Blended learning, like many other buzzwords in education, is getting thrown around in ed-tech conversations as one of the hottest trends taking over course instruction and luring prospective students to colleges. But just like the current backlash against MOOCs, it’s important to know why a trend occurs in order to gauge its shelf life.
Blended learning is constantly evolving, with most of the innovations and refinements developed to support student-centered learning, explains DreamBox Learning, creator of the infographic. “There is mounting evidence that complementing or replacing lectures with student-centric, technology-enabled active learning strategies and learning guidance—rather than memorization and repetition—improves learning, supports knowledge retention, and raises achievement,” says the company. These new student-centered blended learning methods inspire engagement, and are a way to connect with every student right where they are while supporting progress.
Another reason why blended learning is currently expanding in education is that the global economy of the future will demand that high-skilled workers have “technological dexterity, the ability to think critically, and the development of flexible intelligence that will thrive in— and drive—change,” said DreamBox.
In other words, blended learning is a common-sense springboard to many of the skills students today need to master for tomorrow: flexibility in learning, online savvy, and self-motivation.
(Next page: 10 education trends propelling blended learning & infographic)
Right now, making student learning more personalized, more engaging, and more collaborative is what’s driving blended learning innovation:
1. The student-centered learning experience
2. Soaring numbers of digital learners
3. Building higher-order thinking skills
4. Realizing benefits for both teachers and students
5. A framework for data-driven decision-making in education
6. Personalization of learning accompanied by a lean, blended approach
7. Productive gamification
8. The mobile world is where learner live now
9. Students’ personal access to mobile devices
10. More broadband, please!
For a more in-depth look into these trends, read DreamBox Learning full report here.
Click on the infographic image for a larger view!
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- #3: 3 big ways today’s college students are different from just a decade ago - December 27, 2017