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This page describes different types of online learning. It provide explanations for blended, flipped, and other models.

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Virtual learning refers to an environment where students study a digital-based curriculum taught by instructors that lecture online via video or audio. This instruction can take place either in a self-paced (asynchronous) environment or in a real-time (synchronous) environment.

Discover whether virtual learning is right for you by considering its types, qualities, pros, and cons.

Why choose virtual learning

There are many reasons why people choose virtual learning over instruction in a traditional classroom. For example, the flexibility of virtual learning makes it an appropriate choice for full-time workers who would like to continue their education or cannot attend in-person classes.

The virtual learning environment is also a good choice for people who enjoy self-learning. Some virtual learning options have classes to attend at scheduled times, while others allow you to learn at your own pace. With this self-paced option, you have a lot of autonomy with the intensity and overall cadence of your learning while still enjoying the benefits of guided lessons.

In addition, if you want to explore a subject or skill without committing to an in-person class, virtual learning can help. You can find both short introductory courses or long in-depth masterclasses on a multitude of subjects and skills.

3 types of virtual learning

Not all virtual learning is the same. There are three different ways you may learn in a virtual environment: synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid.

Synchronous

Synchronous virtual learning typically asks students to attend online live-streamed lectures. The instructor streams their presentation or lecture, allowing students to ask questions in real-time via webcam, microphone, or live chat, for a more hands-on learning experience. If you benefit from the constant structure and pacing of the material, synchronous virtual learning could be a good choice for you.

Asynchronous

Asynchronous virtual learning features pre-recorded lectures that students can watch on their own time. The instructor will post either a video or audio file along with lecture notes. Often there will be a quiz on the material to ensure students are watching lectures and up to date with the class schedule. Typically, the instructor or an assistant is available via email or text chat. Current students, and sometimes past students, usually have some form of communication with each other, such as a forum, where they can discuss the material and flesh out details they may have not gathered from the lecture.

Hybrid

A hybrid course will make use of both virtual and in-person learning. This is the most common for classes that also require a lab component. If you want the freedom to learn at the best times for you, but also want some structured lessons and communication with the instructor, consider enrolling in a hybrid course.

Attributes of virtual learning

By nature, virtual learning is online, which mean's it's often convenient, flexible, and affordable. There's also the option to either enroll fully online or to take part of the class online and in person.

Virtual learning is also a very environmentally friendly learning option, since students aren't required to commute for class and there's very little paper waste throughout the semester.

You'll need to have self-discipline for virtual learning. Your environment can have a big impact on your mindset, and sitting in a classroom trains your brain to be in learning mode. If you opt for virtual learning, it helps to get away from distractions and focus on your studies. For some, it helps to have a dedicated spot, or rotation of places, that you use exclusively for learning.

Read more: 11 Good Study Habits to Develop

Advantages of virtual learning

Virtual learning gives students access to coursework from anywhere, at any time, making learning super convenient. Asynchronous classes also give an immense amount of flexibility for lectures and studying. Even with the flexibility of the course, online courses are associated with higher retention rates and graduation rates. A study conducted by Arizona State University found that students taking virtual classes benefit from increased access and cost savings of as much as 50 percent [ 1].

Completing courses virtually can also increase students' digital aptitude, preparing them for life in the workforce.

In addition to these advantages, the nature of virtual learning allows teachers to conduct more frequent assessments to help ensure students are staying on track. Since tests can be turned in digitally, you can also get near-immediate feedback and scoring.

Disadvantages of virtual learning

Technology offers us wonderful opportunities like the ability to learn from home, but it also may lead to momentary malfunctions, like interruptions or downtime

Since virtual learning takes place on a screen, you might feel that the course isn't as fully immersive compared to in-person instruction. You may feel a lack of collaboration or networking since you're not sitting next to others as in a classroom setting. For some, that's a con, but it may not be an issue for people who prefer a more individualistic learning approach.

For some students, the ability to study and learn comfortably from home could be a huge benefit. For others, learning at home can be distracting. Interruptions from family members and access to a phone and entertainment can make focusing more difficult, and some people may even feel isolated.

There is also somewhat of a lack of accountability with virtual learning, so students will need to have a good sense of self-motivation or know where to go for help.

Virtual learning can require learning new programs for both students and teachers. For the school or course provider, this will likely require additional funds to ensure the instructors are fully fluent in the necessary technologies.

