Blended learning is “the strategic combination of online and in-person instruction” (Graham et al., 2019). Three main reasons why teachers may choose to blend their classroom instruction 1) for improved student learning, 2) for increased access and flexibility for a variety of students, and 3) for increased cost efficiency. While there are several ways to blend online with in-person teaching, the image below shows a spectrum of the most commonly used methods by teachers (Graham et al., 2019).

• Learn about the “3 M’s” of Blended Teaching here

• Learn about the 7P’s and 4C’s of Blended Teaching here

The PICRAT framework is a model for analyzing how technology can be effectively integrated into K-12 teaching practices. It consists of two axes: PIC (Passive, Interactive, Creative) and RAT (Replacement, Amplification, Transformation). The PIC axis focuses on the level of student engagement with technology, while the RAT axis evaluates the impact of technology on teaching methods. This framework helps educators reflect on their technology use, aiming to enhance student learning experiences.

For more details, visit the full explanation here or watch a video here.

Time-based progression emphasizes moving through a curriculum at a set pace, typically defined by the school calendar, regardless of individual mastery of the material. In contrast, mastery-based progression allows students to advance upon demonstrating a thorough understanding of content, ensuring that learning is personalized and aligned with each student's needs. This approach promotes deeper learning and retention, as students are not pressured to keep up with a predetermined timeline.

For more information, you can read the full explanation here.

Personalizing instruction involves tailoring learning experiences to individual student needs. The five dimensions of personalizing instruction are pace, path, place, content, and modalities. These dimensions allow students to progress at their own speed (pace), choose different ways to learn the material (path), learn in various settings (place), engage with content relevant to their goals (content), and interact through different modes such as videos or projects (modalities). Each dimension helps create a more individualized and effective learning experience.

For more details, visit here.

There are three common types of learner interaction: learner-content, where students engage with the material; learner-instructor, involving feedback and guidance from teachers; and learner-learner, where students collaborate with peers. In blended learning environments, combinations of in-person human interaction and online technology-based interaction can be used to optimize learning. For example, teachers can blend in-person discussions with online forums, or combine face-to-face instruction with digital assessments to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

For more details, visit here.