To teach using effective blended strategies, you need to be able to combine online and in-person learning activities strategically. This can be difficult because both strategies of teaching have different strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have to keep in mind that the differentiation of instruction must be maintained, regardless of the teaching strategy that we choose.

Our objective as educators is to determine how to effectively combine online experiences with existing classroom-based activities to maximize student learning. Online and in-person learning experiences should be integrated so that they complement each other and are not isolated from one another. Think of it as a yin and yang type of relationship.

So why would an educator choose a blended learning strategy over all others? In this article, we are going to answer this question. Here are three main reasons why educators may select a blended teaching strategy.

Improved Student Learning. Blended teaching can inform instructional strategies in a real and positive way. These strategies can lead to improved student outcomes.

Increased Access and Flexibility. Blended teaching can provide flexibility and access to learning experiences by helping them to extend beyond the classroom. No longer are teaching and learning confined to the walls of the classroom

Increased Cost Efficiency. Blended teaching can lead to cost-efficiency in terms of time and money for both educators and learners. This is especially beneficial in districts that are cash strapped.

Though these benefits can improve teaching the teaching and learning process, they cannot be gained by adding the online space to already existing in-person instruction. It is essential to remember that blended learning is the strategic combination of online and in-person instruction.

It would help if you made sure that the online space talks to or informs what happens in the in-person space, and that the in-person space talks to or informs what is happening in the online space.

In this article, we have listed and briefly discussed why educators choose a blended learning strategy. Can you think of any additional reasons? If so, leave your comments below.