Chapter 1: Essential Elements of Blended Learning

Learning Outcome

• Cite the benefits of blended learning - highlighting the unique affordances of working with an instructor in a classroom vs working with a computer and an online course  and the essential elements of blended learning which include an instructor and a computer, and synchronous vs asynchronous modalities. 

Overview

• In this chapter you will be introduced to the definition and benefits of blended learning. You will gain understanding about the advantages and disadvantages of the online versus in-person space and the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning and the related tools. This will set you up to be able to make decisions about where to place the content and learning activities of your course: in the face-to-face classroom or on the computer.  You will see how, because of the presence of an instructor, the  virtual classroom is in many ways more similar to a physical classroom than it is to an asynchronous course and how greater student engagement should always be encouraged, whether in an online or face-to-face environment. 

Read

1. Key Terms for Blended Learning (DOCX, 601KB) 

2. Sorting your learning activities by type of delivery (DOCX, 19KB)

3. Elements of Blended Learning - The Ed Tech Workshop

4. Case Study - Transitioning to Blended Learning for Large University Courses - Optional

Resources

Practical Resources

1. BlendKit Reader: Chapter 1 Understanding Blended Learning - University of Central Florida

2. Virtual Learning Design and Delivery: Chapter 5 Blended Learning Design - Lumen Learning

3. Hybrid Learning and Space Reimagination: Optimizing Access and Equity to Promote Student Success - Educause

4. Blended Learning Report - Educause

5. What is a Flipped Class? - University of Texas, Austin

6. How to Flip a Class - University of Texas, Austin

7. Flip Quick Start Guide - University of Texas, Austin

Research Articles

1. Dziuban, C. D., Picciano, A. G., Graham, C. R., & Moskal, P. D. (2016). Conducting research in online and blended learning environments: New pedagogical frontiers. Routledge.

2. Madden, A. G., Margulieux, L., Kadel, R. S., & Goel, A. K. (2019). Blended learning in practice: A guide for practitioners and researchers. The MIT Press.

3. Picciano, A. G. (2013). Introduction to Blended Learning: Research Perspectives, Volume 2. Routledge 

4. Sadiq, M. Gurbutt, R, Danielsson, A, & Williamson, B (Eds.) (2023) New directions in blended learning: case studies and interventions. Libri Publishing. 

5. Stein, J. G. C. R. (2020). Essentials for blended learning: A standards-based guide, 2nd edition. Routledge. http://public.eblib.com/choice/PublicFullRecord.aspx?p=6182043