Blended Learning, the 21st Century Style

In this 21^st century of technological learning and teaching, blended learning plays a large role in the ways in which we educate our students. The combination of learning through direct face-to-face instruction as well as independent more self-directed online learning is very important in this day.  Blended learning differs from E-Learning in regards to the face-to-face or brick and monitor instruction; E-Learning is still supervisor guided but in an all-online basis (i.e. this course). For a course to be considered blended learning, there would have to be one in class portion and one online or more self-directed portion.

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For example, in a primary classroom blended learning might be shown though the combination of a read-a-loud and online participation. Having students listen attentively during class, have a class discussion and than when students are given the opportunity either within class or at home have them feel out an online survey about the story. In primary grades I believe it’s more difficult to incorporate blended learning techniques, but this becomes more commonly used within older classrooms. In a junior grade level, students could be asked to take part in-group discussion in class (for example regarding a novel study) than be asked to comment on the questions posted on the teacher’s classroom blog in their own time. While in intermediate classrooms students could be asked to create individually or as a group their own blog revolving around a novel that have been discussing and analyzing in class. I think the self-directed aspected of bended learning enhances the teaching and learning aspect of 21st century education in a very unique and contrasting way compared to that of the past. 

Should blended learning be utilized in all grade levels? Or does the cognitive ability of younger students need to be focused on in-class learning specifically? 

Overall, I believe blended learning is important and should be used by more teachers more frequently. In regards to students with special needs, learning disabilities or ELL; blended learning gives them the tools that and resources that they would not necessarily be able to option in a classroom setting. There are many applications available for IPads and computers to support the needs to students with learning disabilities as well as translation software that could support the needs of an ELL student. With the combination of face-to-face in class support and the online resources available, blended learning will best support the needs of these individuals. 

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