Blended learning is a teaching approach that mixes face-to-face instruction with online learning, such as video lessons, quizzes and discussion boards, as parts of a single designed course. It differs from simply putting class materials online or from a fully remote course.
Why it matters
Each mode does what it does best: online components let learners study at their own pace and review material, while class time can be used for discussion, labs, practice and personal feedback. It requires planning so the two parts connect, and it requires reliable access to devices and connectivity, which not all learners have. Platforms such as an LMS usually coordinate the online part.
Example
A weekly pattern in a university course:
- Before class: 40 minutes of video and a short quiz online
- In class: 2 hours of problem solving in groups with the instructor
- After class: an online assignment and a discussion thread
Variations include rotating learners between stations, or alternating online and in-person weeks.
Common misconceptions
- It is a half-and-half split in time. The balance varies by course.
- Any course with a website is blended; the online work must be a real part of learning.
- It costs less automatically; design and support take effort.
Related
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