Traditionally, classroom teachers have been seen as content deliverers. Today, teachers increasingly assume roles as facilitators while the students lead their own learning based on their personalized styles. Students own their education”“they determine how to pace themselves and learn collaboratively with their peers.
Blended learning and using technology in the classroom both offer many advantages that appeal to districts. Students can pace themselves in these environments, which allows them greater choice and freedom in their studies.
Teachers Furthering Their Education
Educators seeking more knowledge about blended and online learning can look to an online degree such as a Master of Education in Digital Learning and Leading. An online program can prepare a teacher to create technology-integrated lessons that adapt to students’ personalities and learning styles. Teachers seeking a stronger leadership role may look to this program because it provides the training to empower them as leaders on campus. Integrating new methodologies into the classroom may sometimes meet resistance; an online master’s degree can prepare a teacher to address these concerns.
What Does Blended Learning Look Like?
Blended learning combines traditional classroom instruction with virtual or online studies. Students set their own pace and work cooperatively with groups to both personalize and expand learning. Students are free to use technology in the classroom, and teachers integrate it seamlessly into their lessons.
Advantages of Blended Learning
Reports have shown that students completing a blended course outperform their peers in similar classes. Students are more engaged and focused on their coursework. Blended learning teaches students better time management skills since they have to learn to allocate their own time. This learning model also gives the students ownership of their classwork and learning. Districts are seeing increased achievement, lower dropout rates and happier students.
Today’s students are learning at a faster pace than ever before, so districts must stay ahead of the curve to provide an effective, up-to-date education. Districts should define a goal, work with the curriculum for their district and make research- and data-based decisions about what kind of blended learning will work best for their students.
Graduates of Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading are poised to help make these decisions and implement meaningful change.
Learn more about the Lamar University online M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading program.
Sources:
District Administration: Different faces of blended learning