blended learning
Blended learning within early childhood education is an interesting concept; how can a student who lacks the ability to read and write be part of a virtual community?
While many of the children at the primary level lack the ability to read, incorporating technology enhanced learning is still a reality. Teachers can enhance an existing curriculum, improve communication with the school community and devise forums which reinforce & enrich the early childhood education. Even though adaptations must occur in order for e-learning to be successful with young children, primary students "should not be excluded from the virtual learning world simply because of their age and developmental levels" (Scott; 2003).
When the topic of blended learning arises people often think of students meeting within a classroom setting and then continue the learning experience online in the comfort of their home. However within primary classrooms, blended learning can be more comparable to technology integration; serving the class environment as a teaching aide. Since many primary classrooms now have a technology center which can include anywhere from one to half a dozen computers e-learning is becoming a reality. While this is not the true definition of blended learning, this type of face-to-face instruction followed by independent activities based on individual student needs is the building blocks for higher level blended learning
What is Blended?
A blended learning approach combines face to face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities to form an integrated instructional approach. In the past, digital materials have served in a supplementary role, helping to support face to face instruction.
For example, a blended approach to a traditional, face to face course might mean that the class meets once per week instead of the usual three-session format. Learning activities that otherwise would have taken place during classroom time can be moved online.
As of now, there is no consensus on a single agree-upon definition for blended learning. The Resources page contains cites to several articles that provide definitions. In addition, the terms "blended," "hybrid," and "mixed-mode" are used interchangeably in current research literature. For the purposes of the Blended Learning Initiative at Penn State, the term "blended" is preferred.
What is Blended Learning?
1. Blended learning combines online with face-to-face learning. The goal of blended learning is to provide the most efficient and effective instruction experience by combining delivery modalities.
2. "The term blended learning is used to describe a solution that combines several different delivery methods, such as collaboration software, Web-based courses, EPSS, and knowledge management practices. Blended learning also is used to describe learning that mixes various event-based activities, including face-to-face classrooms, live e-learning, and self-paced instruction." By Purnima Valiathan
1. Blended learning combines online with face-to-face learning. The goal of blended learning is to provide the most efficient and effective instruction experience by combining delivery modalities.
2. "The term blended learning is used to describe a solution that combines several different delivery methods, such as collaboration software, Web-based courses, EPSS, and knowledge management practices. Blended learning also is used to describe learning that mixes various event-based activities, including face-to-face classrooms, live e-learning, and self-paced instruction." By Purnima Valiathan
1. "Students not only learned more when online sessions were added to traditional courses, but student interaction and satisfaction improved as well." DeLacey and Leonard, Harvard Business School, 2002
2. "Providing several linked options for learners, in addition to classroom training, increased what they learned." Peter Dean (this is quoted everywhere but I haven't found the study although, experientially this is the case.)
3. Speedier performance was detected on real world tasks by those who learned through blended strategies as opposed to those that learned via e-learning along. Thomson & NETg, 2003.
4. "Adults don't just "learn" in one way. Likewise, associations should not make the mistake of providing just one way for adult learners to receive their educational content." by Judith Smith
AISHA ALAHMARY
