Blog Post: Why Blended Learning?

Dan Morris from eNet Colorado is part of a panel on professional development and teacher certification at the April 24th blended learning summit. 

Blended learning: what does it look like?  How would I do this in my district, school, or classroom? What is and will but a teacher’s role in the future of online/blended learning?  These are not easy questions, and they will be explored at the blended learning summit on April 24. As a lifelong educator and teacher I believe that there is no doubt that online and blended learning will be a part of all teachers’ work week and necessary skill set in the future. But I also know that the educational system, from the classroom all the way to the state level, is going to have to do a much better job of helping teachers, students, and parents through this transition. I believe that the real promise of blended and online learning is not saving money, doing more with less, but developing strategies and techniques that support student learning for more of our students. Face-to-face time will, I believe, still be necessary and desired by many students and parents. Watching a video explaining a concept may work for some students and be a great study aid but others will still need the real-time contact with a knowledgeable, effective, and caring teacher. Blended and online learning has to move to being part of every classroom and not just for students in special schools or programs. We all are and will be part of a steep and large learning curve.