As a student and an educator, I have always been drawn to online and blended learning models. These approaches offer students and educators flexibility and accessibility, as well as opportunities for meaningful technology integration and the development of 21st-century skills.
According to the University of Calgary – Taylor Institution of Teaching and Learning:
- Blended learning is the thoughtful integration of face-to-face and online learning experiences (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008). The wide range of blended learning includes technology-enriched teaching, online preparation before class, flipped learning and restructured class time.
- Online learning is a form of distance education that allows students to study without coming to campus at all. It provides learners with the accessibility and flexibility of learning at their own paces, and it allows instructors to teach from any place with an internet connection.”
As a student, I have experienced firsthand the many benefits of online learning. These positive experiences have greatly influenced my own teaching philosophy.
Online & Blended Learning as a Student
As a student, I have always been drawn to online/blended courses because of their flexibility. These courses have, without a doubt, allowed me to continue my education by making it possible to balance academics with other aspects of my daily life. During my undergraduate studies, online/blended courses allowed me to work while completing my degrees, which helped me graduate with minimal debt. Without the ability to work during my undergraduate studies, I likely would not have been able to complete two undergraduate degrees. Now, in my graduate studies, I can continue my studies while working full-time as a teacher. The ability to engage with coursework during my free time was, and continues to be, an invaluable aspect of online/blended learning that has allowed me to continue my journey as a lifelong learner. 
Moreover, large group lectures have never worked well for my learning style. After long days of errands or work, sitting through a lecture often left me zoning out. However, asynchronous online courses allowed me to fully engage with content on my schedule and revisit materials if necessary. Similarly, the asynchronous online learning model made adapting learning to my needs on any given day much easier. As we all know, life can be unpredictable and online learning has provided me with the ability to pause, adapt, and break learning into manageable chucks during times of unpredictability.
As a student, the benefits of online learning have always outweighed the negatives. The flexibility to create an environment that aligns with my needs has been invaluable to my educational journey.
Online & Blended Learning as an Educator
One of the most significant shifts I have made in my teaching practice as an educator is embracing blended learning. As noted, this model blends face-to-face teaching with online/technology-based learning experiences. This shift has drastically changed how I interact with my students and has greatly enhanced the learning environment of my classroom.
In Teaching in the Digital Age, blended learning is described as a thoughtful integration of online and classroom learning experiences. It includes various approaches, such as using technology-enhanced learning (like PowerPoint slides) during lectures and utilizing programs to store learning materials or submit assignments. This is exactly how I structure my classroom.
I am fortunate to have access to 1:1 devices for my students, which means technology is always at our fingertips. This access has allowed me to integrate technology to support different learning styles and needs.
Having 1:1 access has shown me that technology is not just a tool for engagement but also a bridge to critical thinking, independent work, and digital literacy.
My classroom uses platforms like Microsoft Teams and Edsby to create an online learning environment. These tools give students easy access to assignments, grades, and other important course information. However, we do not solely rely on technology. I still utilize more “traditional” teaching methods, such as lecturing and hands-on work, to meet various learning styles.
Blending technology and in-person learning has enriched my students’ educational experience. Still, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the challenges of using technology as a learning tool. One major challenge is the digital divide, which can hinder students from completing assignments or engaging with materials outside of the classroom.
Consequently, educators must acknowledge this divide and ensure that technology integration does not negatively impact students’ learning experiences.
While there are challenges, I believe blended learning is not just a passing trend but rather an essential part of the educational landscape in the 21st century. By thoughtfully combining face-to-face instruction with the flexibility of online tools, blended learning allows students to engage more deeply with course content, personalize their learning, and thrive in the digital world.
What are your experiences and perceptions related to your own use of blended learning and/or technology integration in your professional context? What challenges and opportunities have you experienced?
Hi Mariah,
I too am very grateful to have 1:1 access for my students. I have a computer cart to myself for my class which is beneficial because I always know it is available when I need it. I also am very thankful for the chance to be able to bring variety in class work for my students because of this. I am interested to see how school changes in the future – if elementary/middle years would be more of a blended style.
Thanks for the comment, Kelsey. It is great to hear how 1:1 access has enhanced your teaching and brought variety to your classroom. I see the same in my own space. I am a high school teacher, so the idea of blended learning in an elementary school is a bit perplexing for me. It could offer so many engaging learning opportunities, but I can see it potentially being more challenging than beneficial in the early years. But maybe that’s just because I don’t have the brain for it!
Thank Mariah for your insightful post. I can relate to your experiences, as synchronous lecture hall classes were also a significant challenge for me, and I often found myself struggling to succeed in that environment. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if I might have been more successful in a blended learning format. Based on my experiences, I find that I thrive much more in online learning environments.
As an educator, particularly for students who are balancing work, family, and other outside obligations, I can clearly see the value of expanded access through online and blended models. For example, I’m required to host a drop-in Zoom session once a week during business hours, but I’ve noticed there is very little participation. Instead, most of my student questions come after office hours via email, which highlights the need for flexibility in supporting their learning.
I also agree with your thoughts on the importance of adapting to students’ needs. Two areas I am particularly focused on are supporting EAL students and those with ADHD. Their unique challenges and strengths underscore the importance of creating flexible, accessible learning environments.
Thanks for your comment Matthew! My experiences as a student most definitely translated into my own classroom. I see the value of flexible learning models for all students. This is especially true for students who balance work, family, and extra-curricular commitments. Given the nature of my learning environment, online office hours are rare. However, during COVID, we relied solely on online meetings, and I found the same – students rarely attended and would email outside of the designated office hours. Flexibility and adaptability were key to supporting students during such a trying time.
I also have 1:1 technology for my students and it is a blessing to be able to have that accessibility to use the technology in the classroom in meaningful ways. I agree with your statement that “the benefits of online learning have always outweighed the negatives” — I see this especially within classroom teaching as well as being an adult learner. I hope that our students, too, see that there is a flexibility in their learning environment through the ways in which blended learning is incorporated.
I found your concluding statements so insightful and powerful! That is absolutely a goal that I see within blended learning and with the potential that the space has in many learning environments. I am looking forward to seeing the possibilities as my career in education continues.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Jessica. It is exciting to think about the potential of blended learning to transform education and create spaces where all students can thrive. The post-COVID world has faced many unique challenges, and maybe blended learning can solve some of these problems.