RSA #1: Online and Blended Learning

        Our most recent learning module in EDT 3060 was about online learning communities. Of course I had heard of and am currently participating in an online learning community, but I never gave much thought as to how students in grades K-12 might be using online or blended learning. After doing a case-based analysis of two online schools in both Florida and Utah, it has become apparent that online education is a viable option for students. Blended learning, which is defined as "combining classroom instruction with online learning" (Wong, 2014), is also being implemented in classrooms across the country.

        Online and blended learning are on the rise and Wylie Wong does an excellent job articulating how technology has made blended learning possible. Through his article we can also see some of the many positives of blended learning. According to Wong, "The move toward blended learning also has changed students' perceptions of computing devices. 'Before, they saw them as something for word processing or web surfing at home, Now, they see them as learning tools' " (Wong, 2014). Teachers who implement blended learning are also looking to push student learning to new heights. "The goal is to take learning to a different level that expands beyond the four walls of the classroom" (Wong, 2014).

        Another valuable resource related to blended learning comes from the founder of KHAN Academy. Below Sal Khan explains how blended learning can eventually allow for more creativity within the classroom. By entering into a blended learning setting, students can move from away from rote memory and focus more on creating and hands-on experiences (Khan, 2012).

        Both resources of Wong and Khan provide us with excellent insight as to how a blended learning setting could be beneficial for student learning. Although some may be apprehensive to embrace online or blended learning, we can clearly see that students will realize the benefits that technology can bring to their learning. If blended learning can provide learning opportunities that were previously non-existent, then it certainly is worth learning more about.

References

Khan, S. (2012). Sal Khan maps out blended learning. Retrieved         ________from http://www.edutopia.org/khanacademy-discovery-lab-blended-learning-video

Wong, W. (2014). How technology enables blended learning. Retrieved from                         ________http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2014/04/how-technology-enables-blended-________learning