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Why Remote Learning?
You have probably heard several terms floating around as we have all tried to make sense of teaching and learning during COVID-19. One that has stuck has been Remote Learning.
Here's why we think it has stuck:
1.
Focuses Attention on the Learner
We all learn at all times everywhere. Right now, our learners and their teachers are just a bit farther apart than usual.
2.
De-emphasizes Technology
Just as a teacher might design learning centers where students are engaged with different materials around the room & away from direct interaction with the teacher, learning does not need a screen.
3.
Prioritizes Learning
Teachers are innovating like never before, responding to changes to mode, regulations, requirements, etc. All these efforts are aimed at fostering young people's well-being and learning.
What is Blended Learning?
What is Hybrid Learning?
As districts have considered changing the schedule and structure of school mid-semester, many have started to call an A/B day plan Blended Learning or Hybrid Learning. That is not how these terms have been used in the past, and they are not interchangeable terms.
Here's one way to describe their differences:
Blended Learning simply means intentionally designing learning experiences to balance meaningful face-to-face, offline interaction with engagement with online materials and tools. An emphasis in Blended Learning is often on providing students some measure of choice in materials, mode, or pace. Offline and online activities in blended Learning can take place in the same class hour and in the same physical space.
Hybrid Learning is more focused on the structure and organization of the learning experience. It includes distinct activities offline and online. Like Blended Learning, Hybrid Learning often prioritizes student choice in materials, mode, or pace. Unlike Blended Learning, a Hybrid design intentionally structures learning to take place in both shared physical space and away from each other.
What is Online or eLearning?
Two other terms that have been used during COVID-19 are Online and eLearning. Neither of these are recommended for K-12 students. Here's what these terms mean:
Online and eLearning describe course design intended to take place online, often in a digital platform, such as a Learning Management System. Different from Remote Learning, Online Learning privileges the digital space and tools rather than the wider range of possible places and materials a learner could learn with and from. You can think of Online and eLearning as "all on screen" instruction and learning; whereas Remote Learning is intentionally designed to take place offline as well.