Blended Learning

Hybrid learning is an educational approach where some individuals participate in person, and some participate online. Instructors and facilitators teach remote and in-person learners at the same time using technology like video conferencing.

Blended learning, is when instructors and facilitators combine in-person instruction with online learning activities. Learners complete some components online and do others in person.

Both types of learning involve a mix of in-person and online learning, but the who differs in the two scenarios. With hybrid learning, the in-person learners and the online learners are different individuals. With blended learning, the same individuals learn both in person and online.

Blended learning models

There are various blended learning models that teachers (and schools) can implement. Each model has specific ways to target teaching and learning. Each also incorporates the blended learning arc and allows for students to have some agency over time (when), space (where they learn), pace (speed and rate of learning), and path (way in which they learn).

Rotation model

Students rotate on a fixed or teacher-led schedule to encounter learning experiences, with at least one being online.

There are four different ways to implement rotations:

• Station rotation – All students cycle through each rotation.

• Lab rotation – Students rotate to a computer lab for online learning.

• Flipped classroom – Primary content delivery is online, followed by teacher-guided work and practice in person.

• Individual rotation – Students have an individualized playlist they rotate or work through with at least one component online.

Flex model

Primary instruction is online delivery with in-person enrichment through small group instruction, group projects, and individual tutoring as needed.

A la carte model

Courses and instruction entirely online (completed on-campus or off-site) that also accompany other experiences offered within a learning centre or school.

Enriched virtual model

Students are required to have in-person learning sessions with their teacher and then complete their remaining coursework remotely with the same teacher assessing work.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There has been considerable research into the effectiveness of hybrid learning. Consider the paper by  Kintu, Zhu & Kagambe (2017), which found that the design features (technology quality and online tools and resources), and learner characteristics (attitudes to blended learning, self-regulation) were the most significant predictors of learner satisfaction in blended learning. 

In developing your own Hybrid Learning activity, have you considered how it could be used in different ways - during in-person classes, asynchronously and synchronously online, by students online and in-person during the same class?