equipment. Next, students break up into groups to research different sub-topics and research their sub-topics online. Finally, each group makes a presentation to the class as the basis of a wider discussion. Technology is integral for each step, but the point is that classroom and online lessons provide more varied and richer learning experiences.

How does blended learning improve on the traditional classroom?

Researchers at SRI Education performed a meta-analysis of studies on blended learning and found a meaningful pattern. The approaches that had the most positive effects shared three characteristics:

• Reduced scripting that made the classroom experience more flexible
• Prompted students to follow through on their own areas of interest
• Didn’t solve problems for students but engaged their desire for problem-solving

To find out more about how educators are making blended learning work in the real world, read our case studies on OneScreen’s technology for education programs around the world.