Blended learning in educational research denotes to a collaboration of diverse learning approaches. It associates traditional classroom techniques with cyber-mediated activities. This combined learning technique generates more cohesive method for both teachers and students. In earlier times, computer-based materials take part in a supporting role to physical or one-on-one instruction. Through new learning technique, online technology will be more imperative.
Some of the activities may be arranged around access to online web resources and interaction through social media such as signing up on online forums to intermingle with other distance learners in other learning environments.
It depends on the involved tutors and students on determining various approaches and learning forms. It also refers as the hybrid learning technique or a mixed mode of education.
Three Institutions that Offer Blended Learning
Rocketship Education - http://www.rsed.org/index.cfm
Mission: Eliminate the Achievement Gap
Rocketship Education is building a network of high-performing, urban, college-preparatory K-5 charter schools dedicated to our mission to eliminate the achievement gap within our lifetimes.
The Rocketship Public School Model combines traditional classroom instruction with Learning Lab, which enables individualized instruction through online adaptive technology and tutors; a parent engagement strategy that allows for advocacy on behalf of all children and their education; and a leadership development program that creates sustainable careers for highly effective educators.
Closing the achievement gap at a national level depends on building, executing, and scaling a revolutionary school model that encompasses the following initiatives: Innovate, Empower, Lead and Impact (View more > http://www.rsed.org/about/index.cfm)
Innosight Institute - http://www.innosightinstitute.org/
Mission: "Innosight Institute is a not-for-profit, non-partisan think tank whose mission is to apply Harvard Business School Professor Clayton M. Christensen’s theories of disruptive innovation to develop and promote solutions to the most vexing problems in the social sector."
T.C. Williams High School - http://www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw/
According to eSchool News website, "T.C. Williams High School, in Virginia’s Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), uses technology to create online and blended-learning environments that provide extra support to students who need it. Two of the school’s primary goals are to extend the amount of learning time and ensure that more students graduate—and early results from these programs are encouraging."
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/04/03/virginia-high-school-uses-technology-to-increase-learning-time-boost-graduation-rates/)
