AdultEdTech

BLENDED LEARNING
​MODELS FOR THE AT-RISK ADULT LEARNER

Blended learning is different from technology-rich instruction. With the former, students have at least some control of the time, place, path, and/or pace of their learning, whereas with the latter, the learning activities are standardized across the class. (Horn et al., 2015).
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Blended Learning for Adults

Adult learners face a variety of challenges that may prevent them from accessing education, including programs designed specifically for non-traditional (non-college) students. Blended learning, according to Li et al. (2018), “has the potential to provide students with support and encouragement through enhanced interaction, while accommodating individual challenges such as time, family, commuting, and learning pace, via a flexible online platform” (p. 2). It is important to keep in mind, however, that challenges are not limited to those previously mentioned; one glaring omission is that digital learning largely requires access to Internet-ready devices and a broadband connection, another challenge that many adult learners face.
In Practice
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Evidence suggests that blended learning improves adult learning outcomes, can meet diverse learner needs, and can be implemented across subject matter (McKenna et al., 2019). There is debate on whether certain modalities are more effective than others and thus whether one should be allowed more time in practice—however, there is no consensus. It may be best to assume that all modalities have the potential to make a positive impact if properly planned and facilitated (McKenna et al., 2019). Adult education, as opposed to K-12 or higher education, is lacking a dedicated blended learning framework that instructional designers can use to build effective programs. At a minimum, we should strive to understand what motivates adult learners through the learning process while reducing any technological barriers that may impede on their digital learning efforts (Diep et al., 2019).
Based on the commonly recognized definition of blended learning essentially being one part in-class and one part online, there have been many models created to address different agencies’ needs and student learning objectives. Horn et al. (2015) offer four basic blended learning models: Rotation (which includes Station, Lab, Flipped Classroom, and Individual); Flex; A La Carte; and Enriched Virtual. The so-called Flipped Classroom model is arguably the most well-known and popular of the models likely because it adheres to the definition of blended learning most closely. In a classroom that has been flipped, students consume online instruction independently while classroom time is reserved for “homework” with teachers providing real-time support (Horn et al., 2015). 

Watch: The Flipped Classroom

Dr.Jim Dunnigan, 2015
Bergmann, 2010
PBS NewsHour, 2013

Recommended: Flipped Classroom Model
Considering the unique needs and challenges of non-traditional adult learners, the Flipped Classroom model may be one of the best options to consider when implementing blended learning into an academic program. One of the biggest challenges our students face is time management due to personal and professional responsibilities—adult learners often juggle family and children, jobs, and other obligations, all of which may take priority over education. With a flipped model, students can access learning resources at their convenience and their own pace. 
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The abrupt transition from in-class instruction to remote learning due to COVID-19 shone a light on the gaps that existed in many agencies’ digital learning programs (if they had one at all). Now with a push toward blended learning, we are in danger of once again falling short of the mark when it comes to delivering high-quality learning opportunities. Teachers and administrators need to understand that using an LMS to post assignments and hosting a Zoom meeting twice a week does not constitute blended learning. 
Next Steps
Blended learning is an excellent approach for adult-serving agencies to adopt as we transition out of remote learning programs. The research suggests that blended learning can improve learner outcomes, but educators need to be aware that it requires intentional consideration for learners’ needs (McKenna et al., 2019). The current instructional framework being practiced at many adult-serving agencies is closer to a replacement or substitution model where face-to-face instruction is traded for video conferencing. Although this is largely understood to be remote learning the practice is closer to remote teaching which is not true online instruction. Now as schools transition once again to a new model of instruction, definitions can once again be misunderstood. 

References

Bergmann, J. (2010). The Flipped Classroom [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H4RkudFzlc‌
Diep, A., Zhu, C., Cocquyt, C., De, M., Minh, G., Vo, H., & Vanwing, T. (2019). Adult learners’ needs in online and blended learning. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 59(2).
Dr.Jim Dunnigan. (2015). Flipped Learning [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iroPveV3dbk
Li, J., Kay, R., & Markovich, L. (2018). Student attitudes toward blended learning in adult literacy and basic skills college programs | Attitudes des étudiants envers l’apprentissage mixte dans les programmes collégiaux de formation de base et alphabétisation pour adultes. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology / La Revue Canadienne De L’apprentissage Et De La Technologie, 44(2). https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt27573
McKenna, K., Gupta, K., Kaiser, L., Lopes, T., & Zarestky, J. (2019). Blended learning: Balancing the best of both worlds for adult learners. Adult Learning, 104515951989199. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045159519891997
PBS NewsHour. (2013). What a “flipped” classroom looks like [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_p63W_2F_4

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  • Home
  • About
  • COVA
  • Digital Learning & Leading
    • Learning Manifesto
    • Creating Significant Learning Environments >
      • Learning Philosophy
    • Instructional Design in Online Learning >
      • Course Planning
      • Course Structure
      • Leadership Perspective
    • Digital Learning in Local & Global Contexts >
      • Lessons Learned
      • Research
      • A Bigger Strategy
    • Assessing Digital Learning & Instruction >
      • Action Research Outline
      • Literature Review
      • Action Research Plan
    • Digital Resources >
      • Media Pitch
    • Digital Citizenship >
      • Nine Elements
      • Resource Library
  • Educational Technology
    • AECT Standards
    • Emerging Trends >
      • Blended Learning >
        • Background & Theory
        • Practice
        • Resources
    • Integrating Technology >
      • Integrating Technology TOC
      • Mission & Vision
      • Relative Advantage
      • Instructional Software Lesson Plan
      • Software Support Tools
      • Interactive Presentation
      • Spreadsheet Lesson Framework
      • Shared Google Doc Lesson Framework
      • Video Integration >
        • Video Library
        • Video Enhanced Lesson Plan
      • Internet-Enriched Lesson
      • Social Networking and Community Building Assignment
      • Technology in the Content Areas >
        • English Language Development
        • Math/Science
        • Social Studies
      • Adaptive & Assistive Technology
      • Resources
    • Project-Based Learning >
      • PBL Checklist
      • Sample Project: Making The Grade >
        • Welcome
        • Project Overview
        • Project Map
        • Instructor Resources
    • WebQuest >
      • Introduction
      • Task
      • Process
      • Evaluation
      • Conclusion
      • Teacher Page
  • Learning Resources
    • #EdTech Tools
    • Tutorials >
      • Flipgrid
      • Google Classroom
      • Padlet
      • Pear Deck >
        • Download & Install
  • Professional Projects
    • Archie: The New Riverdale
    • Attack on Titan
    • Black Panther: Soul of a Machine
    • Clive Barker's Next Testament
    • Grimm's >
      • Briar Rose
      • Rapunzel
      • Snow White
    • Hellboy: In Hell
    • Injustice: gods among us
    • Overwatch
    • Planet of the Apes
    • Starcraft
    • The Last Ship
    • Transformers
    • Unity
    • World of warcraft
  • Contact