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a ready-to-run workshopBlended Learning Models
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Blended Learning Models (Workshop)

Blended learning mixes face-to-face teaching with online work, but it only helps when the technology serves the learning. Done well, models like station rotation and flipped lessons free you to work with small groups and give students some control over pace. Done poorly, it is just screens.

Key takeaway

Blended learning helps only when technology serves the learning; models like station rotation free the teacher for small groups and give students some control over pace.

Format
PLC / team meeting
Length
45 minutes
Group size
Any (works 4-40)
Who can run it
Any teacher-leader
You will need
Slides (5)Printed handoutA lesson or unitA timer
Aligned to
Learning Forward: Rigorous ContentInTASC 8: Instructional StrategiesISTE; research on blended learning
Share / assign

Why it works

Blended learning can improve outcomes when the online component is purposeful, for example a station rotation that frees the teacher for a small group, or a flipped model that moves direct instruction to video so class time is used for practice and support. It fails when technology is used for its own sake, without a clear instructional purpose.

The research: Research on blended learning; the Christensen Institute on station rotation.

The run-of-show

Choose your slot. The agenda, timings, and length update to match.

    The core activity: design one blended routine

    Teachers leave with one blended routine where the online part serves a real purpose.

    The tech serves the learning, not the reverseBlended learning works when the online part has a clear job, like freeing you to teach a small group. It fails when screens are the point.

    Facilitator notes

    Online time is not babysitting timeIf the online station is busywork, blended learning adds nothing. The online part must be purposeful, and the freed time must be used to teach.

    Adapt it

    Participant handout

    One page for every teacher. Print it, or save it as a PDF.

    K12 Academics · Professional Learning

    Blended Learning: make the tech serve the learning

    <b>Purposeful models:</b> station rotation or flipped, with online work that does a real job and freed time used to teach.

    1. The lesson or unit:
    2. The model and its purpose:
    3. What the online part actually does:
    4. How I use the freed time:
    5. How I avoid screens-as-busywork:

    Make it stick

    Purpose, then tech:

    Common questions

    Isn't blended learning just putting students on devices?
    No. It is purposefully combining in-person and online so the mix serves learning. Screens without a purpose are not blended learning.
    What is station rotation?
    Students rotate through stations, often one with the teacher for small-group instruction, one with independent or online practice, and one collaborative, so you can target support.
    What is the most common mistake?
    Using the online part as a babysitter. The online work has to be purposeful practice or content, not busywork while the teacher does something else.

    Go deeper

    Build it into a bigger day

    Workshop
    Vetting EdTech Tools
    Workshop
    Differentiation
    Workshop
    Checking for Understanding