Is virtual learning right for me?

The decision to pursue virtual learning involves weighing the pros and cons. These are a few major points to consider when trying to decide the best path for you:

Confidence in your ability to use the required technology: If you're already comfortable with technology, you'll likely be able to easily pivot to a virtual learning environment.

The ability to read and write well: This is important as most of your communication with your instructors and peers will require good written communication skills.

Discipline: Since you'll be fully accountable for yourself in a virtual learning environment, you'll have to be disciplined when studying, participating in discussions, and managing your time.

Excellent time management skills: Setting aside ample time in your schedule to study and participate in your class will help you succeed in your course.One helpful tip is to carve out the same time every day to complete your studies. For example, if you have a class that meets twice weekly, add in two days a week where you devote one hour to studying or prepping work for it. When it becomes a routine, you'd be amazed at how efficient you can be.

Next steps

These days, you can learn almost anything virtually. Earn a college degree, become job-ready with certificates from industry leaders, build skills in video game design, or take business courses, all from the comfort of home.

Related articles

Article sources

1. U Capture. " Online Learning Leads to Higher Retention and Graduation Rates, https://www.capturehighered.com/online-learning-higher-retention-graduation-rates/." Accessed March 1, 2022.

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What is virtual learning? Virtual learning examples include asynchronous, synchronous, or a mix of the two. Find out more about them and which virtual learning environment is best for you with this guide to virtual learning.

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Common Learning Management Systems (LMS)

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Common Learning Management Systems (LMS)

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Learning management systems, or LMS, are software platforms designed to manage, distribute and track employee training. They are often used in corporate settings to deliver online courses and track employee progress. However, they can also be used in other ways, such as to provide compliance training or customer education.

There are hundreds of LMS to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Forbes Advisor analyzed the best LMS options for small and medium businesses, so you don't have to.

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Best Learning Management Systems (LMS) Of 2022

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Learning management systems, or LMS, are software platforms designed to manage, distribute and track employee training. They are often used in corporate settings to deliver online courses and track employee progress. However, they can also be used in other ways, such as to provide compliance trainin

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Teaching online is a great way to take all the things you love about being a teacher right to your home. Instead of teaching from a physical classroom, teaching online allows you to create a classroom anywhere you have an internet connection. There are many benefits to teaching online, from comfort and convenience, to being able to make some extra income. That being said, there are some challenges, too. Therefore, it's helpful to have some tips on how to teach online.

Tips On How To Teach Online: 7 Basic Principles

If you're thinking about learning how to teach online, there are some guidelines and basic principles you can follow to help you best prepare for success.

1. Plan Your Classes

Typically, in a virtual classroom, class time is short and students have the expectation to learn as much as they can in that given time period. This is why it's very important to plan your lessons beforehand, so you can make the most of that instruction time.

2. Prepare And Master Technology

Before you can confidently teach online, you'll need to prepare and master the technology required of you. Not only this, but being tech-savvy in general will help you be more successful as an online teacher. To start, here are some things you should be familiar with how to do:

Identify common technological issues

Discover platform tricks

Know how to get tech support

Understand if there's mobile access or only PC access

3. Set Up A Reliable Working Station

Even though you may theoretically be able to teach from anywhere, it's still a good idea to set up a working environment that feels both comfortable for you and familiar to your students. This will make starting your online teaching day run a lot more smoothly.

Have the appropriate equipment

Have a background that excites students

Make sure your internet connection is strong enough

Try to soundproof your work environment as much as possible

Eliminate distractions

4. Start Discussions

Learning how to teach an online course is tricky. That's why it's important to start discussions with your students right away so they can get comfortable and acquainted with you. Many students will feel nervous when the class starts, and by asking some light questions, you will make them feel more comfortable.

5. Communicate Regularly

No matter what setting you're teaching in, it's essential that you communicate regularly with your students. Remember to always introduce yourself and say good-bye at the end of each class. You should also continue to communicate your expectations of the student throughout the lesson, and remind them of the tasks and assignments.

6. Motivate Your Students

Some students will be excited to be in your classroom, while others would rather be doing something else. By finding ways to motivate your students (and by keeping in mind their age and interests), you can usually get them to interact more. Find ways to keep them motivated, whether through games, a points/reward system, or by promising time to talk about a topic of their choice when they finish the lesson.

