What is blended learning

LMA, how would you introduce blended learning?

:At its core, blended learning is a teaching technique that combines traditional classroom time and the use of technology. Blended learning can be like a student smoothie! There are many educational sciences behind the different learning “mixes” and the 21st century learner must know how to choose according to their personal tastes.

But is technology still in play?

Yes, whatever the mix, it always includes some amount of technology: a school computer, your own laptop, tablet or smartphone. When setting up a course, we decide how much time is available online in addition to classroom learning and where we want to install the technology.

Is there, say, a “classic” blended learning technique?

Yes, there is one. Classic blended learning is a way to increase targeted learning time by using the school's computer lab to supplement hands-on exercises. Many US colleges count time spent on computers – both in and out of class – as “contact” time. This focused time, ideal for grammar, listening and reading skills, is an important part of a student's study regimen. (Remember the smoothie!)

What are the other techniques?

There is also the flipped classroom. The teacher implemented flipped lessons so that online reading or listening time at home feeds into the in-class lesson. The “inverse” involves having students do their homework before class. It's just perfect for students who want to feel prepared and comfortable with the upcoming lesson content.

Flipped language learning typically uses videos (watching a great TED talk, then discussing the ideas back in class) to build students' vocabulary and encourage them to actively engage with the topic.

I have also heard of the “hybrid class”…

In a hybrid classroom, the teacher will dedicate some time to computer activities using a system designed as a complement to the course material. In many schools, this means enriching the classroom with multimedia work on an interactive whiteboard that brings presentations to life and helps explain difficult ideas using animation and interaction.

Most course books come with learning content and practice materials that the teacher can use to allow students to practice individually, with teacher support.

Can students use their own devices in class?

Of course. In this session, called Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), students use their own smartphones or tablets in class, but it is the teacher who organizes their learning. In this case, the school does not provide computer labs or interactive whiteboards.

Here, students enjoy the convenience of using their own device – like a tablet – to create a group video, or their phone to take an online quiz.

This is suitable for students who are most comfortable with the technology they are familiar with and want to try activities again after class to review work.

Are apps and mobile content considered in a blended learning “regime”?

It's entirely possible. With a technique like Mobile Language Learning (or MALL), the focus is on the student having everything in their pocket to power their own learning anytime, anywhere. Done right, good mobile learning is like a between-meal snack in a student's learning regimen. Learning apps, such as EF Words, allow students to practice quickly and consistently.

Research in applied linguistics tells us that regular and targeted use of the mobile phone can particularly improve vocabulary and pronunciation.

Can teachers combine these techniques?

With practice and in a well-equipped school, it is possible. With micro-blending, students are assigned to an expert teacher who realizes the benefits of different types of blended learning in a well-equipped school.

The teacher mixes different technologies to ensure students have a varied regimen that includes all the types of learning mentioned above; depending on the subject studied by the students, their language level and the type of group they are working with.

The teacher will let students choose the best way to work on a particular part of their lesson; the mix will therefore vary from lesson to lesson and session to session, providing students with the best possible learning.

How can teachers choose the mix that suits them best?

This is a matter of personal preference intended to improve your teaching style. Teachers can determine if they like the reliable and stable structure of the classic mix or if they prefer a more adventurous flipped classroom. They might like to know the variety of learning a micro-blending class can create for their students.

But never forget your students' learning preferences: as a teacher, you need to consider what's best for your institution, as well as your students' preferred learning styles.