tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553376401348422420.post353350910178369273..comments2024-03-25T04:16:14.693-04:00Comments on Promoting Student Engagement: Blended Learning Varies in EffectivenessEric Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795112832539231253noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553376401348422420.post-75179543719257003062011-04-24T00:00:10.916-04:002011-04-24T00:00:10.916-04:00I enjoyed reading your post. I agree that it will ...I enjoyed reading your post. I agree that it will take some time, to create a blended model that is educationally sound. One that provides the balance necessary for a successful, student driven, teacher enriched experience. Allowing for further enrichment or mediation through a project based environment is one blended model I would like to explore. Not quite sure exactly how that would look at this time, but I believe blended learning in general will change the brick and mortar setting and force educators to look at the bell to bell schedule like we never have before.Jon_Castelhanohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07242404495505236331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-553376401348422420.post-13098322830975226632011-04-05T23:18:44.277-04:002011-04-05T23:18:44.277-04:00This blog post makes some excellent points about b...This blog post makes some excellent points about blended learning: what works and what may not. I think it is a mistake to pigeonhole blended learning as primarily a credit recovery solution (as it is viewed by many in California) or that it is a guarantee money saver for districts. <br /><br />The blended learning models that will be most effective will absolutely value the teacher as a critical component to learning. Unfortunately, any teachers already fear the term "blended learning" as they assume it means a loss of control over the delivery/creation of curriculum and less face time with students. <br /><br />It is a mistake to assume that the term "blended learning" refers to any one model as it is being defined in a variety ways by a variety of people. For some it is the blend of a virtual on campus lab with teacher time, but for others it is the blend of online classes and traditional classes. <br /><br />I want teachers to "claim" this term and make it their own. At its root "blended learning" refers to any combination of traditional classes with an online element. For me, I have spent two years using my Collaborize Classroom discussion platform to design questions for discussion, student driven projects, creative writing opportunities, etc. that I did not have the TIME for prior to adopting and implementing an online learning platform. <br /><br />For me the discussions were the key and teachers need the necessary support to successfully integrate this model. In a time of budget cuts, I hope that people higher up will have the foresight to realize that a blended learning model will only be as successful if teachers are provided the professional development (preferably peer led by experts in education). If teachers are not supported and given opportunities to learn, then I worry it will not have long-term success.<br /><br />Catlin Tucker@Catlin_Tuckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11080291510603490154noreply@blogger.com