7. Ask For Help And Feedback

One of the best tips for preparing to teach online as well as one of the basics of teaching in general is to consistently ask for help and feedback. Try to find a friendly way to ask your students what they think of your classes and how you can improve. You can also reach out to other online teachers, mentors, or the company to get help when needed.

Back To Basics Of How To Teach Online

By remembering to revert back to the basics, you can ensure both you and your students' success when teaching online.

1. Understand Basic Student Needs

When it comes to online teaching, you'll need to know that your student can access the course materials, see you, interact with you, ask you questions, and submit assignments. Of course, you'll also need to have some idea of what their goals are for the lesson and what their strengths and weaknesses are.

2. Understand Basic Instructor Needs

You'll need to make sure that your instructor needs are met as well, so that you can deliver content to the students in the most efficient way possible. Always make this clear to your students by having open communication with them regarding your expectations of them.

3. Find Ways To Address Those Needs

The best way to meet all of these needs is to utilize the tools and resources available to you. In the case of online teaching, this is usually your Learning Management System or LMS, which we will cover later in this article. You'll need the right equipment to be able to communicate with the student directly, as well as a method to provide assessment information and student feedback.

Beyond The Basics Of How To Teach Online

Now that you have the basics down, the next step is to go beyond the basics in order to create the most conducive learning environment for your students.

1. Interactive Learning

Many online education classrooms are incorporating tools to make the classroom as interactive as possible. Such tools, for example, allow teachers and students to write on the screen. Or, you can move objects around, play a game together, do a questionnaire, a screenshare for a student's presentation, or a live assessment together. This would make a class much more engaging.

2. Collaboration

Collaborating with other students is another feature of the physical classroom that can be difficult to translate into the online one. But that's getting easier. Now with programs like Google Drive, students can easily collaborate on assignments.

3. Flexibility

Not every student has the same advantages, especially when it comes to learning online. Some may find it difficult because they don't have reliable Internet access, while others may simply struggle with this format. Aside from this, technology can still have its problems. By being flexible, and by making sure your students have other ways to contact you, you will find online teaching to be cooperative.

4. Access To Additional Resources

It's important to think about ways to ensure your students can access materials no matter where they are. For instance, by creating downloadable worksheets, students can take the time to do the assignments outside the virtual classroom.

5. Preparing Your Own Space

One of the benefits of having a virtual classroom is that you can teach from anywhere. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you can teach from everywhere. You need to make sure you have a "desk" with all the functioning equipment - including, but not limited to: your desk, your computer, a chair, a headset, and a stable internet connection.

Student-To-Student Communication

Find ways to encourage student-to-student communication. For instance, open up a forum or chat room for students to work together, or set up a live extra-help session for all students to join in on, where they can talk to each other, too.

You can also create a buddy system for your students to correspond with, while creating additional resources for students to access for support outside of the virtual classroom.

Teaching Online: Important Terms To Know

There are some basic important terms to know for the online teaching space. As an online teacher, you'll want to make sure you are familiar with these terms.

Learning Management System

The Learning Management System, also known as LMS, is the platform that students, teachers, facilitators, and anyone else who helps you to teach online courses, can access from wherever they are. The LMS is a place where virtual classrooms can be held, where teachers can assign work and students can submit work, where grades can be posted, where bulletins and announcements are shared, etc.

Module

According to Hunter.Cuny.edu, "A learning module is a sequenced collection of subject-related materials designed to teach a topic or skill. It is the building block of an online course." A module is similar to a "unit" in the physical classroom and is usually a good way for teachers and students to track progress.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

In terms of online teaching, synchronous refers to teaching that's "synchronized", or live. This is usually your typical face-to-face classroom.

Asynchronous, on the other hand, is when lessons (including pre-recorded lectures) and assignments are shared in their LMS, but students can access/complete them at their own pace. It's not necessarily live.

Adapting A Curriculum For Teaching Online

If you are adapting a curriculum from a physical classroom to an online one, there will definitely be some obstacles to overcome. In addition to understanding how to utilize your LMS, you will also have to get creative with the lessons, teaching those lessons, and work required for your students.

1. Understand How To Create Courses Online

One of the ways in which teachers can adapt their curriculum is by understanding how to best share it in the LMS. Perhaps some of the lesson needs to happen face-to-face, but the rest can happen asynchronously.

