4 Models of Blended Learning
The different types of blended learning can be divided into four models, though these don't have to be taken as clear-cut descriptions or types. The four models are a good way to create a framework for what is being done and can be done in a blended learning environment. I want to take a look at each of these and think through how I'm currently seeing them used and questions and ideas to think about for implementing each models. The four models are 1) rotation 2) flex 3) a la carte 4) enriched virtual |
| from the Clayton Christensen Institute |
The rotation model is probably the most familiar to teachers, especially those who have used any sort of rotation in the classroom such as stations or a workshop model, even without the use of technology. In this model, teachers are in control of the amount or time for each rotation. There are four subtypes of the rotation model:
A. Station Rotation
In this model, students rotate between learning stations that may involve self-paced online learning, group-learning, whole class learning, small groups learning with the teacher, etc.
Reflection: This, to me, is probably one of the easiest ways to implement blended learning in a single classroom. Teachers who already use independent, online learning in the classroom or programs such as IXL or Compass Learning may consider why all students need to work on the computer at the same time, when in actuality students could be rotating through groups, assigned tasks based on their needs, and have time to work in small groups with the teacher.
B. Lab Rotation
This model is very similar to the station rotation model except that when students are completing online work, hey move into a computer lab with a learning coach or teaching assistant. This frees up space in the classroom and allows teachers to work more directly with smaller groups of students.
Reflection: This model involves more space than most teachers might typical have. It also involves another person to supervise. These could both be mitigated by partnering with another teacher; one supervises computer time with a large group while the other rotates students through small groups and vice versa. However, I think to do this well would mean more than just one or two teachers at a school implementing this model.
C. Flipped Classroom
This model is pretty popular in ed tech talk these days, but it's a bit more than having students watch lectures at home. Simply, in this model, students complete the learning they would traditionally do in class at home, and would put the learning into practice, what they would traditionally do at home, in class. The teachers can use formative assessments and quick checks to gauge students' learning.
Reflection: I know a few teachers who have tried the flipped classroom model, and maybe you have too. I know some of the problems teachers had with it was the students weren't doing their homework. So this could be tricky, especially if students don't have a good home environment for learning. I also think that students need to be held accountable for learning the material in ways other than quizzes, and preferably in ways that would motivate them to learn. Teachers can team up to create flipped lesson materials or curate from resources already available. I also think the flipped content needs to be a bit more engaging then a traditional classroom lecture.
D. Individual Rotation
In this model, students have a customized schedule of each day's learning activities based on their previous day's performance. This schedule can be set by a computer algorithm or by a teacher. This is different from the other models because students may not visit all stations in a day, and each student has a specialized "playlist" of activities. It is a rotation model since the teacher or program sets the amount of time at each learning activity.
Reflection: This is the most innovate of the rotation models. It definitely takes whole school change and a complete redefinition of the teachers' role. In many ways this is like the flex model, but here the control is still in the hands of the teacher or computer algorithm and not the student about what to learn and when or how.
2. Flex Model
In the flex model, the core learning happens online. Students are in a school building and teachers are there to support students, provide small-group instruction, facilitate group projects, etc. This model might involve larger workspaces with specialiazed areas for labs, individual work, small group work, etc. Students move about the different work spaces at their own pace and based on their proficiency and mastery in the online work.
Reflection: This model isn't really too out of reach based on how I've seen online learning already being implemented. It does however involve using learning spaces a lot differently, and the traditional school with small classrooms and lots of individual student desks presents a challenge to create a space conducive to this model. However, this could mean that teachers have the ability to create the curriculum together, tutor students based on their strengths, group and regroup students, and implement project-based learning. I really like the flexibility this model provides.
3. A La Carte Model
The a la carte model offers students choice in the courses they take both online and in class in a school building. In this model, as part of their school day, students take an online course. This model caters to students who need remedial courses or advanced or unpopular courses because it allows them to take the course even if a teacher at the school is not teaching it.
Reflection: Although this isn't really that old of a concept, it seems the most traditional to me since it's just a blend of the students' day and not their individual classes. I do like that this allows students to take classes they aren't offered in the tradition setting such as certain AP courses, recovery credits, or foreign languages.
4. Enriched Virtual Model
The enriched virtual model began with online schools noticing that students were more successful when they had in-person support. The majority of a student's education comes from online, which can be completed any-time, anywhere, but the part of this model that makes it blended is that students also go to a learning space to get extra help, work on projects, or collaborate. They do not attend these spaces as often as a student at a traditional school would.
Reflection: This is the most innovative of all the models. It really rethinks education. I don't think this is a model for all students, but it reminds me of an early college type model. Some students really benefit from the social aspects of school such as clubs, sports, lunch, and the routine schedule. But I have also had plenty of students who would have preferred flexibility in their schedule and more choice in the courses they had to take.
Overall Reflection
All of these models have benefits for students, and really start to drive student-centered learning and give students agency and choice in what and how they learn. Also, the blended learning model you're using might not fit specifically into one category or the other, but these models really help to provide a framework of what blended learning is and what it might look like.
To learn more about the models of blended learning and to see examples, visit Khan Academy's Introduction to Blended Learning.
Source: Horn, M. B. & Staker, H. (2015). Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools. San Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
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