Blended learning is not necessarily a new concept for me, as I have heard it being bantered around for several years among other teachers and education specialists in the field. From what I have heard and read so far, blended learning seems like something that I can do to benefit my students and their learning. However, from reading this chapter, there are some things I need to do and think about before implementing blended learning in my English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom.
- Is it most helpful to think of blended learning as an online enhancement to a face-to-face learning environment, a face-to-face enhancement to an online learning environment, or as something else entirely?
I think it is helpful to think of blended learning as an online enhancement to a face-to-face learning environment. In my current teaching environment, I see my students practically every day, so there is ample opportunity for students to interact with me in the classroom. However, a lot of my students are studying for exams to enter university. I think that having students do some online activities outside of the classroom that can prepare them for both the classroom and the testing situations can be beneficial for them. Then, we can use the face-to-face classes as an opportunity to build onto the learning they do outside of the classroom.
- What could make blended learning the “worst of both worlds"?
While I see a lot of benefits for blended learning in my classroom environment, I can see a lot of problems and disadvantages if I do not use blended learning effectively. As Chapter 1 mentions, "Technology should not be used to show off technology." I need to make sure that I carefully plan the process, including thinking carefully about the outcomes and goals of my activities and how blended learning can help me reach my teaching and learning goals.
I also have to think about my students' experiences with technology. What technology tools do they know how to use? Can they access these tools outside of the classroom? What are their other roles and obligations outside of the classroom? This may impact how often I would use blended learning in my teaching context.
- What will my blend be?
This is something I need to think more carefully, but I would like to see how I can blend the grammar activities that I do in my classes so I can spend more time with them practicing and using the language instead of teaching/lecturing to my students on how to use the language.
