How to Blend Online Learning With Traditional Approaches

Technology can enhance an education.

A blended learning approach combines online education with traditional resources. Online education has the advantage of being flexible and self-paced. Students can log into their online course and work on assignments when they have time. Traditional approaches have the advantage of using class interaction and books to enhance learning. Students can learn from other classmates in traditional education courses. Blending online education with traditional approaches is an innovative way to combine technological advances in education with social interaction.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Pen
• Paper
• Books
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Register for an online course that has scheduled meeting times. You can do the majority of classwork online and then interact with your professor in person to discuss your progress.

2. Use educational resources for your online course by gathering information from the Internet and library for your course. There is a substantial amount of information that can be found online and offline. Use all types of supplemental learning aids such as newspapers, journals, websites, books and magazines.

3. Plan to meet other classmates from your online course to study and review lessons. Discuss any material that may be confusing to you or help students who are having trouble with classwork.

4. Interact with your professor and classmates through email, instant messaging or text messaging to stay in touch with them between scheduled in-person meetings. Ask questions if you need help with a lesson or discuss course topics.

5. Consider using other interactive technologies such as a headphone with a speaker so that you can have a live conversation with your classmates or professor online.

6. Complete technological projects such as online assessments, tutorials and research projects as well as traditional tests and research papers.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your email, instant messenger or cell phone daily to check for messages from your online professor or classmates.

• Avoid online schools that are not accredited.

References

• Blended Learning: The Convergence of Online and Face to Face Education
• Blended Approaches to Teaching and Learning: A Position Paper

Resources

• "What is Blended Learning?" Penn State 2009