3.1 Principles of blended learning in STEAM
Watch
Watch the video above, where Dr. Marcellin Rutegwa introduces this module on blended learning and the key principles of blended learning in STEAM education. As you'll see, blended learning is not simply a mix of online and in-person activities, but a thoughtful combination taking advantage of the best qualities of each mode, with distinct teaching methods and opportunities.
Read
Read the following sections of the guidebook below for more background on blended learning.
Guide to Blended Learning
https://oasis.col.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/888d37d6-2e2d-4859-940d-36df969621e5/content
- The Growth of Blended Learning (pp. 1-2): This section provides insights into the expansion and evolution of blended learning over time, highlighting its increasing significance in science educational contexts.
- What is Blended Learning? (pp. 2-4): This segment offers an introduction to the concept of blended learning, exploring how traditional in-person teaching methods are combined with technology-mediated approaches to enhance learning outcomes.
- Blended Learning Uses (pp. 4-5): Here, you'll find discussions on the various applications and scenarios where blended learning is effectively employed, showcasing its versatility across different science educational settings and disciplines.
- Benefits of Blended Learning (p. 5): This section outlines the advantages and positive outcomes associated with adopting blended learning approaches, emphasizing its potential to improve student engagement, flexibility, and overall learning experiences.
- Making Blended Learning Work (pp. 5-6): The final segment offers strategies and recommendations for implementing successful blended learning initiatives, addressing practical considerations and best practices for maximizing the effectiveness of blended learning environments.
- Scenario and Reflection Questions (pp. 7-8): See how blended learning can be applied, and consider how you might apply it within your own teaching and learning context.
Review
Review Lumen Learning's Blended Learning Design website, which offers valuable insights into a variety of aspects of blended learning. We encourage you to read and watch the incorporated movies that will be of a help in the subsequent activities of this module and also for other modules of this course.
Lumen Learning blended learning design
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/virtuallearningdesigndelivery/chapter/5-blended-learning-design/
Explore
Explore the following links and note down any of the principles of blended learning that have been implemented in these learning materials. In the first link, focus on virtual labs activities. In the second link, focus on the flow of the steps of the 5E instructional model.
STEM lesson plans for K-12 teachers
https://orise.orau.gov/k12/teachers/lesson-plans.html
5 ideas and examples for blended learning using the 5E model
Download the file
Respond
This first discussion for Module 3 will ask you to apply some of the principles of blended learning presented above to your own teaching by highlighting at least one activity you think would be most effectively taught in-person and one that might be taught online.