The learning environment has evolved tremendously over the years, with new models spawning every day. Blended learning, for instance, seeks to capitalize on the best of both traditional and online learning techniques. It involves a harmonious blend of face-to-face instruction and active engagement with digital resources.
This article will take you on a journey to discover the six models of blended learning. We will delve into the concept of blended learning, its benefits, the six models, and suitable examples.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning advocates for a flexible and personalized learning experience that merges traditional and online learning techniques. It’s also an innovation that offers students the opportunity to acquire knowledge through online lectures, collaborative activities, and digital assessments.
One of the core benefits of blended learning is the ability to support personalized learning experiences. Students can learn at their own pace, track their progress, and access feedback. Blended learning bridges the gap between traditional and online learning, and it brings together the best of both worlds.
The Six Models of Blended Learning
1. Face-to-Face Driver Model
This is a model that prioritizes face-to-face sessions with instructors. Instructors guide students through their learning journey before complementing the experience with digital resources. Students access, practice, and reinforce their knowledge through digital resources before returning to the instructor.
Example: A trainer teaches a group of individuals how to utilize new software. The first part of the training is face-to-face, where the trainer walks the students through the software. The second part is online, where the students access the software and practice using it.
2. Rotation Model
The rotation model involves transitioning between online and offline learning techniques throughout the school day. This model accommodates individual learning needs, and each student can access digital resources and face-to-face instruction.
Example: A school uses a computer lab to teach math. Students spend one hour in the classroom, a second hour in the computer lab, and another hour with an instructor.
3. Station Rotation Model
The station rotation model is similar to the rotation model, but it’s more structured. Students are divided into groups, with each group alternating between face-to-face instruction and digital assessments.
Example: A language arts class is made up of four groups. Each group spends 20 minutes receiving face-to-face instruction, 20 minutes on a group learning activity, and 20 minutes working independently on a digital lesson.
4. Lab Rotation Model
This model requires students to rotate between online and offline learning in a dedicated computer lab. This approach maximizes the use of digital materials and is suitable for subjects that require computer-based learning.
Example: Science students use an online discovery tool to learn about ecosystems. They spend half their class time learning in the lab and the other half discussing and applying the concepts of ecosystems in the classroom with their teacher.
5. Flex Model
This model gives students the freedom to select their learning path and pace. They can access digital resources, including videos and textbooks, to acquire knowledge at their own pace. Face-to-face instruction is usually reserved for complex topics that require clarification.
Example: A college student enrolled in an online course can choose to complete lessons at their own pace but still attend face-to-face sessions to discuss challenging concepts.
6. Online Lab Model
The online lab model is popular in higher education institutions, and it’s a variation of the flex model. Students complete lessons online and attend face-to-face sessions with instructors for support and assessments.
Example: A college student completes physics lectures online, but they attend face-to-face tutorials with their instructor to discuss the topics covered in the lessons.
Conclusion
Blended learning is a unique way of acquiring knowledge that satisfies the learning needs of different individuals. It’s a model that offers the best of both traditional and online learning techniques, and it allows students to access digital resources and personalized face-to-face instruction.
The six models of blended learning offer different approaches to learning, and instructors can choose the most suitable models to accommodate their students’ learning needs. These models have unique characteristics that can make blended learning more relevant, engaging, and effective.
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