by Janice Florent
Blended courses (also known as hybrid courses) are courses where a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online learning. For blended learning to work well it entails more than simply replacing class time with online course elements.
In a Faculty Focus article, Rob Kelly writes,
When the online and face-to-face components complement each other as integrated activities in each setting, there is a clear purpose and students understand the relevance of both modes.
In the article, Rob goes on to give the following recommendations for how to successfully integrate the online and face-to-face modes of a blended course:
- Start with the learning goals. Is there something that's going to support the learning outcome particularly well face-to-face or online or by using some combination of the two?
- Make careful modality decisions. Select the right mix of modalities (online vs face-to-face). Consider the affordances of each modality and the workload/logistics.
- Be deliberate in providing opportunities for interaction. Just because a communication tool or technique is available does not mean that you have to use it.
- Reinforce one modality in the other. Be explicit in making the connections between the two modalities by acknowledging and extending the interaction in each.
Creating a blended learning course may not be appropriate for all courses or all instructors. The biggest benefit to a well-designed blended course could be a much improved teaching and learning experience.
You can read more about blended learning strategies in "Blended Learning: Integrating Online and Face-to-Face Courses" and "Strategies for Teaching Blended Learning Courses, Maybe You (and Your Students) Can Have It All" articles.
Image credit: "blended learning graphic overview" by jodieinblack licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0