Blended Learning

Blended learning uses the tools of the provincial learning management system (LMS) to teach and support learning in a face-to-face class. Through blended learning, K-12 students can access high-quality course materials, course calendars, and assignments during and outside school hours.

Students can also take part in face-to-face lessons and communicate with their teacher and classmates using a suite of secure online tools inside the password-protected LMS. These tools help students learn or review key concepts, stay organized, show what they have learned, submit assignments, track their achievement, and communicate with others. This suite of online secure tools includes:

Blog	Calendar	Checklist	Content
Discussions	Dropbox	Email	ePortfolio
Grades	Journal	Locker	News
Pager	Progress	Quizzes	Survey

Blended learning can look different in different situations. For example, when blended learning occurs in a school computer lab, students may flexibly access and complete course content online and consult with their teachers on specific projects or topics. When blended learning occurs in classrooms where technology is limited, students may learn mostly through face-to-face lessons, but use computers or other devices to complete group assignments or submit completed work to their teachers.

Comparing Blended Learning to Other Forms of Learning

Unlike e-learning classes where students are physically separate from their teacher and classmates, blended learning occurs within a face-to-face class that happens at a specific place and time. Blended learning combines the support of classroom learning with the flexibility of e-learning.

The following chart shows some examples to clarify how different types of learning and teaching might occur.

	Strategies, tools and resources
Goal	Classroom Learning	Blended Learning	E-Learning
Communication between teacher and students	Full group lessons Small group lessons or tutorials Individual conferences Marked assignments and rubrics	Full group lessons Small group lessons or tutorials Individual conferences Marked assignments and rubrics Digital course materials Online discussions E-mail Instant messages News announcements Online calendar Dropboxes Online grade tool Rubrics	Digital course materials Online discussions E-mail Instant messages News announcements Online calendar Dropboxes Online grade tool Rubrics Web conferences
Collaboration among students	Learning centres or other room arrangements Class discussions Face-to-face group work	Learning centres or other room arrangements Class discussions Face-to-face group work Online group work Online discussions E-mail Instant messages Blogs Electronic portfolios	Online group work Online discussions Chat sessions E-mail Instant messages Blogs Electronic portfolios Web conferences
Demonstration of learning	Paper-and-pencil tests and assignments submitted in person Live presentations, labs, performances, or exhibits of skill Models, works of art, posters, and other physical artefacts submitted in person	Paper-and-pencil tests and assignments submitted in person Live presentations, labs, performances, or exhibits of skill Models, works of art, posters, and other physical artefacts submitted in person Blogs Electronic portfolios Online discussions Online surveys and quizzes Assignments, such as essays, worksheets, slide shows, photographs, and videos submitted to electronic dropboxes	Blogs Electronic portfolios Online discussions Online surveys and quizzes Assignments, such as essays, worksheets, slide shows, photographs, and videos submitted to electronic dropboxes Web conferences

sources:

1. https://www.middleburyinteractive.com/curriculum-courses/blended-learning
2. http://olecommunity.com/blended-learning-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-trending-in-k-12-education/
3. http://moodle.unitec.ac.nz/mod/page/view.php?id=214273
4. http://elearninginfographics.com/6-blended-learning-techniques-infographic/ 
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L75oPzauAlw
6. http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning-definitions-and-models/
7. http://kevincorbett.com/2013/07/4-blended-learning-models/