2. Be Thoughtful About Designing Course Content - Organize Course Content Intuitively

When adapting curriculum for online, try to be as mindful as you can about designing the courses and organizing the content within those courses. Make sure you are appealing to all learning styles and explaining the material, expectations, and objectives as clearly as you can. This also goes for general things, like due dates on assignments.

3. Make The Class Atmosphere Welcoming

If you are teaching synchronously, do what you can to make the class atmosphere as inviting as you can:

Use visual aids and props

Provide examples

Use gestures and facial expressions when appropriate

Eliminate distractions

Use media and interactive tools

Look prepared and ready to teach

Make sure students are comfortable

Be flexible to those who may work in louder environments

4. Make Sure Lessons Are Age And Level Appropriate

Even if you have a student that is advanced, it's important to make sure that lessons are age appropriate. For example, if you teach English online and you have a five-year-old who already speaks English very well, you won't be discussing 8th-grade-level science topics with them, even though they might be comfortable with the vocabulary.

Scaffold accordingly

Differentiate when appropriate

Choose fun, relatable activities

Speak in an appropriate tone

5. Prepare Homework And Reading Materials Beforehand

Students should have work to accompany and supplement what they learn in class, just as they would when attending a physical classroom. Prepare homework and extra reading materials before beginning the lesson.

Extra Tips To Teach Online Courses

To ensure the success of your students, here are some extra tips to take with you to the online classroom:

Show up to class

Be yourself

Put yourself in your students' shoes

Explain your expectations

Ask for feedback

Reflect and commit to improving

Teaching online can be a great way to make income on the side while you're taking online classes yourself. University of the People not only offers tuition-free Education degree programs, but all of our college courses are conducted virtually, too.

Learn more about how to get your degree from UoPeople, the tuition-free, US accredited, online university, today!

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The Best Tips And Tricks For How To Teach Online

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Teaching online is a great way to take all the things you love about being a teacher right to your home. Instead of teaching from a physical classroom, teaching online allows you to create a classroom anywhere you have an internet connection.

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Video content transforms the way students learn. Flipping content we'd traditionally present live during class into a recorded video format lets students access information at their own pace and gives teachers more class time to delve deeply into class discussions, support individual student needs, and clarify misunderstandings. Some teachers are even using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to engage students through channels they're already using in their personal lives. By figuring out ways to be more visual in the ways we teach, classrooms become places where we help students apply what they learn while providing one-on-one support when needed. Here are some helpful tips, tricks, and tools for making flipped classroom videos that will change the way your students learn for the better.

1. Invest in a good microphone.

If you have the chance to invest in one video creation tool, go for a really good microphone. Poor audio quality leads to a decrease in student engagement, according to research from Texas Tech University. A mic like the Snowball USB microphone can make you feel like a rock star while dramatically improving the clarity of your audio. Think about it as a long-term investment. When you record instruction, there's a good chance you'll use the material year after year. If you start with a mic that records quality audio, you'll save yourself time down the road. As an added bonus, the Snowball mic can also be used in a classroom setting to amplify teacher and student voices.

By the way, if you want to super-splurge, check out this noise-canceling headset with a microphone from Logitech. It'll really put you in the zone when making flipped classroom videos.

2. Find your best light.

Do yourself a favor and make sure the lighting in your space illuminates you and any other objects you plan to feature on camera when making flipped classroom videos. Natural lighting is wonderful, so consider the time of day you record your videos. If you need to add more lighting, try one of these ring lights to improve your video quality and screen appearance. You can also check out these tips for looking your best on video.

3. Add a second camera.

Research published in 2020 by the Journal of Educational Psychology suggests that when teachers appear in videos where students can clearly see body language cues and eye contact, there is better student engagement. If you really want to elevate the experience for your students, use two cameras to show different angles or content. Just connect a secondary camera through Bluetooth or USB. Then essentially, you use a screen share or choose an alternative camera view. When you do this, students can still see you giving instruction while you model the work.

The Mevo Start live-streaming camera helps educators combine this functionality in one place. It's compact and lets you stream to multiple platforms. Plus, it comes with a mobile app that makes editing easy. Mevo Start is perfect for creating digital lessons and streaming athletics, morning announcements, and PTA meetings.If you want a webcam with a wide field of view plus digital zoom capability, check out the Logitech C270HD. It helps teachers easily capture whiteboard details and show physical objects during video lessons.

