Using Blended Learning to Promote Global Education

Today, students learn vastly different than when I was an elementary and secondary school student in the 80’s and early 90’s.  Most of our resources are now digital rather than print. Content knowledge is easily accessed via Google. Blended learning brings together traditional brick and mortar teaching with online learning. “Blended learning brings together the best of technology-based online learning and face-to-face instruction” (Connections Learning, n.d.)

One of the benefits of blended learning is the flexibility in personalized learning. Students can learn at their own pace. Students can learn a concept online and apply it in class. Blended learning allows us to break down the classroom walls and continue the conversation outside of the classroom.

Take, for instance, a physics lesson on biochar. Students learn about biochar production and uses in global communities. They create their own biochar in the classroom and calculate the energy input and output from different source materials. Students can connect globally with other high school classes conducting similar research as well as with groups outside of the US creating biochar as a source of energy in developing countries.  Students can further investigate areas in their local communities where biochar could be used, creating a strong local connection to their real lives. Using both online and in classroom activities, connects the best of both worlds and brings stronger engagement and connections to the lesson. 

References

Connections Learning. (n.d.). Blended Learning: How Brick-and-Morta rSchools are Taking Advantage of Online Learning Options. Retrieved from Connections Learning: http://www.connectionslearning.com/Libraries/Institutional_Sales/Blended_Learning_Primer__FINAL_1.pdf