Giving Compass' Take:

•  Jenny White, writing for Christensen Institute, explains five blended learning myths that have emerged in the new year. 

• What are the links between blended learning and personalized learning?

• Here are the top blended learning trends to follow. 

In February 2016, the Christensen Institute debuted the Blended Learning Universe (BLU)—an online hub of blended learning resources—in response to more and more schools across the U.S. implementing a blended-learning strategy for students.

Researchers at the Institute define blended learning as a formal education program that must have three components: it must be part online, with students having some control over the time, place, path, or pace of their learning; it must occur, in part, in a brick-and-mortar location away from home; and the modalities along a student’s learning path must be connected to provide an integrated learning experience.

As we kick off the new year, here are 5 myths that blended-learning educators should be aware of:

  • Myth 1. Blended learning is an exclusive approach. Make your choice now! Fact: Blended learning is an engine that can power and accelerate many instructional approaches.
  • Myth 2. I’m doing personalized learning, not blended learning.  Fact: Chances are that if you’re personalizing student learning using some form(s) of technology, you’re probably practicing blended learning, too.
  • Myth 3. Blended learning looks like kids in headphones in front of screens all day. Fact: Blended learning complements a range of teaching and learning approaches, including highly collaborative project-based and experiential learning.
  • Myth 4. If I’m using technology in my school, I’m doing blended learning and disrupting the old system! Fact: Blended learning isn’t the same as tech-rich learning—and it’s not always disruptive.
  • Myth 5. Flex is the pinnacle of blended. Fact: The Flex model has many virtues…but the unique circumstances of your classroom and students’ needs will drive which blended model is the right fit.

Read the full article about blended learning myths by Jenny White at Christensen Institute