Provided courtesy of the First Sloan Consortium Invitational Workshop on Blended Learning and Higher Education, hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago, April 26-28, 2004.
The authors give insights into introducing blended (hybrid) learning on their campus. Flexibility is the key stressed in this article. A wide variety of approaches can be taken to achieve the desired educational outcomes.
An introduction to blending courses including definitions of terms, models, how-tos, debate.
The authors highlight the inquiry of the University of Calgary into increase their learning effectiveness in a cost-effective way. Blended learning is examined as one method of enhancing learning through a "multiplier effect" of combining the strengths of face-to-face and Internet based learning.
The authors examine a range of blended methods in both the educational and business realms. Useful charts diagram a matrix of approaches. Excellent tips and recommendations are included. A brief bibliography of additional reading is appended.
The author uses Badrul Kahn's Octagonal Framework chart to examine aspects of blended learning. A variety of blends are examined. Examples are drawn from various universities.
Although the paper takes a corporate approach, it is premised on the same valued principles as higher education: focusing on learning objectives and responsive to a variety of learning styles. A wide range blends and their relative strengths are described. A nice appendix of delivery technology mapping is included.
The author provides a good, brief overview of the movement toward blended learning. Examples at several institutions are given. The author makes a good case that it may not be the "blendedness" that makes a difference, rather it is the inherent re-evaluation of the content and delivery that makes the fundamental difference.
Blended learning - the thoughtful integration of classroom and online learning environments - is transforming higher education by providing more engaging and flexible teaching and learning environments. While numerous books and articles have been published about blended learning, none have captured the voice of the faculty who have actually designed and taught blended courses.
Reflections on Blended Learning: Rethinking the Classroom does just that. More than 50 instructors from RIT share views and perspectives from their own personal experiences teaching in a blended format. They reveal why they did it, how, what resulted from their efforts and what they'd change in the future.
Reflections on Blended Learning offers insight on designing and teaching blended courses in the following fields:
Reflections on Blended Learning: Rethinking the Classroom is available directly from http://www.lulu.com ($19.95) or free PDF download; 229 pages; ISBN 978-0-557-00497-3