The idea behind blended learning is basically to create an environment that samples two or more methods of learning. A educational theory salad bar where an educator takes the parts he or she likes and uses it in their teaching. Ideally this can be applied by combining the methods and theories on an online and F2F course. There is no exact method on how to do it, blended learning is not a set in stone with a perscribed method. Learning theories should not be chiseled like the ten commandments or be an all or nothing approach to one philosophy.
“You don’t have to pick Catholic or Baptist or Muslim, and shun the others. The goal is to have the right theory for the right situation” (cited in Zemke 2002).
Blended learning however does have certain aspects that should be present in one way or another. Five key ingredients are usually part of the blended learning process.
1. Live events – In which direct simultanious instruction goes on between teacher and students
2. Self Paced Learning – Learning that students complete individually at their own pace
3. Collaboration – Where students communicate with each other
4. Assessment – the measurement of the learners knowledge
5. Performance Support materials, such as materials, downloads and documents (Carmen)
It is apparent that a great deal more research on this subject has to happen if I am to anyway have a hybrid or blended learning style course. With this hopefully I could better define on which theory is best for what I want to do
Zemke, R. (2002, September). Who Needs Learning Theory Anyway?
Training Magazine, 39(9), 86-88.
Carmen, J (October 2002). Blended Learning Design: 5 Main Ingredients. Knowledgenet
http://www.knowledgenet.com/pdf/Blended%20Learning%20Design_1028.PDF
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July 3rd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
hey jarrod… this is pretty good.
To improve it:
work on your post title. It needs to be a sentence, not just key words…and self-evaluate your post…see the rubric.
Make your links hot links so that we can click on your post to the resources.
Also, I would be interested in some of your thoughts and reactions to what you posted. What you have there now is a great set up, now i want to know what you think and feel about it, or how you will apply.
Also, you can post as often as you like, but 2 posts per module (one per week) are required toward the end of each week (so you have something to reflect on : ) And be sure to address the blogging assignment guiding questions for each module.
: ) me (alex)
July 7th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Hi Jarrod (4),
When I think about the notion behind “blended learning” I think about a traditional classroom and the teacher’s individual teaching style. I think of a teacher who implements in a hands on minds on manner, someone who executes a variety of unconventional teaching methods that engage their diverse learners. My uncanny awareness of this concept confused me as I read over this post in your blog.
As you mentioned the notion behind “blended learning is basically to create an environment that samples two or more methods of learning”. It is not actually how the teacher implements their lessons, but rather the tools they use and environment the teach within. I read the article Blended Learning Models by Purnima Valiathan (http://www.learningcircuits.org/2002/aug2002/valiathan.html) and this author compiled the five key ingredients of a blended learning environment into three ingredients:
Blended learning into three models:
• skill-driven learning, which combines self-paced learning with instructor or facilitator support to develop specific knowledge and skills
• attitude-driven learning, which mixes various events and delivery media to develop specific behaviors
• competency-driven learning, which blends performance support tools with knowledge management resources and mentoring to develop workplace competencies.
I find your five ingredients to be more explicit, however the way Purnima Valiathan broke the three models down in her article, may be informative to you while you are creating your blended online course.
~Amy (3)
Valiathan, Purnima. Blended Learning Models. ASTD’s Source for E-Learning. August 2002. http://www.learningcircuits.org/2002/aug2002/valiathan.html Retrieved July 7th, 2008.