4. Turn your newsletter into a vlog.

Video content isn't just for students, families love it too. Try turning your class newsletter into a video blog. Some teachers might be anxious about being on camera and sharing videos regularly with families, but it's a powerful tool for communication. Once you get the hang of creating video in place of writing newsletter content, you'll also save yourself time and stress. Instead of typing, editing, and uploading scanned documents and photos, you just need to spend a few minutes in front of the camera.

5. Involve students in classroom content.

Give your students a new kind of ownership in the classroom by letting them create their own videos. Project-based learning provides countless opportunities to involve students in video content creation, such as recording podcasts, interviews, book reports, and music videos. You can even have students report the week's lessons and classroom news on video. This is a great way to let students showcase and reinforce what they learn, and families love hearing directly from their kids about what they're doing in class. It's also exciting and inspiring to see how students embrace this task, as well as to see what they determine to be highlights each week.

6. Embrace the one-take philosophy.

Video content can be really successful when a message is clear and the delivery is smooth. However, you can spend a lot of time trying to create mistake-free video. This is not always realistic or worth the time you'll invest. When you're short on time, embrace the one-take philosophy. This can be hard at first, but letting the camera roll without making additional tweaks allows for some great learning moments.

When you're ready to edit video, make sure you use tools that make it faster and easier. A 2019 lab study by Logitech shows that teachers complete tasks 30% faster when using an external mouse instead of a trackpad. For an ergonomic option, check out this wireless mouse and keyboard combo.

7. Discover the wonder of time-lapse and slo-mo.

The time-lapse and slo-mo features that likely already exist on your devices are incredible learning tools. For example, if your class raises monarch butterflies, your students will be mesmerized by watching the action take place in slo-mo and through a time-lapse. Almost everything is cooler through these lenses. Augmented-time videos inspire meaningful connections, thoughtful reflection, and deeper questions about the world all around us. To share these moments on video, set up a camera, record some video, and let the learning take your students to new places. Even the smallest thing can turn into an incredible video lesson.

8. Capture goal setting and progress with students.

Conferences are a time to connect with families and share outcomes. Why wait for months to involve families when you can record the goal-setting and reflection process as part of your formative and summative assessment format? Empower students to record self-assessments or reflections on a recent math test or outline their goals for an upcoming essay assignment. Sharing this critical step in education with families can strengthen the partnerships you have with families and encourage student-centered learning.

9. Use content creation apps to your advantage.

There are multiple apps and cloud-based sites that host recording tools and editing applications for making flipped classroom videos. Vimeo, Flipgrid, and WeVideo are just a few examples of tools you can use to create, record, and edit your content. Try a variety of tools until you find what works for you-and ask around to other teachers who are using a lot of video. They'll likely have good resources to share.

10. Bring in virtual guests and experts.

Most students and teachers love welcoming special guests into the classroom. Social-distancing guidelines don't have to eliminate this experience. In fact, it's a lot easier to find and schedule virtual guests or capture people on the video to play back later than to arrange a live, in-person visit. With video, you can introduce your students to a scientist from another country or bring in both an author and illustrator from two different states at the same time. The MeetUp video-conferencing camera is easy to set up for these virtual field trips. It can pan, tilt, and zoom and has a built-in microphone and speaker system to make sure the entire class is included in the experience.

11. Use audio and video as assessment tools.

Making flipped classroom videos for assessments can provide critical opportunities for students to document their knowledge and understanding. You can use video assessments to help divide up larger tests for students in remote learning. You can also have students explain their thinking using video content that you can later share with families during conferences. This type of video content also works well with the SPaR technique, where students and teachers can stop, pause, and rewind video content.

12. Share with other educators.

There's a synergy that occurs when we work with other teachers, especially with video and flipped content. With collaboration, you are no longer an army of one. In fact, when you plan ahead, you can actually share work and videos to save everyone time overall. Within your building, through social media groups, or even through former schoolmates, find a strong educator community who will work with you to embrace new ideas and collaborate on flipped classroom content.

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12 Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Creating Amazing Flipped Classroom Videos

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Check out our favorite tips, tricks, and tools for making flipped classroom videos your students will love.

