The Many Faces of Blended Learning
Technology is transforming education, most notably in the way students have access to learning opportunities. No longer must students sit in a classroom, plodding along at the same pace as their peers, if they wish to learn—as online instruction has opened a new world of possibilities.
But despite the potential benefits that virtual learning offers, traditional, face-to-face learning has significant strengths of its own. That’s why a growing number of schools are discovering that blended learning—a combination of traditional and virtual education—opens up even further learning possibilities for students, combining the best elements of both face-to-face and online instruction.
Blended learning can take many different forms, and the possibilities are almost endless. With the generous support of K12 Inc., we’ve assembled this collection of stories from our archives to help guide you as you consider implementing blended learning in your own schools.
—The Editors
eSN Special Report: Blended learning on the rise
For many school reformers, blended learning is an exciting instructional model because it combines the best elements of both face-to-face and online instruction.…
The computer ate my teacher! Technology and the new face of today’s classroom
I recently worked with a sixth grade teacher in Arlington, Texas, who was piloting a virtual science club program with her in-class students. Ms. Mueller was delighted…
Survey reveals school leaders’ opinions on 21st-century skills
As school district leaders increasingly incorporate so-called 21st-century skills into their instructional strategies, many believe the federal government should support the development of new school assessment models that…
Gates Foundation launches $20 million program to expand technology use
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Oct. 11 announced the Next Generation Learning Challenges, a collaborative, multi-year initiative that aims to help dramatically improve college readiness and…
Former governors fight for digital learning
To help schools implement digital resources effectively, former Republican Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida and former Democratic Gov. Bob Wise of West Virginia have put their party differences…
Feds to create an Online Learning Registry
In a move to help rural schools keep pace with more developed districts, the U.S. Department of Education said it will create an Online Learning Registry that will…
NYC schools to deploy free eMail, collaboration tools
In what could be a huge sign of change in how students learn, New York City Public Schools has begun implementation of communication and collaboration software from ePals…
Wisconsin agency aims to transform education’s core
With support from all of its 45 superintendents, a Wisconsin regional service agency is determined to reinvent the very nature of public education so that all students are…
Free online curriculum expanding to middle grades
An online instructional resource for students in grades 8-12 that has been available to schools free of charge since December 2008 soon will include content for sixth and…
Education goals in National Broadband Plan revealed
Upgrading the federal e-Rate program to provide more connectivity to schools and libraries, removing the barriers to online learning so that more students can take advantage, and unlocking…
Interest in hybrid courses on the rise
A growing number of schools now offer what's known as “hybrid” courses, which mix an online experience with traditional classroom learning.…
ED: Blended learning helps boost achievement
A new analysis of existing online-learning research by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) reveals that students who took all or part of their class on line performed…