Blended learning has become one of the most used pedagogical
concepts for improving instruction both in the classroom and at home. In
today’s society we are exposed to technology at every turn and so are the
children we teach. We are not escaping the digital age because we are living
and working in it every day. Thus, exposing children to digital learning is not
trendy, it’s preparing them to be college and career ready.
Blended learning is defined as combining face-to-face instruction
with computer-facilitated instruction supporting personalized learning. WestEd, a nonprofit research, development, and service agency aimed to improve
education for students, conducted a study on behalf of the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation to examine how technologies in a blended learning environment could
offer enhanced opportunities for both teachers and students.
In their report titled, “Blended
Learning and Data Use in Three Technology-Infused Charter Schools,” the authors
examined whether the blended learning
environments provided greater access to and more diverse data sources for
teachers and students from which to make educational decisions. The authors
looked at how strongly leadership supported the use of technology, students’
engagement in the learning process, and the flow of data for which decisions
were made. It is noted that the opportunities in the teaching and learning
process that were made available in this study were opportunities that most
likely would not have been possible in a traditional setting.
Three small charter schools in Arizona participated
in the study. Middle and high school students were exposed to multiple forms of
technology that supported in-person and distant educational experiences.Teachers and administrators were well trained in the use of the technologies
and how they could be used to enhance instructional and administrative decision
making.
Key findings include:
- Blended learning environments provide data to teachers and students that may not be readily available in more traditional classes;
- Blended learning environments provide for anytime and anywhere virtual learning opportunities;
- Teachers were able to address the needs of particular students through various media and diverse learning experiences;
- Students were engaged through flexible and customizable learning activities; and
- The schools exhibited strong leadership, an explicit vision for the use of technology and data, the engagement of students in the teaching and learning process, the enculturation of data use through data teams and data coaches, and the provision of professional learning opportunities.
