Blended Learning

• In what ways can blended learning courses be considered the “best of both worlds” (i.e., face-to-face and online)? 

The ways in which blended learning can be the best of both worlds are through flexibility and convenience.  Allowing students to interact with their teachers and students in a more traditional forum (face to face) gives them them the opportunity to hold discussions and interpret meaning of different content through body language and visual cues.  Extending course content through an online format increases student engagement and creates flexibility.  Online learning also allows students to collaborate in group discussions and communicate with others more freely, than that of being in a traditional face to face environment. "When properly implemented, blended learning can result in improved student success, satisfaction, and retention"(Thompson, 2014). 

• Blended Learning Design 

It's very imperative to create course objectives that are aligned to the overall course outcomes.  It's crucial for any teacher or designer to create these objectives before creating any course activity or assessment, especially for blended courses.  Providing objectives creates an outline and guides the overall development of the course.  As an educator, objectives are the foundation for any any content that is being taught in the classroom.  When a teacher designs the activities that addresses the objectives, it's important to consider the method of which he or she delivers instruction.  Some of the questions an instructor can ask while planning course instruction are: does this information need to be delivered in a face to face setting, online or can there be a bridge between both?  Creating this bridge between the classroom and online environment provides students with the opportunity to complete assignments in a variety of ways.  Modifying and differentiating instruction that fit the learners needs, provides a deeper level of understanding for every student.  "It's no longer a one size fits all approach to education" (Thompson, 2014).

In conclusion,  blended learning is unique in design.  This type of learning format reaches out to all learners.  Adaptation is one of the key aspects of any design.  Being able to tailor instruction to the needs of your students only creates a more engaging, collaborative and successful learning environment.

References:
Thompson, K.  (2014).  Understanding blended learning.  Retrieved from https://blended.online.ucf.edu/blendkit-course-blendkit-reader-chapter-1/