What Is Blended Learning?

Blended Learning

Blended learning is an umbrella term to describe a variety of ways that one can blend a program. It generally follows one of four main models; however, one can combine these models to meet the needs of a classroom or a student. The definition of Blended Learning is as follows:

Any formal education program in which a student learns, at least in part, through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace. The students must learn, at least partially, within a brick-and-mortar school away from home (Horn, Staker, and Christensen, 2014, p. 34).

It is important to note that to be considered blended learning, the student must have some control over the aspects of their learning. Blended Learning also requires that students learn at least partly within a school building location away from their homes. Online learning opportunities and face-to-face modalities must work in together to provide an interesting and connected learning experience. Combining both online and face-to-face learning opportunities allows teachers the flexibility to personalize their students' learning programs, in order to meet individual needs (Yang et al.,2021). This also makes it possible to meet the custodial needs of parents who require care for their children during working hours (Horn & Staker, 2014). Blended Learning enables students to have increased independence and control over their learning, providing scaffolding of their learning and encouraging the development of critical thinking (Garrison & Kanuka, 2004).

Most blended learning opportunities fit somewhere in the four main models of Station Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual Models. Some classrooms blend parts of these models or may use multiple models to create a custom program.