Special Report
Special Report

Evaluating What Works in Blended Learning

October 24, 2012
Blended learning—the mix of virtual education and face-to-face instruction—is evolving quickly in schools across the country, generating a variety of different models. This special report, the second in an ongoing series on virtual education, examines several of those approaches and aims to identify what is working and where improvements are needed.
  • Classroom Technology Blended Learning Models Generating Lessons Learned
    But more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the evolving models, and to identify which ones work best for which types of students.
    Katie Ash, October 23, 2012
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    7 min read
    Academic coach Christina Hewko leads one of the after-lunch advisory meetings at San Francisco Flex Academy. The school operates on a blended learning model in which students have some face-to-face time with instructors and some online class time at individual workstations.
    Academic coach Christina Hewko leads one of the after-lunch advisory meetings at San Francisco Flex Academy. The school operates on a blended learning model in which students have some face-to-face time with instructors and some online class time at individual workstations.
    Sarah Rice for Education Week
    Classroom Technology Flexibility, Support Build Student Independence
    Flex Academy programs offer online curriculum, with in-class adult support and face-to-face peer interaction.
    Katie Ash, October 23, 2012
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    10 min read
    Moneyeke Martin, a 14-year-old student at Bair Middle School in Sunrise, Fla., works on an assignment during her Virtual Learning Lab with classmate Jasmine Royer, also 14. Students at the school collaborate with classmates to complete online assignments.
    Moneyeke Martin, a 14-year-old student at Bair Middle School in Sunrise, Fla., works on an assignment during her Virtual Learning Lab with classmate Jasmine Royer, also 14. Students at the school collaborate with classmates to complete online assignments.
    Angel Valentin for Education Week
    Classroom Technology Florida Virtual School Incorporates Face-to-Face Learning
    The country's largest, state-sponsored online school is having some teachers meet in person with students and scheduling field trips in an effort to build blended learning programs.
    Michelle R. Davis, October 23, 2012
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    8 min read
    Classroom Technology Calif. District's Blended Initiative Aims to Personalize Learning
    The latest evolution in Riverside, Calif., is a program for middle schoolers that requires them to attend school three hours a day, three days a week, and do the rest of their learning online at home.
    Katie Ash, October 23, 2012
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    7 min read
    Melissa Gorman, a special education teacher at the Academy for Design and Construction at Union High School in Grand Rapids, Mich., works with Delvonte Jackson-Stewart, an 11th grader, in his blended learning class. The course takes place in the school’s computer lab with a 1-to-8 adult-to-student ratio.
    Melissa Gorman, a special education teacher at the Academy for Design and Construction at Union High School in Grand Rapids, Mich., works with Delvonte Jackson-Stewart, an 11th grader, in his blended learning class. The course takes place in the school’s computer lab with a 1-to-8 adult-to-student ratio.
    Brian Widdis for Education Week
    College & Workforce Readiness E-Learning Opens Real-World Doors
    Students in a Grand Rapids, Mich., innovation program blend virtual education and real-world experiences to prepare for college and careers.
    Ian Quillen, October 23, 2012
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    7 min read
    College & Workforce Readiness Ala. Opens Wide Access to Blended Learning
    Experts credit the state program for helping increase the number of students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams.
    Robin L. Flanigan, October 23, 2012
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    7 min read
    Classroom Technology Blended PD Emphasizes Differentiated Instruction
    New models for ed-tech training are moving away from a historical emphasis on developing technical skills and toward a broader focus on what educational approaches work best.
    Robin L. Flanigan, October 23, 2012
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    7 min read
    Classroom Technology L.A. School First in KIPP Network to Embrace Blended Learning
    Tough budget times prompt KIPP Empower Academy to use a blended approach to pursue its mission of improving achievement for students from underprivileged areas.
    Ian Quillen, October 23, 2012
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    9 min read