Considerations for implementing blended learning models
This article was written in co-operation with Stella Gonzalez Alfonso.
How can blended learning models use Virtual Agreements, Contracts or Charters to improve the experience for students?
Since the pandemic, each scholar year seems to be different from each others. For this reason, third-level institutions and schools are exploring new ways to implement a blended learning model. This model requires constant feedback from students and adaptation because the goal is to meet their needs and keep them engaged. Therefore, I will explain how blended learning models can satisfy students with top considerations. Finally, I will highlight the integration of the Virtual Learning Agreement (VLA) in a blended learning environment.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning focuses on combining online learning with traditional learning. It uses a similar amount of distance learning and conventional instructions allowing students to adapt to the learning process. Overall, students can work independently, collaborate in groups, and complement their learning experience with technology. Benefits include that in-person interaction encourages students to feel socially emotionally connected, collaborate, and develop team-building skills. In contrast, the digital component promotes a self-paced environment, personalized project experiences and offers students digital tools to be more creative.
Moreover, a US Department of Education survey shows how students in blended learning programs outperformed students in other learning models. This survey highlights how face-to-face classroom training and high-tech eLearning deliver content differently, so students remember better and feel more engaged and focused. The most important is that teachers need to prepare for this learning model by following a list of considerations. The infographic below illustrates blended learning strategies to differentiate online and face-to-face interaction.
Top considerations for improving your blended learning style:
Customize your course to the students’ needs
Make sure you understand the impact of your course by constantly asking for feedback. This can allow you to adapt the course to the students’ personalities.
Integrate synchronous and asynchronous methods in your curriculum
Offer participants the opportunity to have immediate feedback and master skills at their own pace. The most important is to have a strategic curriculum to meet communication, collaboration, and time management goals.
Increase your blending learning skills
Teachers need to regularly build new collaboration, critical thinking, and digital skills. Students under a blended learning format should not follow the traditional teaching style. Take this as an opportunity to polish your teaching style.
Use the students’ feedback to promote relevant activities
The students’ interest can help you select the most meaningful multimedia elements, worldwide case studies, and discussion topics for debates.
Be inclusive and realistic with digital learning education
Inclusivity must be fundamental to give access to everyone. Create an open space for students and explain to them all the new digital tools. Make them feel engaged by answering their questions.
Draw out your plan!
Last but not least, consider modeling or drawing out your Blended Learning plan or flow - using either a pen and paper or an online drawing tool. This will help you organize your thinking graphically.
Facilitate digital tools for collaborative learning
Ask students to prepare brainstorming sessions to build together background learning. Various apps can be used as project management tools to activate their critical thinking before class.
Photo by Darrel Und from Pexels
Importance of a Virtual Learning Agreement in a Blended Learning Environment
You have previously learned about the top considerations for a blended learning environment. However, if we think about our students’ motivation and engagement, a contract between both parties (students and a teacher) can facilitate various processes before a course starts. A VLA can establish “rules” on how to make better the learning experience by discussing beforehand expectations, norms, and how to manage change in the physical and virtual environment. For this reason, it is vital that students and the teacher openly discuss scenarios on how to deal with frustration, distraction, and disengagement. You never know if the student knows a new technological tool or team-building game to help with the learning experience.
Facing History and Ourselves recommend the following scenarios to enhance students’ connection, reflection, and discussion with synchronous and asynchronous tools.
For students’ sense of belonging use video and audio tools
● Synchronous: Zoom of Google Hangouts can help with community engagement.
● Asynchronous: Use check-ins via flashcards or 1:1 phone or text
For students’ reflective practice
● Synchronous: Encourage the use of Google Docs for journaling.
● Asynchronous: Ask students to share through emojis, images, or colors
For students’ discussion integrate audio, video, and text tools
● Synchronous: Motivate students to discuss in groups with Zoom breakout rooms.
● Asynchronous: Inspire students to use discussion forums or the “comment” feature on Google Docs. Also, consider apps to record audio/video comments
Reminder: The details of the agreement can be reinforced regularly, for example at the start of a live session, via repetition of the session norms.
Sources
https://edynamiclearning.com/5-effective-blended-learning-strategies/
https://elearningindustry.com/hybrid-and-blended-learning-in-higher-education
https://edynamiclearning.com/8-models-of-blended-learning/
https://tophat.com/blog/blended-learning/
https://www.learndash.com/blended-learning-key-considerations/