Blended learning takes place when an educator combines the use of traditional teaching methods, such as face to face lectures, with digital learning methods, like educator-made videos. Further, instead of learners receiving all of the content in one place and at one time (i.e., the physical classroom), they are allowed to learn in whichever setting suits their needs and at whatever pace works best for them.

The learning is thus owned by the learner. For example, while off-campus, a student may watch digital lectures or partake in student-led discussion boards, and then come to class prepared to discuss the online content. Since the information has already been presented to learners before class, educators can now use class time as a way to reinforce the material by leading hands-on activities or workshops.

After reading this explanation of blended learning, you probably think that it is a piece of cake to implement. Well, you would be mistaken. Blended learning takes a lot of prior planning and a lot of time and energy to execute. On top of this, there are several prerequisite skills that educators must have to possess to be effective in the planning and implementation of blended learning. In this article, we will discuss those skills

Technology Literacy

• Learn online technologies without assistance.
• Successfully troubleshoot familiar unfamiliar technological issues that you and learners encounter.
• Select quality online content resources relevant to student learning needs.

Digital Citizenship          

• Model the legal and appropriate use of instructional materials.
• Ensure student online privacy.
• Model online safety for learners.
• Ensure academic honesty in an online learning space.
• Ensure access to online learning experiences for all learners.

Learning Management Systems

• Use the tools found in a learning management system.

Education Apps

• Use content-specific education apps outside of the learning management system.

Multimedia Creation Tools        

Leverage multimedia tools to create or edit content found online to meet the needs of your students.

Communication Tools  

• Use a plethora of tools for communication with learners, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Use student information systems to communicate activity and performance data to learners, parents, and other stakeholders.

Well, that is it for this article. Can you think of any additional skills that educators must possess to plan for and implement blended learning effectively?