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
Anya is an education correspondent for NPR and the author of several books. She’s contributed to The Village Voice, The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Slate, and O, the Oprah Magazine.
Bart Everson is a media artist and creative generalist at Xavier University's Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development. His recent work draws on integrative learning, activism, critical perspectives on technology, and Earth-based spiritual paths.
