Is Blended Learning right for me?

Blended Learning is a great opportunity to challenge yourself and to experience a non-traditional way of learning, but it isn't for every student. Here are some guidelines to help you decide if you want to register for a blended learning course.

Self motivated- Students have to be self-motivated. Material will be delivered both online and within the classroom setting. Students will have to understand pacing and must adhere to class deadlines to be successful. If a student is not self-motivated, it may be challenging to complete coursework by the required due date.

Resilient- Students must be willing to push themselves within this program. Since the entire group of students may not meet on a certain day, it will be up to the individual to complete the work on his/her own. Students will be encouraged to communicate with the teacher via email, chat, or arrange a time during the period that they normally meet to receive the help that they require. At times, students may have to research the problem on their own in order to find the solution. Of course, the teacher will help in every situation, but students will be encouraged to “problem solve” similar to real world career experiences.

Good time management skills- Students must know how to balance their time. This is not only a needed high school skill, but it is also a college, career ready, and life skill. Students will have to work at their own pace to complete work in a timely manner according to the deadlines given in class.

Access to the Internet- Student will need to complete online activities/learning and will need to use the internet to do so. If the student does not have internet or computer access at home, they should be able to plan their time accordingly to stay at school and complete their online learning or go to the public library to access a computer/internet.

Want the option to move at your own pace- Students have the freedom to move ahead or spend more time on important units, chapters, lessons ultimately preparing them for the final assessment. The beauty of the blended model allows for students to take the time needed to fully engage in the material. Students will have the option to schedule times during the blended period to receive additional help and prepare themselves for major assessments.

Good communicator- Students in this program must be able to communicate with other students and the teacher. If a student is not comfortable emailing a teacher seeking assistance, chatting in an open discussion with peers or the instructor, or advocating for themselves when they need help, then this may be a difficult program for the student. Students must have the communication skills needed to ask good questions and pose quality discussion ideas. This again is not only a needed college and career skill, but it is also an important life skill.

Understands the value of teamwork- Students in this program must see the value in teamwork. Because the course may not meet everyday it will be vitally important to collaborate with peers for group work or discussions. The career field demands that people have the ability to communicate with peers and co-workers, and teamwork is a life skill that is needed to be successful. Students in this program have to understand how to work independently in a timely manner but must also know how to bring ideas together in a collaborative environment. Students must understand that at times groups and people may not always agree on an idea, but it is how we work through differences for a common goal that makes a quality team of individuals.

Be a Critical Thinker- The learning process requires that the student be actively engaged by making decisions based upon facts and experiences. You will need to make decisions about what you post and how you say it. You have time to think about meaningful and quality responses instead of just posting "I agree". Remember that respectful testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged; you will not always be right and you should be prepared to respectfully challenge others as well as respectfully accept a challenge. This is a skill that takes time to develop. You should feel comfortable reaching out to your “blended” instructor if you need more help in this area.

Stay Current With Your Canvas Account & Gmail- Since you will not be in class every day, you will need to understand the importance of using Canvas and your email. Students will be responsible for posting discussions, checking email regularly, submitting assignments digitally, and how to access when important information is due. Since your teacher will be using your Canvas as the Learning Management System and the housing place for all content, it is important that you regularly log onto your Canvas account to check your work. You can also set alerts directly to your phone or email to let you know when your teacher sends out an announcement, someone posts to a discussion, or when an assignment is due. If you are having trouble with this, please see your “blended” teacher or a high school Instructional Technologist.