1a+What+is+Blended+Instruction?

=What is Blended Instruction?= =A Definition and Rationale:=


 * Blended instruction, a combination of online instruction and traditional classroom instruction**

The Blended Instruction combines the best of both styles of instruction. Students are able to make a meaningful connection with their instructors, as well as with other students, and yet they are no longer required to have daily face to face contact with their teachers. The majority of the course work is both completed by the student collaboratively online and assessed by the instructor online as well.

While there are some detractors who are against the "hybridization" of learning, there are, in fact, several advantages of blended instruction, the least of which is how it
 * reduces traffic in the school (eg. students can stay in a classroom longer than a class hour or for go the traditional classroom all together)
 * uses common spaces and school technology more efficiently
 * frees up valuable classroom space
 * improves writing and essential 21st century computer skills for all students.
 * encourages self-directed learning, time management, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills **.**

**Learning More, More Effectively**
Many experienced Blended Learning instructors are reporting good success with Blended courses, and here's why:
 * Students are required to do more work on their own--and this kind of "active learning" results in better test performance and what is known as subject mastery (or subject knowledge).
 * In addition, students in hybrid classrooms are more likely to participate in group discussions and collaborate online with other students. In an online discussion there is ample opportunity to prepare a response. In my experience, hybrid class students tend to be more outgoing and responsive because they are "speaking" online (semi anonymity) versus in a classroom setting.
 * The face to face component of Blended Learning is a huge ingredient in the success of the online discussion and online component.

**The Blended Advantage**
In addition to the obvious academic advantages, blended courses are also making it easier for more students to get a quality education.

A blended classroom alternative requires less in-class attendance, which means that
 * students can have access to more school offerings
 * students will have more one on one access to teachers
 * students will have access to courses with limited space
 * students can complete work from anywhere and at anytime.

=Goals:= =Methodology:= =Assessment:=
 * Increase Academic Achievement
 * Increase Application and Retention of Information
 * Increase relevance and Eliminate Redundancies
 * Building Skills
 * Critical thinking
 * Communication: Articulation
 * Collaboration
 * Increase motivation and engagement in learning
 * Complex Interdisciplinary projects (lots of online practice time and collaborative opportunities, etc)
 * Student centered learning (with teachers serving as Instructors and course creators)
 * Academic pathways:
 * innovative tracking (students can take courses more suited to their learning level)
 * flexibility to pursue interest (online options can be set up with multiple ways to complete the same objective)
 * differentiated instructional programs
 * Facilitator led Practicum (community service programs, practicums, authentic assessment etc...where possible)
 * Blended Courses
 * Teacher led Face to face
 * Instructor supervised online
 * Instructor supervised field work
 * physical Demonstration of learning and performance
 * Multiple assessment opportunities that meet the same objectives
 * learning thru experience: Authentic Assessment
 * competition