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Exploring Blended Learning Strategies

Shoes with arrows in front of them indicate transition

In higher education, the need for blended learning strategies will continue to grow. This resource guide will help you facilitate a fast change to engaging students in the face-to-face, online, or hybrid classroom using blended learning methodologies. From incorporating tools and resources that promote blended learning methods, you’ll gain specific insight from articles and seminars to guide your blended learning journey. Additionally, for instructors interested in exploring blended learning, such as deciding which course elements to teach face-to-face and which to address through online technology, these resources will address those questions and more – you’ll learn a framework for making those essential educational judgment calls. You’ll be confident that your selection of which materials to present online and which to present in the classroom will provide the best learning experience for your students in your blended course.

Browse the following topics for resources, programs, seminars, and articles to help guide you in your active learning adventure:

Blended Learning Models
Blended Learning Strategies
Hybrid and Blended Learning


Blended Learning Models

Blended learning, which combines face-to-face and online learning activities into a single course, has experienced tremendous growth. A blended learning course (also referred to as hybrid and HyFlex courses) can satisfy students’ need for flexibility, as well as alleviate overcrowded classrooms. However, the biggest benefit to a well-designed blended course is a much improved teaching and learning experience.

Blended learning programs, models, and ideas have helped instructors navigate how to bring effective teaching strategies to both in-person and online students simultaneously. Many, if not most, college students work part- or full-time jobs while going to school. They often find it difficult to be at a specific place at a specific time a number of times a week to attend their courses, and as a result often miss classes. Online instruction is an alternative that offers anytime and anywhere learning, but most students still prefer the face-to-face learning environment.

Enter the HyFlex approach to blended learning. HyFlex blended learning comes from two key terms: 1) Hybrid – a combination of online and face-to-face instruction; and 2) Flexible –something that is modifiable, moldable, changeable. In short, the HyFlex approach gives the power to students to decide the blend of instruction. Better yet, HyFlex blended learning gives power to each unique student to determine their personalized blend.

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Blended Learning Strategies

A blended learning approach and strategy requires a shift in thinking in what it means to teach and what it means to learn. Done properly it provides a robust, pedagogically sound learning environment. Done poorly, without adequate forethought and planning, and you have a train wreck in the making.

When you undertake a blended learning course, you can’t just think about what assignments and activities you are going to move online. You have to reconceptualize the entire course. This means starting with your learning goals. The place to begin is by asking yourself: What do I want students to learn? If you don’t start with a clear idea of your learning objectives and your strategy, you’re not going to end up where you want to go.

Many discussions about blended learning focus on the blending rather than the learning. “Blended” is an adjective and “learning” is a noun; why has our focus been directed at the adjective? Do we assume that learning is automatically assumed? We believe that blended learning has become widely established enough that attention can now be paid to the learning portion of the name.

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Hybrid and Blended Learning

As we begin to think about hybrid courses in new and more accepting ways, there are numerous hybrid learning plans and models that exist to help guide you. From a handout to offer to students for their hybrid course to a game day approach to hybrid course design and finally, how to use Air Sketch in Hybrid courses, there are numerous blended hybrid learning models to learn from. If you’ve felt unsure about how to transition your course to a hybrid learning opportunity, these articles will help give you the confidence and self-efficacy your course and teaching may need.

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