Essential Question:
Why is Blended Learning good for Children with Disabilities?
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has identified 5 benefits of Blended Learning for students with disabilities.
- Increase student engagement and achievement.
- Encourages growth mindset.
- Builds decision making and self-advocacy skills.
- Reduces stigma of special education.
- Gives students who think differently multiple ways to show what they have learned.
The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) has identified the following reasons why all students are excited about Blended Learning.
- Students have a say in their learning.
- The individual needs of each student are met, so each student is successful.
- Students have a clear understanding of their learning goals.
- Students get to make choices about how they “show what they know”
- Students get the support they need when they are challenged by a concept.
- Students get the encouragement they need when they are ready to move forward.
Flex
The Flex model lets students move on fluid schedules among learning activities according to their needs. Online learning is the backbone of student learning in a Flex model. Teachers provide support and instruction on a flexible, as-needed basis while students work through course curriculum and content. This model can give students a high degree of control over their learning.
(Definition from: Blended learning Universe)
On their homepage High Tech High School exhibits student projects: Highlights authentic work & authentic assessments.
https://www.hightechhigh.org/hthnc/project/in-sickness-and-in-health/
https://www.hightechhigh.org/hthnc/project/virtual-sky-limit/
https://www.hightechhigh.org/hthcv/project/beyond-the-crossfire-documentary/
How does Blended Learning support Menta’s Profile of a Graduate Outcomes.
Critical Thinker
Blended learning provides students numerous opportunities to develop & master critical thinking skills. Critical Thinking skills in the workplace can be the difference between success & failure. Students who can think critically will have the ability to analyze & solve problems, will possess good decision making skills, and will have the ability to evaluate the quality of information.
Resilient
Blended learning environments offer students the opportunity to develop, build & master self-advocacy skills. A recent study by NCLD found that students with learning & attention issues are 4 times more likely than their non-disabled peers to struggle with self-confidence. The study also identifies that self-advocacy is one of the biggest predictors of adult success.
Innovator
Blended learning activities cultivate innovative ideas and foster creativity. Students learn the innovation process through project-based learning and authentic assessments.
“Student who understand the innovation process and develop traits that successful innovators possess will have a distinct advantage in the workforce.” TEAM ISTE
Collaborator
Blended learning, by design, supports students working in small groups/teams/etc thus fostering a collaborative setting. Collaboration brings students together to solve problems through communication and teamwork. The development of social skills, negotiating skills , argumentative skills are all necessary in preparation of future employability.
Philanthropist
Blended learning curricula incorporates such things as project-based learning, community service learning, public service action all for the purpose of providing social benefits to the community as a whole.