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Blended Learning: Making it Work in Your Classroom

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Exploring The Evolving Landscape Of Digital Education

Online learning, also known as distance education or eLearning, refers to the delivery of educational content and instruction through the internet. It allows students to take courses and earn degrees remotely, without the need to be physically present on campus. Online learning can take many different forms, such as web-based courses, video conferencing, and self-paced learning programs. It is becoming an increasingly popular way for students to access education, as it offers flexibility and convenience.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Learning

There are both advantages and disadvantages to online learning. Some of the main advantages include:

Flexibility
Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace and schedule, as they can access course materials and complete assignments whenever it is convenient for them.

Cost
Online courses are often less expensive than traditional in-person courses, as there are no transportation or relocation costs.

Access to a wider range of courses
Students who live in rural areas or who have busy schedules may have limited access to certain courses or programs. Online learning allows students to take courses from anywhere in the world.

Self-paced learning
Online courses allow students to work at their own pace and spend as much time as they need on each lesson.

Some of the main disadvantages of online learning include:

Lack of face-to-face interaction
Online courses do not offer the same level of interaction and support as in-person courses.

Technical difficulties
There is a risk of technical issues such as internet outages or computer problems that can disrupt learning.

Limited access to resources
In-person courses often have access to resources such as laboratories or studios that may not be available to online students.

Self-motivation
Online courses require a high level of self-motivation, as there is no instructor present to provide structure and support.

How Is Online Learning Helpful For Kids?

Online learning can be helpful for kids in a number of ways:

1. Flexibility

Online learning allows kids to learn at their own pace and schedule, which can be especially helpful for those with busy schedules or who need to accommodate other commitments.

2. Access To A Range Of Courses

Online learning allows kids to take courses that may not be offered at their school or in their local area.

3. Self-Paced Learning

Online courses can be tailored to the individual needs and learning style of each child, allowing them to work at their own pace and spend as much time as they need on each lesson.

4. Improved Critical Thinking And Problem-Solving Skills

Online learning can encourage kids to be more independent and self-directed learners, as they are responsible for managing their own learning and seeking out additional resources as needed.

5. Technology Skills

Online learning can help kids develop important technology skills such as navigating online platforms, using communication tools, and completing assignments electronically.

How Is Online Learning Not Helpful?

There are a few ways in which online learning may not be helpful for some students:

1. Lack Of Face-To-Face Interaction

Online courses do not offer the same level of interaction and support as in-person courses, which can be challenging for some students who prefer a more traditional classroom setting.

2. Technical Difficulties

There is a risk of technical issues such as internet outages or computer problems that can disrupt learning and make it difficult for students to complete assignments.

3. Limited Access To Resources

In-person courses often have access to resources, such as laboratories or studios, that may not be available to online students.

4. Self-Motivation

Online courses require a high level of self-motivation, as there is no instructor present to provide structure and support. This can be challenging for students who need more support and guidance.

5. Limited Access To Certain Programs

Some programs, such as those in the arts or hands-on fields, may not be fully available online. This can limit access for students who are interested in these areas of study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online learning can be a helpful and convenient option for kids, offering flexibility, access to a wider range of courses, and the opportunity to develop important technology skills. However, it is not the right choice for every child, as it may lack the face-to-face interaction and support that some students need to thrive. It is important for parents to consider their child's individual learning style and needs when deciding if online learning is a good fit.

Editor's Note: Check out our directory to find, choose, and compare Top LMS Software.

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Online learning can be a convenient option, offering flexibility, access to a range of courses, and the opportunity to develop tech skills.

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This site explains the concept along with the science to support it and the practices to make it successful.

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Home_Page - Flipped Learning Network Hub

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The "FLN" is the original non-profit online community for educators interested in learning more about the flipped classroom and flipped learning practices.

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Flipped Classroom Model: Why, How, and Overview

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Blended Learning Defined and The Benefits of Using It

Customize student workloads, meet diverse learning abilities, and support students at home or in the classroom: these are just a few of the things that a blended learning approach enables you to accomplish. As a teacher, you must effectively address a range of learning styles in a variety of settings and situations. Blended learning can help personalize education for each of the unique students you teach, while making lessons more effective.

If you're like most teachers, your students are already doing some form of blended learning (for example, by using a computer to complete an assignment), so they've already been introduced to the concept of blended learning. Many of your students are probably also familiar with tablets, smartphones, and other forms of technology, which they may be using for non-school purposes. By bringing these tools into an educational setting (whether in the classroom, a hybrid setting, or distance learning) it's possible these students can learn even more effectively.

