Blended Learning FAQ

Q: What is Blended Learning?

Many definitions of blended learning can be found online; however, our Garnet Valley Blended Committee define blended learning as the following:

“Blended learning combines the best of traditional instruction with online and digital media to increase student engagement, maximize teachers’ time with students, and deliver personalized learning. Blended learning empowers students to take ownership of their education by providing some control over time, place, path, or pace while affording our teachers more opportunities to meet with students for more individualized instruction.”

Q: Why is Garnet Valley interested in Blended Learning?

The goal of the Garnet Valley School District is to offer all students multiple opportunities to reach their academic goals through quality programs and instruction. The district is committed to providing our staff and student with choice in their learning by providing innovative and progressive programs to meet their individual needs.

Q: Are there other districts who utilize blended learning?

Yes, in Pennsylvania alone, there are 100+ districts who utilize some form of blended learning.

Q: What does the research show concerning the impact of student outcomes?

Research shows when properly organized, students tend to perform better in blended courses than in traditional face-to-face courses. Teachers who utilize a blended learning instruction model report student are more motivated and saw an increase in student engagement vs. a traditional face-to-face format.

Q: What is the criteria for a course to be considered to run as a blended course?

To be considered for the blended course, the following criteria must have been met:

• Course needs to have multiple sections to provide choice for students
• Course needs to be in Schoology or be ready to be put into Schoology
• Course needs to have a teacher willing to teach both in the blended format and F2F format
• Teacher must participate in blended professional learning

Q: How are the teachers of the blended course chosen?

All teachers volunteer to teach in a blended format.

Q: What types of assignments and assessments will be used in the blended course?

The curriculum in the blended format is the same as in our traditional face-to-face course; however, blended learning will provide students with some control over the time, place, path, or pace of learning.

Q: When will the online component (non face-to-face) of the course begin?

All blended courses will begin as traditional face-to-face courses, but once the teacher determines the class is ready to utilize the online component of the course, he/she will notify the class and parents.

Q: Will the online component of the course be conducted synchronously or asynchronously?

Online components will run asynchronously, meaning students will complete work on their own or in small groups with due dates determined by the teacher.

Q: How often will students participate in the online component of the course?

All blended teachers will have discretion when it comes to utilizing the online component of the course, but most courses will run equally as face-to-face and online after the first two weeks.

Q: Where will the teacher be during the online component of the course?

All teachers will be in their room during the online component of the course. Teachers may schedule individual or groups of students during that time to meet. Additionally, all students have the ability to use the classroom or meet with their teacher during the online component of the course.

Q: Where will students go during the online portion of class?

Students who drive to school may choose to arrive later or leave earlier when their schedule allows. Students who do not drive or who choose to take the bus into school may work in the library, their classroom or another teacher approved area during the online component of the course.

Q: How will attendance be taken during the online component of the course?

Even though students are not always physically present during the online component of the course, attendance will still be taken each day. Attendance during the asynchronous classes is determined by participation and evidence of student work. Teachers may choose to use an electronic sign in sheet as well but it is not required.

Q: How will teachers grade students for the online component of the course?

Students will be graded in the blended format in the same manner (student performance) as a traditional face-to-face course.

Q: If a student is having trouble during the online component of the course, how will he/she be supported?

Blended learning actually allows teachers and students more flexibility and time for remediation. Teachers can schedule remediation time for students during any online component of the course and likewise, students can choose to meet with their teacher during any scheduled class.