Blended Learning. A huge buzzword in the recent past, right? We’re hearing a lot about online learning, MOOCs, and lots of different devices in our classrooms, but I haven’t seen a lot on just how popular bridging the virtual and in-person learning models are. In many ways, this mixing of in-person and virtual interaction in our classrooms is inevitable as teaching and schools become more flush with technology. It’s way more than adding a cart full of iPads or laptops to a classroom, too.
So how popular is blended learning? The handy infographic below takes a look at some statistics on blended learning adoption, facts on four different models of blended learning, and the success of some blended learning programs. Keep reading to learn more.
Blended Learning Environments Are Gaining Momentum
- In 2010, more than 4 million K-12 students were involved in some type of online learning, up from 45,000 in 2000.
- K-12 online education grew about 30% from 2000-2011.
- As of 2012, 16 states in the US offered full-time, online schools to all K-12 students (Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida).
- Tennessee and Delaware are the only states that don’t offer any type of supplemental online learning. All other states offer at least some type.
- Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and other parts of North America are offering many types of K-12 online/blended learning programs.
- 11% of countries require online teachers to have a special license or credential.
- 25% of countries require specific training.
- 72% of countries with blended or online learning have their teachers participate in professional development.
- In 2012, 152 bills related to K-12 online learning were signed into law in the US.
- In five states, online learning is actually a criterion for high school graduation!
- Utah was found to be the top performing online learning state (based on measures like accessibility, funding, delivery, quality of content, etc).
Four Models Of Blended Learning
- Rotation – Teacher leverages online resources in school, off site, or at home to supplement in class instruction.
- Flexible – Learning occurs primarily online with the teacher providing additional instruction or face-to-face support.
- Self-Blend – Students select and take online courses to enrich the instruction they have in school.
- Enriched Virtual – An online whole-school experience that is supplemented by on site or other instruction.
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