16 Defining Blended Learning & Questions to Consider Prior to Monday’s Synchronous Session

“As technology changes the way we communicate, connect, create, consume and innovate, it is democratizing access to opportunity. Education is no exception.” Laura Arrillaga-Andereessen 

There seem to be as many definitions of blended learning as there are articles on blended learning. Some focus on the details and prescribe specifics like the percentage split between online and face-to-face delivery. Others emphasize key components and principles. As we begin our work together, developing a common understanding of blended learning will help guide our conversations and hone our focus as we develop and deliver our lesson plans.

The University of Waterloo describes blended learning as “the purposeful integration and alignment of online and in-person components. Online and in-person activities and course materials are selected to complement each other, to engage students and to achieve specified learning outcomes.”

According to Hoffman, “blended learning involves using the best delivery methodology(ies) available for a specific objective, including online, classroom-based instruction, electronic performance support, paper-based, and formalized or informal on-the-job solutions.”

Lai, Lam, and Lim, acknowledging the diversity of definitions, settle on Garrison and Kanuka’s definition of blended learning as the “thoughtful integration of classroom FTF learning experiences with online learning experiences.”

Key components from these definitions include:

• Using a combination of online and face-to-face delivery.
• Integrating the online and face-to-face components so that they complement each other.
• Choosing delivery methods thoughtfully based on established learning outcomes.

Please study the following video in which instructors share their definitions of blended learning:

INSERT VIDEO HERE