How to Choose the Right Blended Learning Model for Your School?

Blended learning is just the right learning solutions for schools for our existing education system. Being in a system where people are still prejudiced about the complete transformation, blended model serves as the right platform to initiate the transition. Blended learning can be described as the combination of traditional instruction with computer-based learning. The model involves teaching and learning within a formal education program where students learn a part of their curriculum through online, giving them the necessary control over time, and pace.

Why choose a blended learning method?

Living in a digitally accelerated world means there is no getting away from the digital accession in the education system also. Blended learning model serves the just right amount of exposure to digitalization incorporated in a traditional learning system. The right dosage of digital involvement can improve the communication between the mentor and the student, and motivate the student with the required self-management skills.

What are the different blended learning models?

The program can be classified in to four major models:

• Rotation model
• Flex model
• A La Carte model
• Enriched Virtual model

Let us go through each of the model in detail and develop a checklist at the end of each description to evaluate if the model is your solution for schools or not.

Rotation Model

In this model, students are rotated within different modules in a fixed schedule or at teacher’s instructions. The modules range from group activities, individual training, and paper-pen assignment with compulsory online learning module. The rotation model can be further classified in to four as described below:

• Station Rotation- In this model students are rotated within a classroom or group of class rooms
• Lab rotation- This model requires the rotation of students to a computer lab for online-learning station.
• Flipped Classroom– this model involves students to participate in online learning from home and do the teacher guided assignments or projects in a classroom. As the name suggests the model is a complete reversal of basic model in which online training is done in the classrooms.
• Individual Rotation- This model involves individualized playlist. The teacher schedules the rotation in this model.

Many curriculum companies offer their services to integrate eLearning in to the curriculum. Nature Nurture provides numerous smart learning solutions for schools that can help you to cope up with the ever-growing competition in the education industry.

You can opt for Rotation model:

• Station model- If there is only limited or nil option of internet –enabled devices in classroom or home
• Lab rotation model- If there is a limited option of device in a class room that is enough to incorporate in computer lab training
• Flipped classroom model- If there is enough access to internet –enabled device both at home or classroom and students wish to opt for entire course online
• Individual rotation model- If there are enough devices for the entire class and not at home, but would want to have individualized learning for each student

Flex Model

Online tutoring is the core of Flex model of blended learning. The curriculum is individually customized and fluid in nature. Though the student is required to learn inside a campus, he will be tutored online. The course also involves real-time tutoring during group projects, small-group instruction, and individual tutoring.

You can opt for this model:

• If there are enough internet– enabled devices for each student in the classroom, but not at home
• If the student wants to be in control of the path and pace of entire curriculum and not just of the online training

A La Carte model

In this model, a student takes the entire course or unit of course online and his teacher on record will be the online tutor. They can take up this course either on campus or on other learning center. The course is accompanied by activities inside the brick and mortar campus which makes it a not a whole- school experience.

You can opt for this model:

• If there is access to internet enabled device both at classroom and home
• If the student wants to pursue courses online accompanied by activities inside the campus
• If the student doesn’t want face to face instruction and wants only online facilitator

Enriched Virtual model

Online learning is the backbone of this course. The student can have face-to-face training sessions with the same tutor as in the remote. Initially started as full-fledged online tutoring, program was later blended to offer brick and mortar school experience. The face-to-face session is optional in this model of blended learning.

You can opt for this model:

• If there is access to internet enabled devices both at campus or at home
• If students do not want face to face facilitator unless for certain activities
• Students can skip class components

Education management companies like Nature Nurture and many others offer wide range of digital solutions for schools that can help in excelling knowledge, better management of school-related tasks and open doors for advanced learning mechanisms. Select the best model suitable for your school and implement digital learning for an enriched learning experience.

Shikha Ahuja works for one of the best education management companies and she is the head of the department for designing curriculum for middle school in Delhi.