Define what the blended learning experience will be, including what it will look like, what roles students will play, what roles teachers will play, and how devices and digital resources fit into the picture.
Ensure that teachers are properly trained and prepared to embrace blended learning. Teachers must be comfortable using technology devices and digital resources in a blended learning environment, or else learning will not be successful.
“Teachers tend to teach like they were taught, and this is a huge issue” if high school graduates are expected to enter college and the workforce as globally competitive citizens, Imbriale said. If teachers are comfortable using digital resources and taking risks, students will reap the benefits. Higher education institutions must work to train teachers in this regard, as well.
Using digital resources such as social media can keep students engaged, reinforce lessons and concepts, and can reach students through communication methods they use in their personal lives. Students want to leverage emerging tools and digital resources to create personalized learning networks. In an untethered learning environment, students embrace learning that transcends classroom walls.
Blended learning tools and digital resources must work on multiple platforms if the school or district is device-agnostic.
Strengthen technology infrastructure so that it is able to adequately support devices and family and/or community access to digital resources. “We must vigorously move toward ensuring that all students have access to the tools and resources to be career- and workforce-ready,” Imbriale said.
A balance between access and safety also is key. “As we go through a blended learning experience and create personal experiences for students, how do we feel comfortable with students having socially-based learning experiences, using tools that they’re comfortable with, and also continue to maintain security and comfort?” Imbriale asked.
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