Blended Learning

      Blending learning is a combination of learning that comprises both elements of face to face classroom learning, as well as online E-Learning.  It allows students to demonstrate their learning through both traditional in-class methods, as well as through online blogs, portfolios, discussions, and assignments.  Blending learning is made up of three key elements: a mix of online and face to face learning, time in the physical school as well as the virtual world, and the opportunity for student choice.  The ratio between class time and online activity does not need to be balanced.

Primary Blending Learning:  http://www.monsterexchange.org/ 

      The monster exchange is a website where students can post a drawing of a monster they've created, as well as a description of the features of the monster.  The student's teacher can upload the monster description to the website and then connect with other teachers in the country.  Based on the descriptions given by the student, other students from across the country can attempt to re-create the monster.  This is a great site for integration of language arts, as well visual arts and media literacy.

Junior Blended Learning:  http://www.glogster.com/ 

      Glogster is a blog resource that students can access to create blogs, or "glogs".  Glogster allows students to not only blog their thoughts, but it also allows students to include a number of visuals, images, videos, links, and information that students can create and share in the form of an online poster.  Teachers can set up a class account and register all students within the class, allowing teachers to check in on student progress with the creation of their glogs.  This site is excellent for all subjects and can stretch across a number of curriculum expectations.

Intermediate Blended Learning:   http://scratch.mit.edu/ 

      Scratch is an online resource where students can actually write their own code and create their own program.  Scratch works by simplifying computer code into simple blocks that students can string together, to move and manipulate characters and pictures within the program.  Students can not only create their own programs, but they can also access a large number of computer programs that have already been created and published by previous users of the website.  Students can create all kinds of programs, some to help with multiplication, others to retell a story they've read, or even choreograph a dance routine.  The possibilities are endless.

     These sites, and many others can be beneficial to all students within the classroom.  Monster Exchange can help ELL students with their language development and ability to describe the world around them.  Glogster is an excellent means for Special Education students to research a topic of interest, and post their learnings on their online poster (Glog).  Scratch can assist students with learning disabilities by engaging them into a medium that moves away from traditional classroom practices.  It can be a highly motivating activity, whether they create their own program, or access one that has already been created.