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By Bridget Wells
Recently the national news has been ablaze with discussion of these transformational learning tools. “Blended learning will play a vital role, as school operators must rethink education’s structure and delivery with the new realities of public funding.” This is according to Michael Horn, co-author of Disrupting Class, which predicts that 50% of all high school classes will be delivered in a blended learning environment by 2015. With this type of prediction, it should come as no surprise that around the country, blended learning environments are cropping up everywhere; from the Chicago Public School systems, to one local school here in Coshocton County.
One of the arguments against virtual learning environments is that the students never get to interact face to face with their teacher or their peers. There is too much room for students to just stop moving when they face a challenge in the curriculum. One of the arguments against traditional “bricks and mortar” learning is that it doesn’t account for the individual students need for the curriculum to move faster or slower. Blended Learning has been called the best of both worlds, because it offers the face to face, and it also allows for students to move at their own pace. Students, with the ability to grasp the content quickly, can move on, without waiting on the rest of the students, or for that matter, the teacher!
Do you ever wonder what our local schools are doing with blended learning? Well, one program in the River View Local School District is utilizing blended learning with much success. The Gifted Enrichment Program, which is in all four of the district elementary schools, has been successful with its innovative blended learning environment for gifted students. In addition to providing an environment where gifted students can access the gifted curriculum anytime, anywhere; all students have access to enrichment materials online, as they have the time and motivation. At all levels, and especially, the younger levels, these students can’t get enough information. “They complete challenge exercises before I’ve had the chance to get to the school. Many logged on during the snow days and were learning without prompting, just because they had the motivation! It seems to enhance the love of learning,” said Bridget Wells, Specialist Coordinator for Gifted Enrichment at River View.
Blended Learning needs the support of classroom teachers, administrators, and parents. “We have been very blessed at River View to have the support of each of these key players.” Without the classroom teacher on board, the students wouldn’t be able to go get the netbooks that are in each school for this purpose. Without the administrators, schools wouldn’t have the netbooks, or the support needed in each building for this to be a success. Without the school board, teachers wouldn’t have the flexibility to make the curriculum meet the needs of our highest learners, and without parents, schools wouldn’t have these highly motivated students, which are sure to become essential members of our global and local community. Each of these key players and their support is what enables blended learning to be successful.
In this time of economic uncertainty, and declining school budgets, it is important to remember that educators are working hard to be innovative and ensure that all students can grow intellectually at the pace they need. Blended Learning may just be a part of the puzzle to help educators do more with less.
For additional information, please contact Bridget Wells, Gifted Specialist/Coordinator River View Local School District.
