| Blended learning combines classroom instruction and | | | | classroom course content complement one another, |
| online learning. Learning that takes place in a classroom | | | | students are able to cover the necessary subject |
| is teacher-directed. The teacher interacts with the | | | | matter with limited classroom time. For example, |
| students face to face and controls the content and | | | | students taking a Blended learning science class can |
| pace of the lesson. Despite common misconceptions, | | | | complete the majority of their class work online by |
| learning that takes place over Internet can also be | | | | accessing course material, watching videocasts, and |
| teacher-directed. In online learning, teachers can give a | | | | instant messaging or emailing their instructor with |
| lesson via a live webcast where students watch the | | | | questions. This online instruction would be enhanced by |
| teacher in real time on a computer screen. Teachers | | | | in-class labs, providing the opportunity to do hands-on |
| can also post lessons and make assignments that | | | | experiments under teacher supervision. By having to |
| students complete on their own. The teacher still | | | | attend only the labs in a traditional classroom setting, |
| controls the content of the course and establishes final | | | | students have greater flexibility in their schedules for |
| deadlines, but online learning allows students the | | | | attending other classes, studying, and socializing with |
| freedom of choosing where, when, and how they | | | | their peers. |
| learn. | | | | Students Practice Valuable Skills |
| Best of Both Worlds | | | | Blended learning exposes students to working online |
| With Blended learning, students benefit both from the | | | | and encourages them to advance their computer skills. |
| traditional classroom method of instruction as well as a | | | | With a curriculum, students use computers daily to |
| computer aided method. A student in a classroom | | | | participate in lessons, take quizzes and exams, and |
| receives direct instruction, participates in timed activities, | | | | communicate with teachers and other students. By |
| and socializes in a group setting. Alternatively, students | | | | using such tools, students learn not only course |
| learning online can work in a comfortable environment | | | | material but also valuable real-world computer skills |
| of their choice, learn at their own pace, and manage | | | | that will be necessary in the knowledge-based |
| their own time. Blended learning gives students the | | | | economy of their future. |
| opportunity to receive the personal attention and | | | | At the same time, schools do not need to make a |
| discipline of classroom learning and at the same time | | | | substantial financial investment to offer this advantage |
| to build independence through online learning. | | | | to their pupils. Companies such as IQity can provide the |
| Convenient | | | | software and technology that makes Blended learning |
| Blended learning can be very effective for children in | | | | possible at a low per-pupil rate, requiring the school to |
| grades K-12. Because the online lessons and | | | | have only the computers and an Internet connection. |