Blended Learning - An Introduction

There is a growing trend in education at all levels toward blended learning models. This approach requires teachers to rethink their roles in the classroom. This ASCD developed course will introduce you to the various blended learning models used throughout the country. Author Catlin Tucker leads you through exploring the implications of a blended learning model on instruction. She suggests that teachers strive to achieve one version of blended learning, the “flipped classroom.”

In this environment, teachers must learn to weave online and face-to-face experiences so that maximum learning occurs. Tucker guides you through exercises for building online communities that must happen for students to have successful online experiences. She shows how the flipped classroom model can be achieved in many ways and is not video-dependent. In addition, she explains the importance of asking good questions that elicit critical thinking from students.

Finally, she describes appropriate assessments for this blended learning model.