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Blended Learning: What Kind of Online Education Opportunities Exist?

Introduction to Online Education

Guide to Online Education > Online Education Basics > Types of Online Education > Blended Learning

Technology-based education allows a student who may already know the material to skip ahead and study what is relevant. Students who need more time can pace themselves accordingly.

We now know that when it comes to education, one size does not fit all. There are almost as many variations on learning styles as there are students. Enthusiasm and attention have to be considered. Even a motivated student may "shut down" after a certain period of time. If you are one of those students, a 50-minute lecture is much more palatable than one that runs on for two hours. Other students, however, would rather sit through a longer lecture, if that meant only attending class two days a week instead of three. Until recently, a student's only choice was a Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule.

Even when a professor has a great deal of enthusiasm for the subject matter, some students may be "underwhelmed" by his lecture. To some, a "talking head" is boring. Same with black letters scribbled on a whiteboard. Interactive text with colorful graphics, hyperlinks, pictures, audio and video is simply more interesting.

Research shows that online learning is not just fun, but effective as well. Retention is 30-75% higher than with face-to-face teaching. [Dr. Vladimir Uskov, Student-centered learning in online and blended education on computer information systems, 2003, Bradley University, Peoria, IL.]

Before you enroll:

1. If possible, find out how other students rated the instructor. How much experience does that instructor have with teaching online?
2. Ask questions about anything and everything and persist until you get answers.
3. If you are taking any distance education course, find out what to do if you experience technical problems. Who do you call or email? When are they available?
4. How soon can you expect a response from the instructor? Will he or she offer office hours by phone or instant messaging?
5. Is there an opportunity to complete assignments under supervision by the instructor or a teaching assistant?
6. How is class participation weighted? Will you be expected to check in daily, weekly, monthly, or not at all?
7. If you have to withdraw, what is the refund schedule?

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