The term ‘blended learning’ is used frequently in education, with many definitions offered. In this interactive resource, we will explore blended learning through the definition proposed by Garrison and Vaughan (2008) who define this approach to teaching and learning as “the thoughtful fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences” (p. 5).
As many teachers are already maximising the potential offered by digital technologies to support and enhance their teaching, learning and assessment practices, blended learning is certainly not a new concept within the Irish education system.
As explored in the next section of this interactive resource, there are different models that can be used to embed blended learning. We will focus upon the Flipped Classroom model, Enriched Virtual model and the Station Rotation model in particular as, having carefully reviewed the literature in this area, we feel these three approaches have been the most relevant to our context in Ireland of late and facilitate learning to take place both within the classroom (either daily or less regularly if required) and at home.