Blended learning solutions created by Learning A-Z deliver digital and mobile resources that are also printable and projectable, all designed to make differentiated instruction easier than ever.

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is an educational methodology that blends online or digital components with face-to-face instruction. Including technology in education helps set students up for success later in life, because computers and other connected devices are so integral to communication and business today. When students learn in a blended learning setting, they do more than master the subject they're learning; they also master the use of technology.

In-person instruction from a teacher is essential to the blended learning approach. Developing listening skills in addition to visual and kinesthetic skills is important for student development.

What Is the Purpose of Blended Learning?

By making in-person and online learning complementary, blended learning creates a truly integrated classroom where the needs of all types of learners can be met. Keeping students engaged, stimulated, and motivated also helps teachers to be more effective and make greater gains with their students.

Allowing learners of all abilities the opportunity to advance their studies at the rate that works for them, blended learning enables fast learners to advance more quickly, while struggling students can move at their own pace and get customized support where they're stuck. In a traditional classroom learning environment where all students are trained at the same level and speed, gifted students can easily get bored and students who need extra help can be left behind. Because blended learning is scalable, instruction remains effective every step of the way, setting all your students up for success as they acquire the 21st century skills they need to shine.

With digitally delivered resources from Learning A-Z, students can access an enormous library of developmentally appropriate learning materials anywhere they have an internet connection or access to a mobile device. That means students can keep learning on school vacation, on weekends, wherever they are, as much as they want. Caregivers can help their children learn at home, too.

What Are the Different Types of Blended Learning?

You can practice blended learning in an infinite number of ways! The options are endless. You know your students best, so you can customize the content, technology, and instruction methods you use based on what's best for each of your students. You can introduce new methods, try different blended learning styles, and tweak how you're using blended learning to continually make education more effective for your students.

Here are few blended learning tools to start building your toolbox:

Assign online coursework and have students complete and submit their assignments online, all based on your in-person instruction.

Utilize learning management systems that students and teachers can easily access anytime.

Engage students in online instruction, often through video instruction, with flexible face-to-face support in the classroom.

Try station rotation with online learning stations set up in the classroom.

Project-based online learning can culminate in classroom discussions and enhanced activities.

Support computer lab instruction with in-person instruction.

In-class digital learning response systems enable teachers to respond to student work in real time.

Through online coursework completion with video recordings, teachers can effectively evaluate student performance remotely.

Some instructors may guide a classroom of students sitting at computers or using tablets through the assignments they'll complete on their devices. Other blended learning educators may teach a lesson in person, then send an assignment online, which students complete and submit digitally. In some classrooms, teachers upload lectures online for students to watch at home; back in class, students complete exercises based on the lecture, with the teacher's supervision.

As you can see, blended learning takes endless forms and can be customized for any learning method. What you choose to pursue in your own classroom will depend in part on the technology available at your school and the devices your students have access to at home.

Who Benefits From Blended Learning?

Blended learning benefits both students and teachers. Because all students live in a technology-driven world, blended learning can be helpful to every student. Mobile access means teachers can easily schedule assignments, score student submissions, and track student progress through an online teacher management hub, day or night. Blended learning helps teachers stay organized and connect in more meaningful ways with their students. Blended learning is also flexible: blended learning methods can be integrated into almost any classroom.

How Do I Get Started with Blended Learning?

Think about what type of blended learning method you want to use. Blended learning requires complementary online and in-person learning.

Ensure that all your students have the technology they'll need. If students don't have access to computers or mobile devices at home, consider bringing technology into the classroom.

Make sure students know how to use the technology required. Set up sample lessons in the classroom so you can supervise. If you're using blended learning at home, provide guidance.

Test one method first to gauge its effectiveness. As your students have different learning styles, they also have varying levels of experience with technology. Experiment with your methods to see what resonates with your students.

Bring Blended Learning to Your Students

Raz-Plus delivers a personalized blended learning approach to literacy with printable, projectable, and digital leveled books and resources for PreK-5 students and teachers. Learn more about how Raz-Plus supports blended learning or start a complimentary trial with your students today!

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Blended Learning Defined and The Benefits of Using it | Learning A-Z

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Blended Learning Defined and The Benefits of Using It Customize student workloads, meet diverse learning abilities, and support students at home or in the classroom: these are just a few of the things that a blended learning approach enables you to accomplish.