Free resources to tame blended learning

Teachers interested in blended learning can count on new free resources to help them through the various stages of implementation.

Blended learning refers to a teaching method that relies both on traditional elements, such as class attendance, print and lecture, and other more technological elements, such as software, mobile devices and virtual training.

The Learning Accelerator, an American non-profit organization, is dedicated to helping elementary and secondary schools implement blended learning. Her vision is to think that the combination of face-to-face and technology is beneficial in education.

The classroom portion would allow a student to interact with other students and with the teacher. The latter can take advantage of this time to clarify instructions, give feedback on a task or perform complex demonstrations. As for it, the technological portion (remote or in presence) is used to seek information, to carry out various tasks and to share productions. The technology is also used during the various evaluations, both formative and summative.

According to The Learning Accelerator, the combination of face-to-face and technology has many benefits. For example, in a virtual learning environment it is possible to find out which video has been viewed and by whom or to create a quiz to quickly measure student knowledge and get a report. This allows for appropriate feedback to be given when returning to class. Such data also allows a teacher to know the shortcomings that may be experienced by a particular student and to offer him personalized instruction.

Winning practices

Over the past few years, The Learning Accelerator has identified best practices in integrating blended learning and has presented resources on its website relating to different aspects of this teaching method. A first section presents different blended learning models in schools. Another section addresses the issue of time and rhythm management. The themes of classroom layout and that extended learning are also processed.

Do you know of resources in French on blended learning? Do you use this teaching method? Do not hesitate to let us know!